Repairing Willie Nelson's Trigger

Willie Nelson’s guitar, “Trigger,” is in for guitar repair at Erlewine Guitars in Austin, Texas. Mark Erlewine shares a closeup look at the famous hole in the top. Mark’s been Trigger’s caretaker for ages, and he gives us the inside scoop on Trigger’s history.

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[ownsaucee]

"a second soundhole" .. this guy should be a salesman

[kingeris]

What an honor to be trusted with one of the most iconic guitars in the worlds.

[Bloodray]

This was the video that started it all for me. In a cold morning, on my way to highschool, I stumbled upon this on the bus, watched it, and I loved it so much I got deeper into guitar repairs. I ran my own repair shop in my hometown for 1, 5 years, and moved to Hungary and now i'm an intern in one of the best repair shops in the country, and they like my work. Thanks, stewmac

[JonBlondell]

Mark is truly one of the finest luthiers in the world. I've known him for almost my entire career. He's made guitars for ZZ Top, Keith Richards, and countless more, including the some of the best steel players on the planet! Andvl most importantly, is a beautiful person, with the soul of a player. Just here to back up all of the good things said about him. Truth.

[bidgepartain]

Back in the 70's I was working as part of stage security at a Willie's concert in Wichita Falls, TX and Willie broke a string on Trigger and handed it to me to change. Was a privilege just to hold it.

[dougpratt]

The coolest thing about Willie is after every show, he stays outside his Honeysuckle Rose bus and meets, greets, takes pics, signs autographs, and visits with every single person who wants to stay after the show and wait their turn to meet him. He's a great guy, good person, and an American icon.

[NigelThornbery]

This guy sounds like the Bob Ross of guitar maintenance.

[mags]

This guitar has probably absorbed more weed smoke than Snoop Dogg’s lungs.

[broderick.]

I love how his voice makes it sound like a bedtime story

[zayan]

Huge hole in the guitar.
*_Some minor fixes_*

[marcuspi]

This video nearly makes me cry. This fella is so wonderful. Not my first time watching it. Everyone is pushing Willy to get a new guitar, and they recreated the exact same thing, but no dice. So this guy keeps making sure ol' Trigger stays alive. So great.

[I-Libertine]

Mark Erlewine is a gem of a man, and a great luthier. He fixed my dad's old Gibson with the kind of love, attention and respect I would have done myself if I only had Mark's gift. It is humbling to spend time with such a legend as he is. Thanks for this.

[GenerationGap]

Most of the time we don’t hear about the people who support the Stars. This is a nice little salute to them. Great video

[coffeecomics]

This guitar needed a pickguard more than any guitar in history.

[Kitykitycoco]

I love how much respect he has for the guitar. He sees it as an extension of Nelson's soul and tries to do his best to repair it without changing what makes it special.

[sometimesiwander]

Love the tender, loving, care you put into Trigger. Willie’s tradecraft is taking it apart bit by bit over decades & ur gently putting it back together & keeping it musically sound. What a beautiful symbiotic relationship. Well done. Thx for the video.

[faronfaron]

Mark Erlewine has an amazing talent. He has fixed a few of my guitar, electric and acoustic. He did a remarkable job saving a vintage Jazzmaster for me. One of Austin's treasures. And he is very nice guy.

[Mikeological]

We need a version of Siri with this man's voice.

[JaquesBobe]

Is there more of this guy? Does he have a 10 hour weekly ASMR podcast of something? HIs voice is just magical

[bls]

I have seen this video a few times, each time I enjoy this guitar repairman and his humble approach at helping to keep one of our heroes continuing to make top level country music.