The Martin N-20 is instantly recognizable as one of the world's most famous guitars—Willie Nelson's "Trigger." While this 1971 N-20 isn't nearly as road-worn as Willie's trusted axe, it's on its way—there's just enough wear on the treble side of the top to tip the hat to Mr. Nelson and his treasured guitar.
This 1971 Martin N-20 is constructed of a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. It features the longer 26.44" scale length that was introduced to the model in 1970. Borrowing from the classical guitar tradition, this longer scale length allows for more expressive dynamics and stronger, more pronounced bass presence, which adds sincerely to the overall balance of sound. This guitar's tone is warm and smooth with shimmering trebles and excellent calrity. If you are an emotional fingerpicker, you will be rewarded with quick, nuanced response. If you prefer to play with a flatpick (just like Willie), you will hear the unmistakable attack sound as heard on countless Willie records such as "Red-Headed Stranger."
"Trigger" sports an interesting late-'60s Baldwin pickup, and this 1971 N-20 is acoustic-electric, too, but it has a modern pickup that is much more usable for stage and studio use. It is an LR Baggs Element uncerstaddle pickup that produces natural acoustic tone plugged-in.
Apart from the distinctive and appropriate wear on the top, this 1971 Martin N-20 is fairly clean cosmetically, and it has been nicely preserved over the last 49 years. Its neck has been reset, and the current setup is extremely playable and inviting. This one includes a period hardshell case.
Whether you choose to keep digging into to the top or punish it no further, this 1971 Martin N-20 will certainly be a treasured companion for the next 50 years, just as Willie's N-20 has kept him on stage since 1969.