Martin D‑28 Billy Strings: Signature Dreadnought

Martin D-28 Billy Strings Signature Guitar Overview

The Martin D‑28 Billy Strings is a powerful blend of vintage tone and modern playability, crafted in collaboration with Grammy-winning flatpicker Billy Strings. Featuring a uniquely short 25” scale and traditional D-28 construction, this dreadnought acoustic guitar reflects Billy's high-speed picking style while preserving the rich, full voice that has made Martin famous.

With a custom neck profile, detailed abalone inlays, and heritage appointments, the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings is more than a tribute model—it’s a high-performance instrument that nods to tradition while moving the music forward.

Main Features of the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings

Here’s a look at the essential features that define this signature instrument:

Specs List:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce with aging toner

• Back & Sides: Solid East Indian rosewood

• Bracing: Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing (Golden Era style)

• Scale Length: 25” (shortened for reduced string tension)

• Nut Width: 1 23/32”

• Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval, High-Performance Taper

• Fingerboard: Ebony with abalone diamonds & squares

• Tuners: Nickel open gear

• Bridge & Saddle: Ebony bridge with bone saddle

• Label: Custom label with Billy Strings’ printed signature

• Finish: Gloss body, satin neck

• Case: Included hardshell case

What Makes This Guitar Special

Billy Strings gives fans a firsthand look at the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings model at the Martin factory. He explains how this design combines elements of his own vintage D-28 with player-focused updates that make it faster and more expressive.

The most standout detail? A 25” scale length, which is rare for a D-28. The result is lower string tension, allowing for easier fretting and faster playing—something any flatpicker will immediately feel. In the video, Billy describes it as having “a lot of comfort under the fingers” while still delivering that bold, full Martin tone.

During the factory visit, Billy discusses the sentimental inspiration behind the build and the intentional effort to fuse “old-school sound with new-school comfort.” The result is a guitar that captures both his sound and spirit.

Designed for Fast Hands and Big Tone

The Martin D‑28 Billy Strings is built to accommodate the rapid-fire flatpicking and melodic precision that has made Billy a standout in modern bluegrass. The shorter 25” scale makes bends easier and speeds up transitions between positions, giving it a unique playability that even experienced Martin players will notice immediately.

The wider nut width (1 23/32”) offers more room for precision picking, and the modified low oval neck with high-performance taper gives smooth access up and down the fingerboard. These tweaks provide a more comfortable grip without straying too far from Martin’s classic dreadnought feel.

All this is paired with the power and resonance of solid rosewood and Sitka spruce. The forward-shifted scalloped bracing helps open up the top, giving this guitar a quick response and big projection, even when played hard.

 

Built for Bluegrass, But Not Limited to It

While designed for flatpickers and fast pickers, the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings is not genre-bound. Fingerstyle players will appreciate the softer string tension and responsiveness. Singer-songwriters will love the balanced projection and lush overtones from the rosewood body.

Martin has managed to build a guitar that holds true to its D-28 heritage, while subtly adapting it to meet the needs of the next generation of acoustic players.

A Tribute That’s Also a Tool

What sets the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings apart from many signature models is that it isn’t just a showcase piece. It’s made to be played, and hard.

Billy’s own guitar—a 1945 Martin D-28—has seen countless hours of touring and recording. With this new model, Martin has crafted a modern version of that legacy guitar: one that feels broken-in right out of the case, and is ready for years of heavy use.

From the herringbone trim to the printed signature label, every detail is deliberate. The open-gear tuners and antique white binding reflect a vintage aesthetic, while the satin-finished neck and shortened scale scream modern comfort.

Comparing It to the Classic D-28

Here’s a quick breakdown of what distinguishes the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings from a standard Martin D-28:

The Artist Behind the Instrument

Billy Strings is one of the most celebrated modern bluegrass musicians, known for reviving the genre with unmatched technical skill and creative songwriting. His Grammy-winning work and high-energy performances have helped bring flatpicking into the spotlight.

This guitar doesn’t just bear his name—it embodies his ethos. Billy worked closely with Martin to make sure the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings could handle the demands of tour life while offering a warm welcome to pickers at home.

According to Martin’s official artist page, Billy said, “This guitar is built to last. It’s the real deal, and it’s got my heart in it.” The craftsmanship, detail, and feel of the instrument show that this collaboration was about more than specs—it was about soul.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for a high-end dreadnought that offers a true balance of tradition and innovation, the Martin D‑28 Billy Strings is well worth a test drive. Whether you’re hitting the festival circuit or recording in your living room, this signature model is built to keep up—and then some.

With only limited availability and strong demand from bluegrass enthusiasts, it's not just a great instrument—it’s a smart investment for musicians and collectors alike.

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Pro Tip: Our exclusive Dread-Not Guarantee gives you a full year to fall in love with your guitar—or return it if it’s not the one. We are dedicated to the perfect guitar buying experience. That way, you can test out your new Instrument worry-free, knowing you’ve got time to make the right call.