Martin D-28 Billy Strings Overview

The Martin D-28 Billy Strings is a signature dreadnought built around the feel and response of Billy’s prized 1940 D-28, with thoughtful updates to match his fast, expressive playing style. At the core is a slightly shorter 25" scale length, which reduces string tension and gives the guitar a more relaxed, responsive feel—ideal for quick runs, bends, and dynamic flatpicking. Paired with a modified low oval neck and standard taper, it offers a comfortable, familiar grip that stays out of the way whether you’re playing rhythm or lead.

Tonally, this model stays grounded in classic D-28 territory with a spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, delivering a full low end, clear highs, and strong projection. Forward-shifted GE-scalloped bracing helps open up the top for added responsiveness and depth. Vintage-inspired appointments like bold herringbone trim and antique toner round out the look, while subtle spec changes make this a distinct take on a well-known platform.

Highlights
  • Signature model inspired by Billy Strings’ 1940 D-28
  • 25" scale length for reduced tension and fast playability
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides with spruce top
  • Forward-shifted GE-scalloped bracing for enhanced response
  • Modified low oval neck with slightly wider 1 23/32" nut width
Specifications Body
  • Body Size: D-14 Fret
  • Top Material: Spruce
  • Top Finish: Gloss
  • Top Color: Antique Toner
  • Back & Sides Material: East Indian Rosewood
  • Back & Sides Finish: Gloss
  • Back & Sides Color: Natural
  • Bracing Pattern: Forward-Shifted X-Brace
  • Brace Shape: GE-Scalloped
  • Brace Material: Spruce
  • Brace Size: 5/16"
  • Binding: Antique White
  • Top Inlay: Bold Herringbone
  • Rosette: Style 28 Multi-Stripe
  • Back Purfling/Strip: Zig-Zag
Neck
  • Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
  • Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
  • Neck Taper: Standard Taper
  • Scale Length: 25"
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Diamond and Square Long (Abalone)
  • Nut Width: 1 23/32"
  • Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8"
  • Number of Frets: 20
Hardware
  • Bridge Material: Ebony
  • Bridge Style: Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
  • Saddle: Compensated Bone
  • Nut: Bone
  • Tuning Machines: Nickel Enclosed Gear with Butterbean Knobs
  • Bridge Pins: Bone with Black Plastic Dots
Electronics
  • Electronics: None
Miscellaneous
  • Case: Hardshell
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • Other: Signature model with pre-printed Billy Strings label
  • Other: Pleked from factory
  • Other: Left-handed availability
Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

Tone Shop Guitars is the premier Martin dealer in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — and beyond. Our staff are players and enthusiasts who know these instruments inside and out, and we hand-inspect every guitar before it leaves our doors. When you buy a Martin from us, you're not just getting a great guitar — you're getting the expertise, the care, and the follow-through that a purchase like this deserves. Stop by any of our three DFW locations or shop online with confidence. We're here to help you find the right one.

ConditionBrand New (New)
Brand New items are sold by an authorized dealer or original builder and include all original packaging.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Billy Strings Signature D-28
Categories
Pickup
  • None
String Type
  • Steel
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Offset Body
  • Non-Offset Body
Wood Top Style
  • Plain
Body Shape
  • Dreadnought
Series
Back Material
  • Rosewood
Sides Material
  • Rosewood
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Top Material
  • Spruce
Scale Length
  • 25"
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Color Family
  • Tan
  • Natural
Model Family
Active Preamp
  • No
Number of Frets
  • 20

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Tone Shop Guitars

Addison, TX, United States
Joined Reverb:2015

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