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
- 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 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
- 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: None
- Case: Hardshell
- Country of Origin: USA
- Other: Signature model with pre-printed Billy Strings label
- Other: Pleked from factory
- Other: Left-handed availability
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.
| Condition | Brand New (New) Brand New items are sold by an authorized dealer or original builder and include all original packaging.Learn more |
|---|---|
| Brand | |
| Model |
|
| Categories | |
| Pickup |
|
| String Type |
|
| Right / Left Handed |
|
| Number of Strings |
|
| Neck Material |
|
| Offset Body |
|
| Wood Top Style |
|
| Body Shape |
|
| Series | |
| Back Material |
|
| Sides Material |
|
| Finish Style |
|
| Top Material |
|
| Scale Length |
|
| Fretboard Material |
|
| Color Family |
|
| Model Family | |
| Active Preamp |
|
| Number of Frets |
|
Product safety information may be available here.





