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.