Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$3,999.99
Guitar Center
$3,999.99
Amazon
$3,999.99
Reverb
$3,799.00 New
$3,300.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$3,999.99
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$3,999.99
Thomann
$4,775.00 $4,699.00 $76.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£3,999.00

Average Price: $3,975

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Capturing the essence of both vintage craftsmanship and modern innovation, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 is a bluegrass aficionado's dream come true. Inspired by Billy Strings' own 1940 D-28, this acoustic guitar blends classic Martin features with contemporary enhancements tailored for high-energy performances. A remarkable departure from traditional dreadnoughts, the 25-inch scale length reduces string tension, making it more conducive to fast bluegrass runs and expressive bends. This unique scale length, paired with a slimmer 1.72-inch nut width, provides a comfortable and agile playing experience.

Crafted with a solid spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, the D-28 Billy Strings exudes a rich, balanced tone with strong bass and dynamic projection. The forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped X-bracing ensures a resonant and responsive sound, embodying the classic Martin dreadnought voice. The guitar's Modified Low Oval mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard offer smooth playability, while vintage-inspired aesthetics—herringbone trim, antique white binding, and abalone inlays—capture the timeless beauty of Martin guitars.

Ideal for both seasoned bluegrass players and aspiring musicians, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 promises to inspire creativity and elevate your acoustic experience. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this guitar is ready to accompany you on your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Unique 25" scale length for reduced tension and enhanced bendability
  • Slim 1.72-inch nut width for comfortable playability
  • Solid spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped X-bracing for rich, resonant sound
  • Genuine mahogany neck with Modified Low Oval profile and satin finish
  • Ebony fingerboard with diamond and square inlays
  • Vintage-inspired herringbone trim and antique white binding
  • Nickel enclosed gear tuners for stable tuning
  • Includes hardshell case and custom paper label with Billy Strings' signature

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape D-28 Billy Strings Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood Solid East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood Solid Sitka Spruce
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing Forward Shifted X-brace
Binding Antique White
Neck Wood Genuine Mahogany
Neck Finish Satin
Neck Shape Modified Low Oval
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Diamonds
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25"
Nut Width 1.718"
Nut Material Bone
Saddle Material Compensated Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Nickel Enclosed Gear
Strings Martin MA550T Medium, .013-.056
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28?

The Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 features a Modified Low Oval neck profile with a satin finish, offering a smooth feel and comfortable playability for both strumming and fingerpicking.

How does the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 differ in tone compared to other D-28 models?

This model combines a solid Sitka spruce top with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, providing a bright, articulate tone with balanced projection, enhanced by its Golden Era scalloped X-bracing for optimal resonance.

Is the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 is ideal for bluegrass, offering a powerful dreadnought sound with clear articulation and dynamic range, making it perfect for fast picking and driving rhythms.

What kind of strings come with the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28?

The guitar comes with Martin MA550T Medium strings, which are .013-.056 gauge, providing a robust tone and excellent durability for various playing styles.

Does the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 come with a case?

Yes, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 includes a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.

What is the scale length of the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28, and how does it affect playability?

The guitar has a unique 25" scale length, which offers comfortable playability and enhanced string bending, making it versatile for various playing techniques.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Billy Strings Reviews His Signature Martin D-28 Guitar

Video thumbnail for Billy Strings Reviews His Signature Martin D-28 Guitar by Acoustic Letter

Billy Strings Reviews His Signature Martin D-28 Guitar

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Billy Strings’ Dream Guitar? Why His Signature Martin D-28 is NOT a 1940 Copy by The Acoustic Shoppe

Billy Strings’ Dream Guitar? Why His Signature Martin D-28 is NOT a 1940 Copy

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for I Bought Billy Strings' Signature Martin...Here's The Truth by Cody M. Music

I Bought Billy Strings' Signature Martin...Here's The Truth

Cody M. Music

Cody M. Music

Video thumbnail for Martin Billy Strings Signature Guitars (D-28 and D-X2E) | NAMM 2025 by Guitar Center

Martin Billy Strings Signature Guitars (D-28 and D-X2E) | NAMM 2025

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Billy Strings' New Signature Martin D-28 & D-X2E Acoustic Guitars Played by John Bohlinger by Premier Guitar

Billy Strings' New Signature Martin D-28 & D-X2E Acoustic Guitars Played by John Bohlinger

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for The Perfect In-Between Dreadnought? Martin's D-28 Billy Strings Signature Acoustic Guitar by Alamo Music Center

The Perfect In-Between Dreadnought? Martin's D-28 Billy Strings Signature Acoustic Guitar

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for Is the Billy Strings D-28 Worth the Hype? | Everyone Plays! by The Acoustic Shoppe

Is the Billy Strings D-28 Worth the Hype? | Everyone Plays!

The Acoustic Shoppe

The Acoustic Shoppe

Video thumbnail for HEAR the new Martin D-28 Billy Strings! by The Music Emporium

HEAR the new Martin D-28 Billy Strings!

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Reviews

PROS

  • Simple and functional design pays homage to D-28 history

  • Perfect for smaller hands seeking rich tone

  • Beautiful 1940 design aesthetic

  • Excellent build quality ensures durability

  • Gorgeous, playable guitar with comfortable scale length

  • Ideal homage to Billy Strings, the "future of bluegrass"

  • Perfect specimen of square-shouldered Martin dreadnought

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28.

User experience

  • Owners find the shorter scale neck and narrower nut significantly enhance playability, especially for beginners struggling with barre chords.

    Source
  • Bends and slides on the Martin Billy Strings D-28 are described as exceptionally smooth, contributing to its playability appeal.

    Source
  • Owners consistently choose the Billy Strings D-28 over the HD-28 for its comfort and playability, despite the HD-28 also having an amazing tone.

    Source
  • The nitro finish on the Billy Strings D-28 is noted to improve resonance over time, as it continues to de-gas and harden within the wood's cellulose cells.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar’s lower string tension reduces finger fatigue during extended play, making it more comfortable for beginners.

    Source

Build quality

  • Golden era bracing is noted to improve as the guitar ages, enhancing the richness of sound over time.

    Source
  • Owners praise the guitar's "silking" on the top, suggesting a superior quality of wood grain that enhances visual appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners report superior playability and less "clunky" feel compared to Martin D18e, attributed to the Billy Strings D-28's design for fast bluegrass playing.

    Source
  • The Martin Billy Strings D-28 is compared to the HD-28, with the main distinction being the shorter scale length and different neck wood.

    Source
  • The Billy Strings D-28 has a 25-inch scale length, distinguishing it from the 24.9-inch 000-28 and the 25.5-inch standard HD-28.

    Source
  • One owner found the Billy Strings D-X2E to be an appealing alternative for under $1k, with a satin finish and beveled edges enhancing comfort.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The satin-finished neck is highlighted for contributing to the guitar's ease of play, alongside a modified V neck shape for better grip.

    Source
  • The Billy Strings D-28 includes closed-back tuners and a metal Martin plaque on the case with a spot for personal initials, offering both aesthetic and practical customization options.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is perceived as an "art piece" and a worthwhile investment for those who can afford it, comparing favorably to other luxury purchases.

    Source
  • While some find the extra ~$800 for the Billy Strings D-28 debatable, the custom features make it feel like a custom shop guitar.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Andy Wood uses Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28

Andy Wood

Guitarist

Rascal Flatts

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Reacting to the Billy Strings Martin Signature D-28 and The Perfect Acoustic Pickup" on Andy Wood Music's YouTube channel, Andy Wood is seen using the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28.

Genre Usage

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