Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
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
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What is the neck profile like on the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28?
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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.
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How does the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 differ in tone compared to other D-28 models?
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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.
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Is the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 suitable for bluegrass music?
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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.
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What kind of strings come with the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28?
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The guitar comes with Martin MA550T Medium strings, which are .013-.056 gauge, providing a robust tone and excellent durability for various playing styles.
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Does the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 come with a case?
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Yes, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 includes a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
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What is the scale length of the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28, and how does it affect playability?
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The guitar has a unique 25" scale length, which offers comfortable playability and enhanced string bending, making it versatile for various playing techniques.
Videos
Acoustic Letter
Billy Strings Reviews His Signature Martin D-28 Guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Simple and functional design pays homage to D-28 history
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Perfect for smaller hands seeking rich tone
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Beautiful 1940 design aesthetic
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Excellent build quality ensures durability
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Gorgeous, playable guitar with comfortable scale length
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Ideal homage to Billy Strings, the "future of bluegrass"
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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
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Owners find the shorter scale neck and narrower nut significantly enhance playability, especially for beginners struggling with barre chords.
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Bends and slides on the Martin Billy Strings D-28 are described as exceptionally smooth, contributing to its playability appeal.
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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.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
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The guitar’s lower string tension reduces finger fatigue during extended play, making it more comfortable for beginners.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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The satin-finished neck is highlighted for contributing to the guitar's ease of play, alongside a modified V neck shape for better grip.
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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.
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Value and pricing
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