Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (8)
$3,999.99
Guitar Center
$3,999.99
Amazon
$3,999.99
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$3,999.99
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$3,999.99
Thomann
$4,699.00 $3,544.00 $1,155.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£3,999.00

Average Price: $3,924

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

Blending the timeless allure of vintage Martin craftsmanship with modern precision, the Martin D-28 Billy Strings offers an acoustic experience like no other. Channeling the essence of Billy Strings' legendary 1940 D-28, this guitar is a harmonious fusion of history and innovation. One of its remarkable features is the unique 25" scale length, providing reduced string tension that makes it easier to execute the rapid-fire licks quintessential to Billy's high-energy bluegrass style. This custom scale length strikes a balance between typical long and short scales, enhancing both comfort and accuracy for players.

The D-28 Billy Strings also boasts a slimmer nut width of 1 23/32" and a modified low oval satin neck profile, which collectively ensure a smooth, fast-playing experience perfect for extended sessions. Its solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, paired with a solid spruce top, produce a rich, resonant tone that is deeply satisfying. Whether you're delving into hard-driving bluegrass or more melodic genres, the D-28 offers versatile performance across a range of styles.

Aesthetically, this guitar echoes the classic look of vintage Martins with its bold herringbone trim and antique white binding. The ebony fingerboard, adorned with abalone diamond and square inlays, is complemented by nickel enclosed gear tuners exclusive to Martin, offering stable tuning and enduring elegance. Each guitar is finished with a custom paper label carrying Billy's pre-printed signature, making it not just an instrument, but a collector's piece.

Key Features:

  • Collaborative Signature Acoustic by Billy Strings and Martin
  • Genuine Mahogany Neck with Ebony Fingerboard
  • Unique 25" Scale with Modified Low Oval Neck Shape
  • Spruce Top with East Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
  • Diamond & Squares Long Inlay
  • Forward Shifted GE-Scalloped X Bracing pattern
  • Hardshell Case Included

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 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 of the Martin D-28 Billy Strings guitar?

The Martin D-28 Billy Strings features a Modified Low Oval neck profile, which provides a comfortable and smooth playing experience, suitable for a variety of playing styles.

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin D-28 Billy Strings?

The back and sides of the Martin D-28 Billy Strings are made from Solid East Indian Rosewood, offering a rich tonal quality with strong bass response and clear trebles.

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

Yes, the Martin D-28 Billy Strings is ideal for bluegrass music, as it incorporates design elements that honor the bluegrass tradition and Billy Strings' unique playing style.

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

Yes, the Martin D-28 Billy Strings comes with a hardshell case, ensuring protection and easy transport for your guitar.

What kind of strings does the Martin D-28 Billy Strings use?

The Martin D-28 Billy Strings is equipped with Martin MA550T Medium strings, with a gauge range of .013-.056, providing a balanced tone and playability.

What is the top wood of the Martin D-28 Billy Strings guitar?

The top wood of the Martin D-28 Billy Strings is Solid Sitka Spruce, known for its strength and dynamic range, making it suitable for a wide array of musical genres.

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

Meet the D-X2E and D-28 Billy Strings Guitars

Video thumbnail for Meet the D-X2E and D-28 Billy Strings Guitars by Martin Guitar

Meet the D-X2E and D-28 Billy Strings Guitars

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The D-28 Billy Strings features a shorter scale neck at 25", which contributes to less string tension and easier playability.

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  • The nut width is slightly wider, enhancing comfort and playability for some players.

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  • The guitar comes with closed-back tuners, a distinctive feature compared to other models.

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User experience

  • Owners report that the guitar is exceptionally easy to play, with less finger fatigue and soreness due to the reduced string tension and narrower nut.

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  • Owners find bends and slides on the D-28 Billy Strings exceptionally smooth, enhancing playability for expressive playing styles.

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  • Some players, including beginners, find the shorter scale beneficial, offering ease of use without sacrificing sound quality.

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  • Owners report that the silking on the guitar's top is striking and enhances the aesthetic appeal, with expectations that the sound will mature beautifully over time.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to the D-18e, users find the D-28 Billy Strings to be more graceful and less clunky, with enhanced playability.

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  • The D-28 Billy Strings is likened to an HD-28 with custom features, suggesting a blend of familiar tone with unique playability.

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  • Players note the guitar sounds slightly brighter than other Martin models, with a tonal quality that remains excellent.

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Build quality

  • The guitar includes antique white binding and a faux tortoise shell pickguard, contributing to its aesthetic appeal.

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  • The guitar features a satin neck, which contributes to a smoother playing experience compared to glossy finishes.

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Value and pricing

  • Prices for the D-28 Billy Strings vary, with one owner purchasing it for $3250 delivered, while others paid up to $4074 depending on the retailer and additional fees.

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  • A user mentioned that despite the D-28 Billy Strings' appeal, they would opt for a new HD-28, citing cost-effectiveness.

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  • It is produced in more limited runs than standard models, adding exclusivity and potential resale value.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's comfort and playability make it a frequent choice over other models, even for players who own multiple guitars.

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Artist usage

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See how Billy Strings uses Martin D-28 Billy Strings

Billy Strings

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Billy Strings is confirmed to use the Martin D-28 Billy Strings, a signature guitar inspired by his 1940 D-28, as demonstrated in a video by Martin Guitar. In this video, Billy Strings discusses the creation of the guitar, highlighting its features such as premium East Indian rosewood and a shorter 25-inch scale, which enhance playability while paying homage to its pre-war roots.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-28 Billy Strings, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Martin D-X2E Billy Strings
Martin D-X2E Billy Strings Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

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