Martin D28BILLYSTRINGS Billy Strings Acoustic Guitar - Natural with Antique Toner,(PRE ORDER)

Based on Billy’s vintage 1940 D-28, the Martin D-28 Billy Strings acoustic guitar takes Martin’s revered prewar formula and infuses it with performance-minded modern tweaks. Bluegrass owes much to the iconic Martin D-28, so it’s no surprise this guitar features a dynamic spruce top, full-bodied East Indian rosewood back and sides, and forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped bracing — all largely faithful to the traditional specs. What sets Billy’s D-28 apart is its slightly reduced 25-inch scale length — nearly half an inch shorter than a standard D-28 — which slackens the strings for easier bends and blazing bluegrass runs. The genuine mahogany Modified Low Oval neck profile, 16-inch-radius ebony fingerboard, and slim 1.72-inch nut width provide a slim, speedy feel perfect for intricate playing. Complementing the modern playability are classic Martin appointments, including elegant herringbone trim, diamond and square inlays, nickel enclosed-gear tuners, and a striking Antique Toner finish. Available now at Sadek Music, the D-28 Billy Strings expertly blends bluegrass tradition with boundary-pushing attitude to inspire your next performance.

Shortened scale length supplies reduced tension

Traditionally, Martin’s dreadnought models sport a long 25.4-inch scale length, while the smaller-bodied 000-and-under models generally feature a reduced 24.9-inch scale. Each scale has its unique set of sonic intricacies, yet the difference between these two specs is often felt before it’s heard. By striking in the middle of these two measurements, the 25-inch scale retains the depth and authority of a traditional dreadnought while simultaneously granting you a lower-tension feel. Moreover, Sweetwater’s bluegrass shredders instantly found the D-28 Billy Strings to be far more conducive to bends than a typical long-scale dread — a boon for Billy, as his modern bluegrass mastery often draws subtle influence from the world of rock guitar.

Timeless tonewood formula

Since the dawn of the dreadnought guitar, spruce and rosewood have reigned supreme as an iconic tonewood combination. While Martin didn’t invent this formula, its immeasurable influence helped make the spruce-topped, rosewood-bodied dreadnought one of the most popular and archetypal designs in the steel-string world. The Martin D-28 Billy Strings signature model, available now at Sadek Music, proudly carries on this tradition with a resonant, responsive solid spruce top. Beneath the surface, Martin’s Golden Era forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing delivers the booming bass and dynamic voice reminiscent of the brand’s legendary prewar instruments. Complementing the top is a set of rosewood back and sides that shimmer with crisp top-end chime, dense lows, and rich harmonic depth, adding intricate complexity to every note you play.

Setting the standard for steel strings everywhere

If there were such a thing as a “standard” acoustic guitar shape, it would undoubtedly be the dreadnought. It’s Martin’s most iconic model and a key component to the cannon-like projection and booming bass response that’s defined the Nazareth sound since the D-18 and D-28 appeared in the early 1930s — and even earlier if you count Martin’s “Ditson” models! Whether you’re a flatpicking bluegrass phenom or a singer/songwriter strummer, a Martin dreadnought will provide you with a lifetime’s worth of superior steel-string tone.

Martin D-28 Billy Strings Features:

• Based on Billy’s prewar Martin D-28 and tweaked with a choice set of performance-focused appointments
• Shortened 25-in. scale length supplies reduced tension and a more bend-friendly feel
• Spruce top supported with forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped bracing ensures responsive performance and a deep, rich voice
• East Indian rosewood back and sides deliver the traditional Martin bass boom and crisp, harmonic-rich trebles
• Big-bodied Martin dreadnought design ensures ample, chest-thumping bass response
• Easy-playing genuine mahogany neck, capped with a slick satin finish and carved into Martin’s GE Modified Low Oval neck profile
• Ebony fingerboard complete with old-school diamond and square inlays
• Slimmed-down 1.72-in. nut width keeps the strings a bit closer together to facilitate rapid-fire bluegrass runs
• Rock-solid nickel enclosed-gear tuners
• Premium appointments include a bone nut, bone saddle, and ebony bridge
• High-class herringbone trim around the guitar imbues it with a touch of prewar charm

Tech 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
• Color:Antique Toner
• 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