Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 Left-Handed Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Natural

Crafted in collaboration with Grammy-winning flatpicker Billy Strings, the Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 left-handed dreadnought acoustic guitar captures the high-octane energy of Billy's performances in a finely tuned, vintage-inspired dreadnought. Based on his cherished 1940 D-28, this signature model features a custom 25" scale length that offers a slinkier feel for fast, articulate runs while retaining the power and resonance that define the iconic D-28 voice. With Golden Era-style scalloped X-bracing, a slimmer nut width and classic pre-war appointments, it's a player-focused instrument with unmistakable Martin tone. Whether you're blazing through bluegrass licks or settling into fingerpicked ballads, the D-28 Billy Strings is designed to keep up—and stand out.

Custom Scale and Golden Era-Style Scalloped Bracing

One of the most distinctive features of the D-28 Billy Strings is its unique 25" scale length—slightly shorter than Martin's standard long scale, yet longer than the traditional short scale. This custom spec reduces overall string tension, resulting in a softer, more flexible playing feel that encourages faster fretwork and expressive bends. Supporting the solid spruce top is Golden Era-style scalloped Sitka spruce X-bracing, forward-shifted for greater top movement and enhanced tonal responsiveness. Modeled after vintage pre-war Martins, this bracing pattern contributes to the guitar's breathy dynamics, open projection and long, singing sustain that bluegrass pickers crave.

Vintage-Inspired Mahogany Neck Built for Speed

The genuine mahogany neck of the D-28 Billy Strings blends vintage appeal with playability upgrades suited to today's players. A modified low oval profile with a standard taper offers a fast, comfortable grip, while the satin finish keeps things smooth and non-sticky under your hand. The nut width measures a slim 1-23/32", slightly narrower than Martin's standard 1-3/4", which provides added agility for complex chord voicings and quick transitions. Combined with the shorter 25" scale and a sleek ebony fingerboard, the neck is equally suited to agile flatpicking leads and steady-handed rhythm work.

Solid Spruce and East Indian Rosewood for Depth and Power

Tonally, the D-28 Billy Strings delivers the lush, balanced voice that players expect from a top-tier Martin dreadnought. The solid East Indian rosewood back and sides provide rich low-end depth and shimmering highs, while the solid spruce top ensures crisp attack and room-filling projection. The 5/16" scalloped bracing further enhances the responsiveness and sustain, making the guitar equally capable of cutting through a mix or carrying solo acoustic performances. Whether you're driving rhythm in a bluegrass jam or taking center stage with a heartfelt melody, this guitar responds with nuance and authority.

Classic Style With Billy's Signature Touches

From a distance, the D-28 Billy Strings might look like a classic pre-war Martin—but a closer look reveals custom touches that make it unmistakably Billy's. Bold herringbone purfling outlines the antique-toned spruce top, while the ebony fingerboard features diamond-and-square abalone inlays for a touch of elegance. Nickel enclosed-gear tuners add vintage flair and rock-solid tuning stability. The paper label inside the body includes Billy's pre-printed signature and custom graphic, making each guitar feel personal and stage-ready. This attention to detail pays tribute to tradition while celebrating the next generation of acoustic innovation.

Stage-Ready Heritage for the Modern Flatpicker

The Martin Billy Strings Signature D-28 left-handed dreadnought acoustic guitar brings together decades of bluegrass tradition with modern refinements for today's performers. It's a guitar built not only to honor the past, but also to empower the future—with player-first specs, rich vintage tone and signature features that reflect Billy's bold, genre-defying style. Whether you're on tour, in the studio or jamming around the campfire, the D-28 Billy Strings is a powerful extension of your voice and vision. It comes ready to hit the road with a deluxe hardshell case for long-lasting protection.