Billy Strings Unveils Signature Martin Guitars

Billy Strings teamed with Martin to unveil two new signature guitars, the D-28 Billy Strings and the D-X2E Billy Strings. The guitars are set to showcase at the renowned National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) in Anaheim, California through Saturday, January 25.

The D-28 Billy Strings is based on the guitarist’s beloved 1940 D-28, and “brings a modern twist to a classic pre-war design, incorporating features tailored to Billy’s electrifying playing style,” as per a press release.

The classic Dreadnought acoustic axe with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and spruce top boasts “a unique 25″ scale length, reducing string tension for fast, intricate playing and expressive bends—perfectly suited for Billy’s rapid-fire licks.” The D-28 Billy Strings also features a slightly wider custom nut than Strings’ pre-war Martin as well as a low oval satin neck providing “enhanced comfort and speed, ideal for players who crave agility up and down the neck.”

“If you think of just the word ‘guitar,’ I think of a Martin D-28,” Strings stated. “Some people might think of a Stratocaster or a Les Paul, but to me, it’s just so American—it’s like baseball or something.”

The D-X2E Billy Strings sees Billy making sure everyone can get their hands on a Martin guitar. Strings shared his thoughts on the D-X2E:

“There’s so many kids out there that really want to learn how to pick, and they need access to a good instrument that they don’t have to take out a loan for. That was important to me—to make sure that there was a guitar that people could get their hands on.

“To have a Martin that you can actually acquire and learn how to pick on… I mean, that’s like the first one I got, and it’s great. It’s a fully badass guitar.”

The D-X2E Billy Strings carries the same 25” scale and custom nut as the D-28, “while Martin E1 electronics and a built-in tuner ensure it’s ready for the stage.” With durable Brazilian rosewood-patterned HPL back and sides and a solid spruce top, the D-X2E Billy Strings is ready to roll, arriving with a hemp softshell case.

“They all have this overall thing that is ‘the Martin sound,’ and that is the sound that has captivated bluegrass guitarists for as long as it’s been around—and every other genre as well,” Strings added. “But specifically, these Dreadnought guitars for bluegrass music—you gotta have one.”

Billy Strings is set to launch a three-night run at Denver’s Ball Arena on Friday (January 24). Check out his full itinerary and ticket info below.