1946 Martin D-28 played by Billy Strings

A dry and punchy tapered braced herringbone that will undoubtedly impress. With a few exception in '47, 1946 was the last year that the iconic herringbone perfling was used. This was due to the fact that the purfling was manufactured in pre-World War II Germany and was not replaceable from American sources. The guitar has finish touchup on the top and has a repaired volute.

This guitar is played by the masterful Billy Strings. The guitar was close mic'd with a Shure SM81

[lukecotton]

Just for those curious, as I was. The name of this tune is Wild Bill Jones

[tacratt]

All the stars and sun and moon were in line when they built that D28! It’s got that mournful soul. My favorite of all he’s demo,

[dnews]

Whoever bought this guitar got a really good one.

[bamapoppy]

Back in the early 70’s a friend had a 1947 D-18. At the time I had no idea exactly how fantastic a guitar it was but my musician friend always wanted to play it when we visited him. I have no idea where the guitar ended up as he died when I was out of state. He never married, had no children, no brothers, no sisters. But somewhere someone has a wonderful instrument.

[MattH-wgou]

Damn. I think that guitar, the playing, and the song all sound freakin amazing. Gotta love that deep drop D.
So crispy...mmm

[michaelcrosby]

43 seconds in and you can see when Billy realizes “this guitars got it” and gets a lot more aggressive in his playing

[williamvanvugt]

Awesome playing and awesome guitar. It made me put down my 1937 D18 and get out my early 46 D28 bone. Lordy, I can't decide which I love more.

[BoyajianDon]

Man...this one sounds sooo good...was built for dropped D!

[jeteye]

By the look on his face, I'm thinking this one won't be available by this afternoon.

[codyacoustic]

The way he picks that back up at 0:45 - I felt that move my bones 😅

[notabot]

I love it when a D28 gets old and starts sounding like a d18

[TenWilder]

The three people who dislike this have cabbage in their ears.

[wmrustycox]

Great guitar.. I'd have to sell my house to afford it though.
Billy is the best... as always !
Keep on picking brother !

[scottwhite]

I sat down with a glass of whiskey it was gone when this song was.

[mragunathan]

This isnt a criticism of Billy at all, but John Mayer was so right in saying that, if you want to have a "mainstream" or "mass market" appeal, you have to be "listenable". Billy here is clearly a prodigy, but this amazing picking and technique of his is far too esotoric and intense for a mainstream audience. Really says more about todays music palette in general lol.

[Southernguitar]

This particular guitar sounds phenomenal. Awesome D-28. It sounds like maybe the low D string is a bit flat. My ears could be playing tricks on me. Nice demo

[jasoncheshire]

What are the best type and guage of strings for a d-28?

[JohnnyRebKy]

Love it when someone plays WITHOUT a Capo!!!! I like to hear the guitar rumble and thump....especially a D28. I equate using a capo with choking a guitar to death lol

[blitzinstripes]

Damn. I hope Billy bought that guitar dinner first.

[treatb]

I get them now. They are for heavy picking.