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Martin D-X2E Billy Strings (401)

Billy Strings inspired dreadnought punch with fast, forgiving playability and stage ready electronics at a blue collar price.

$899.00

Talk To A Player Before You Buy

Rob and Cory are gigging musicians who know gear inside and out. They'll give you the straight answer—even if it means pointing you somewhere else.

0% for 36-48 months available

Martin D-X2E Billy Strings (401)

Billy Strings inspired dreadnought punch with fast, forgiving playability and stage ready electronics at a blue collar price.

$899.00

Talk To A Player Before You Buy

Rob and Cory are gigging musicians who know gear inside and out. They'll give you the straight answer—even if it means pointing you somewhere else.

0% for 36-48 months available

1 In Stock - Inspected & ready to ship.

1 in stock

Quick Specs

  • D-14 Fret Dreadnought with Solid Spruce Top
  • Brazilian Rosewood Pattern HPL Back and Sides
  • 25" Scale Length with Custom Nut Width for Fast Playing
  • Ebony Fingerboard with Diamond & Squares Long Inlays
  • Martin E1 Electronics with Built-In Tuner
  • Weight: 4.6 lbs | Nickel Open Gear Tuners
  • Includes Billy Strings Hemp Softshell Case

Hand-selected by our team — we only stock what we'd play.

Player-Perfect™ Pro Setup Included

Our techs are all seasoned players, so they dial in every guitar like it’s going into their own rig—perfect intonation, action set exactly right, ready to rip from the first note.

Want it YOUR way? Tell us at checkout: string gauge, action height, whatever you need. We’ll nail it before shipping.

Inspected 3X Before Shipping

Free 1-4 Day Shipping

14-Day Sound Check Guarantee

Billy Strings Firepower In A Real-World Workhorse

If you dig Billy Strings and big dreadnought tone but do not want to spend custom shop money, this D-X2E Billy Strings hits that sweet spot. It brings his fast, fluid feel and punchy voice into a rugged, stage ready package that is built to be played hard, not babied.

Solid Spruce Punch With Road-Ready HPL Back And Sides

The solid spruce top gives you that classic Martin boom and snap. Chords have weight and authority, single notes have clarity and cut, and the whole guitar has that dry, woody thump flatpickers live for.

The Brazilian rosewood patterned HPL back and sides are the unsung heroes here. You get a focused low end, clear mids, and bright but controlled highs, wrapped in a body that laughs at humidity swings and rough travel. It is the kind of guitar you can drag from jam to festival to bar gig without worrying about it melting down.

Fast 25″ Scale Built For Billy-Style Runs

The 25 inch scale length and custom nut width are a huge part of why this guitar feels so easy under the hands. Stretches are a little friendlier than a typical long scale dread, tension feels a touch slinkier, and fast, intricate lines fall under your fingers more naturally.

The modified low oval neck with standard taper keeps things comfy whether you are chopping bluegrass rhythm or ripping crosspicked lines up the neck. The satin finish stays out of the way, no sticky gloss, just a smooth, broken in feel that rewards long sets.

Ebony Fingerboard And Stage-Ready Details

An ebony fingerboard at this price is a serious win. It feels glassy and fast, with a crisp attack that helps every note pop. The diamond and squares long inlays in faux abalone and style 28 rosette bring that old school Martin vibe without the vintage price tag.

Nickel open gear tuners with butterbean knobs complete the classic look and keep tuning rock solid. The white Tusq saddle and Corian nut keep intonation tight and response even across the board.

Martin E1 Electronics With Built-In Tuner

Plug it in and the Martin E1 electronics give you a clear, natural amplified tone that still sounds like a Martin dread, not a plastic box. It is a legit stage tool, not an afterthought. The built in tuner is a lifesaver on dark stages and noisy jams.

Whether you are hitting an acoustic amp, PA, or interface, it takes pedals well and sits in a mix without getting boomy or harsh.

Billy Vibe, Working Player Price

This model takes direct inspiration from Billy’s love for his pre war style D-28, but trades rare wood and museum piece vibes for something you can actually take to the gig. You get his preferred scale length, nut feel, and tone concept in a package that is accessible for real world players.

Real talk, this is a killer way to get into a signature level instrument without blowing up your gear budget. It even includes a hemp softshell case and a custom label with Billy’s pre printed signature and graphic, so it feels special every time you pop the case.

Dialed In, Plek’d, And Ready To Rip

From the factory these are Plek’d for consistent action and fretwork, which means clean runs up the neck and buzz free low setups are absolutely on the table. That gets you closer to pro level feel right out of the gate.

This specific guitar is in our Evansville, Indiana shop right now. It has been inspected, dialed in with our Player Perfect setup, and is ready to ship. Photos are of the actual guitar, so what you see is what shows up at your door.

Questions about this guitar? Call (888) 794-8482 and talk to Rob or Cory. Real players, real conversation, no scripts.

Anatomy of a Tone Machine

Anatomy of a Tone Machine

Perfect for: Bluegrass & New Acoustic • Jamgrass & Improvised Roots • Country & Americana • Flatpicking & Crosspicking • Singer-Songwriter Strumming

Tone

  • Big dreadnought low end that thumps without getting muddy
  • Solid spruce top adds woody punch and quick, articulate response
  • Clear, singing mids that let flatpicked lines cut through a mix
  • Top end stays crisp and glassy without turning harsh
  • Reactively voiced for dynamics, from gentle fingerpicking to full throttle chop

Playing Feel

  • 25" scale feels slinky and quick, perfect for fast Billy style runs
  • Modified low oval neck with standard taper keeps long sessions comfortable
  • Ebony fingerboard feels smooth and fast under both picks and fingers
  • Light, balanced 4.6 lb build that will not wear you out on stage
  • Plek'd from the factory for clean fretting, low action, and buzz free runs

Versatility

  • Equally at home in bluegrass jams, country bands, and solo acoustic sets
  • Handles hard driving rhythm and detailed flatpicking with equal ease
  • Plug in for natural, gig ready tone or mic it up for studio sessions
  • Great platform for exploring crosspicking, melodic leads, and modern acoustic styles

Complete Technical Specs

Body Specs

TypeAcoustic Electric Dreadnought
SizeD-14 Fret
TopSolid Spruce
Back and SidesBrazilian Rosewood Pattern HPL
ConstructionMortise & Tenon Neck Joint
Bracing PatternX-Brace
Brace ShapeScalloped
Brace MaterialSpruce
Brace Size5/16"
Finish TopHand-Applied
Back and Side FinishSatin
Rosette28 Style Boltaron
PickguardFaux Tortoise
BindingNone
Top ColorNatural
CaseHemp Softshell Case with Billy Strings Label

Neck Specs

MaterialSelect Hardwood
ShapeModified Low Oval
TaperStandard Taper
FinishSatin
ColorNatural
Neck JointMortise & Tenon
Neck Joins Body At14th Fret
HeelcapBlack Boltaron

Fingerboard Specs

MaterialEbony
Frets20 Total
Inlay StyleDiamond & Squares Long
Inlay MaterialFaux Abalone
Side DotsWhite
BindingNone
NutWhite Corian

Electronics Specs

SystemMartin E1
ElectronicsFactory Installed Acoustic Pickup System
TunerBuilt-In Tuner

Hardware Specs

Bridge StyleModern Belly
Bridge MaterialEbony
SaddleWhite Tusq
Saddle Radius16"
Tuning MachinesNickel Open Gear
Tuner KnobsButterbean
Bridge PinsWhite Plastic with Black Dots
Nut MaterialWhite Corian
Headstock ShapeSolid
Headplate MaterialEbony
Headplate LogoAuthentic Style CFM Script Overlay

Measurements

Scale Length25"
Nut Width1 23/32"
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret2 1/8"
Bridge String Spacing2 5/32"
Weight4.6 lbs
The Lowdown

The Lowdown

We get it. Buying a guitar you haven’t played is a big decision. You need to know it’s going to feel right, sound right, and inspire you the second you open the case. We put together the questions we’d be asking if we were in your shoes—the real-world stuff that specs alone can’t answer. If there’s anything else you’re wondering about, just give us a call.

This D-X2E Billy Strings shares the heart of Billy’s spec sheet, especially the 25″ scale length and custom nut feel that make his fast lines so playable. You are getting his preferred feel and a powerful dreadnought voice in a more accessible build with HPL back and sides instead of exotic solid woods. The vibe is very much Billy inspired, but in a package you will not be afraid to drag to every jam, festival, and late night pick session.
Most traditional Martins sit closer to a 25.4″ scale, so the 25″ on this Billy model feels just a bit more relaxed. Chord stretches are easier, tension feels a little slinkier, and fast flatpicking patterns require less effort from your left hand. It still has plenty of snap and volume, it just plays a bit more forgiving, which is exactly what you want if you are chasing clean, fast lines without fighting the guitar.
The Brazilian rosewood pattern HPL back and sides are built for real life. They are far more resistant to temperature and humidity swings than traditional solid wood, which makes this a killer choice if you travel, play outdoor shows, or do not live in a perfectly climate controlled world. You still get a strong, punchy tone from the solid spruce top, but the HPL body helps keep the guitar stable and looking good over the long haul.
If you are stepping up from an entry level acoustic and want something that can hang on real jams and gigs, this is a strong contender. You are getting a legit Martin dreadnought voice, signature level playability, Plek’d fretwork, and stage ready electronics, all without getting into four figure boutique territory. If you want to talk through whether this or another Martin fits you better, call us and we will walk you through it player to player.
Yes. The photos you see on the product page are of this exact D-X2E Billy Strings that will ship to you. We shoot our own detailed photos so you know exactly what you are getting before you click buy, right down to the grain, figuring, and little visual details that matter to players.
Of course. Every guitar gets our full Player-Perfect™ setup, but tell us your preferred string gauge and action at checkout, and we’ll dial it in exactly to your spec before it leaves the shop.
This guitar is covered by our 14-Day Return Policy. If you’re not completely inspired by it, just let us know. We’ll make it right.
If you order before 3 PM CST on a weekday, it ships the same day. We’ll get it into your hands fast with free, insured 2-3 day shipping.
Call us at (888) 794-8482. You’ll talk to a real musician who can answer anything you need to know.
The Moore Guitars Difference

Player-Perfect™ Setups

Every guitar we sell is dialed in by seasoned musicians. We obsess over the details—perfect intonation, immaculate fretwork, and ideal action—so your guitar is ready to rip right out of the case. No exceptions.

Advice From Real Players

Call us and you get a fellow musician, not a script. We'll help you compare neck profiles, talk tone, and find the right guitar for you—even if it's not this one. Our reputation is built on honest conversation.

49+ Years Of Trust

Family-owned since 1976, we stand behind everything we sell. That's why we have a 72-Hour Love-It Guarantee. If you're not inspired, send it back on our dime for a full refund. Your satisfaction is our legacy.

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$899.00

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