
It was media day at the 2025 NAMM SHOW, with some of the major companies showcasing their wares at their own special booth press gatherings before previewing to the wider press corps at the all-in media bash an hour or so later.
Australian Musician first attended the Martin Guitars press event at their booth where the feature product was the D-3 Millionth and D-300, celebrating Three Million Guitars Sold. Martin sold three million guitars after reaching two million in 2016 and they are celebrating with a very special model. There will only be three of the D-3 Millionth worldwide, with serial numbers 3,000,000, 3,000,001, and 3,000,002. There are many symbolic features to this guitar which relate back to the Martin Guitars story.

D-3 MILLIONTH
The Martin D-3 Millionth is a breathtaking celebration of Martin Guitar’s rich legacy, craftsmanship, and the people behind it all. This limited-edition Dreadnought, marking the 3 millionth serialized Martin instrument, is a masterpiece in both sound and design that celebrates the “& Co.” in the company’s name.
Its top depicts a cross section of an American sycamore tree, featuring rings made of real sycamore and solid gold representing each year of the company’s growth, with diamonds marking major milestones in Martin’s 192-year history. The theme of “past, present, and future” is woven into every ornate detail, including its ebony headplate showcasing a diamond-filled Moravian star and an engraved 14-karat palladium pickguard, with rubies marking each of Martin’s three Nazareth-area factory locations since 1839.
Chris Martin, executive chairman of C. F. Martin & Co suggested that the guitar might be worth three million dollars but if they duct taped a banana to it, it would be worth 6.2 million dollars!
Martin also showcased the Centennial Concert Ukes and joining other new releases from Martin, including the refreshed Standard Series, D-3 Millionth milestone acoustics, and more, Martin also introduced new Billy Strings models. These guitars are crafted to capture the distinctive sound, style, and electrifying energy of GRAMMY®-winning artist Billy Strings. They represent a collaboration that combines Martin’s unparalleled craftsmanship with the innovative artistry of a musician who transcends genre while honoring bluegrass traditions.
D-28 BILLY STRINGS
Inspired by Billy’s prized 1940 D-28, the Martin D-28 Billy Strings brings a modern twist to a classic pre-war design, incorporating features tailored to Billy’s electrifying playing style.
This signature Dreadnought showcases a unique 25″ scale length, reducing string tension for fast, intricate playing and expressive bends—perfectly suited for Billy’s rapid-fire licks. With a custom nut width that’s slightly wider than his pre-war Martin and a modified low oval satin neck, it offers enhanced comfort and speed, ideal for players who crave agility up and down the neck.
The solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and spruce top deliver a full, resonant tone with rich bass, while the bold herringbone trim, antique toner, and antique white binding add vintage flair. Nickel enclosed gear tuners, exclusive to Martin, and an ebony fingerboard with abalone diamond and square inlay round out the guitar’s looks and performance. It’s an ideal balance of traditional craftsmanship and modern playability, much like Billy’s genre-defying style. Both signature models feature a custom paper label with his pre-printed signature and graphic.
D-X2E BILLY STRINGS
The Martin D-X2E Billy Strings takes inspiration from Billy’s love for his pre-war D-28 while offering a more accessible option for fans and players alike.
It features the same unique 25″ scale length and custom nut width as its high-end counterpart, making it easier to play fast, intricate lines while maintaining a comfortable feel. Built with durable Brazilian rosewood-patterned HPL back and sides and a solid spruce top, this Dreadnought delivers a powerful, booming tone that’s perfect for both traditional and modern acoustic styles.
Nickel open gear tuners, an ebony fingerboard with faux abalone inlay, and a style 28 rosette add a classic touch, while Martin E1 electronics and a built-in tuner ensure it’s ready for the stage. Complete with a hemp softshell case, the D-X2E Billy Strings is a rugged, reliable instrument that reflects his passion for pushing boundaries and blending genres. (MSRP $899)
“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,” says Billy. “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.”
Martin also showed us the GRAND J-28E DN. For the first time in over a century, Martin is thrilled to offer a one-of-a-kind double-neck instrument—the Grand J-28E DN. As a member of the popular Standard Series lineup, this all-new guitar combines Martin’s renowned quality and craftsmanship with modern innovation, featuring an acoustic-electric with a twelve and six-string neck, giving you the versatility to explore new sounds, tunings, and musical textures all on one guitar.
The highlight of the afternoon however was the presence of guitar legend `Peter Frampton, who was gifted a special American-made SE-28 acoustic guitar in honour of his services to music. Martin Guitars CEO Thomas Ripsaw interviewed Frampton and asked him about his appearance at the Crossroads festival where he jammed with Eric Clapton on While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Frampton told us that despite his degenerative disease which has put an end to constant touring, he has 22 new songs that he wants to record soon and the British guitar great has also announced a 2025 North American tour which he is calling the Let’s Do It Again tour.
For more information about these and other Martin releases, visit martinguitar.com.
More photos from the NAMM 2025 press event