Gibson Hummingbird vs Martin D18 | Guitar Battles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- Coen & Maarten are finally back with a new episode of Guitar Battles! Here, they'll see what the differences are between the seemingly comparable Gibson Hummingbird and Martin D18. Which one would you choose?
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So I like both of them, and I’ve played both. I’ve got a D-18. My dad has a hummingbird.
When I play both of them in person, I prefer the Gibson, in terms of sound, and I like the shorter scale.
I will say, though, something about the Gibson sounds a bit more “dead” or “dry” in person, that leaves me almost wanting more every time I play it, even though I think it sounds unbelievably good, The Martin sounds a bit more harsh, maybe, but still really warm and beautiful, the Martin works better for strumming in my opinion.
In this video, I think it worked better when playing with a pick, but I don’t really know it’s just my opinion
I have both and I tend to play the bird more. Love Martins and Gibsons equally. I believe each one excels in different areas.
Made a comparison myself. Cherry sunburst Hummingbird vs Martin D18. I closed my eyes and choose the D18, opened my eyes and took the Hummingbird home. What a stunning looking guitar. Still no regrets, what a lovely guitar. It plays very well, sounds perfect for the job, and it’s just fabulously good looking.
Sounds like it's just the guitar for you Johan. Great choice!
Sounds like looks matter more than sound. I record most of the time. Plain Jane is the one. The sound is beautiful.D18.
I gotta have both. Looks AND sound. Style counts
Both excellent guitars. Something about the Hummingbird is so warm, inviting and pleasant. The Martin is a bit bolder and more epic and wondrous. Can’t go wrong with either!
D18 all day. It sounds like 3 people playing guitar instead of one. So much definition between the highs and lows. Everything just stands out so much more.
Gibson all day long over Martin. Compare to a mid 80's Yamaha LL 53 and that's much more difficult. Id take the LL Yamaha from mid 80's or even a couple of years ago and then the Gibson. Great video.
I love the fact you choose a favorite in your productions. Very helpful. Put a K&K mini in the D-18 and it becomes this big beautiful tone monster. It's true, the D-18 is the best value for the money.
Great playing! I love these comparisons
Thanks! :)
The Hummingbird all day for me!
The D-18, the original...I'm picking mine up tomorrow. I've had many Gibsons (B-25, J-160, J-100, J-45, LG-0, LG-1, J-185 Koa...) and an HD-28 and another modern Martin that I don't remember the name of. I like the D-18 better than all of them although they are all just great guitars. I'll have a great old Gibson and a D-18 now. Great video, thanks!
Thank you for commenting & sharing!
Thanks Guys, I'm glad you're back. Two very nice guitars with their own sound. To my ear the Hummingbird is a walk in the park on a drizzly day, whereas he Martin is a walk on the beach in the Sun.
I took my Hummingbird and went to the beach 🏖
@@bastardsonofretkillr You're in good company....thinking about Sheryl Crow and Soak up the Sun!
Wouldn't recommend taking the Hummingbird out in the pouring rain though!
@@thefellowshipofacoustics Listen to the rhythm of the pouring rain….telling me just what a fool I’ve been…..
That giant pickguard is fancy but it cuts down on top vibration.
Ask the thousands of Hummingbird OWNERS
you can have too much sustain,
I had a D-18 which sounded absolutely amazing. Fast forward::
I returned the D-18 and picked up a
Heritage Cherry or Honey burst
Hummingbird!!! I don’t regret it !!!
I love my new hummingbird…
Although, I do have a J-45 to fill that
D-18 void if you will… it was a long and winding road to this final decision. I also have a D-41 to fill my Martin need, rosewood I know but I got all bases covered… 😃
More than enough bases. I'm more of a Willie Nelson guy. Stick to the D18. That's it for me.
i have a D-18 Standard and the guitar i will keeps all my life. The sound of it is fantastic and its so fun to play. On video and pictures it looks like very simple look guitar but in reality the gloss finish with the natural aging wood tone with the beautiful pick guard make it very nice
You're not only seeking the truth, you've found it! Couldn't agree more, as a big D18 fan myself ;)
I bought my D-18 new in 1973 for $340. I still play it daily.
I WILL get a hummingbird one day, even if I have to wait for my 60th Birthday. Excellent video.
Thanks Stephen!
The earlier in life you buy, the more your cost-per-use goes down….the best value is…NOW!
@@CenterThePendulum Exactly Bryce! Haha, love that philosophy :)
@@CenterThePendulumI like your thinking
3 years have passed.. Have you gotten the Hummingbird?
As the D 18 is probably the best guitar on the planet...it's the winner...no question
D18 is my favorite Dreadnought. Just unique!
I think D18 wins for strumming and Hummingbird wins for fingerpicking.
My favorite guitar is a powerful booming Martin HD28. So the hummingbirds have always been to soft for me. Just not enough power and volume. But they are still very cool and certainly beautiful instruments! 👍🏻
I like both, but because of the tone they have, I would use the Hummingbird to accompany me when I sing (it has a sound that fits well as a base for singing), and I would use the D18 when I fingerstyled (it has a more defined sound, each note is well distinguished of the other even if they touch at the same time.)
Of course it is what I perceived when I tried them in a music house, I would also like to know what other musicians think about it.
nice video, greetings
when Maarten is playing the Martin sounds much more balanced. The Gibson is too boomy in the bass and too thin in the trebles. The Martin wins by far!
Yes, it's true here. But the microphone does not appear to be in the optimal place. Too much in front of the hole. This is probably what makes the low frequencies stand out too much. It is better to place the microphone towards the 12th fret. Then the sound recording must be adapted to each type of guitar. We do not record a 00028 as an SJ200.
Hey Ad, I must confess that I do know my way around the D18 better than the Hummingbird! - Maarten
The best thing to do is try them out for yourself. I adore videos like this, and it's no criticism of this production, but I've tried both out in a room and came to the literal opposite conclusion. Acoustics are a different beast....one hummingbird may sound alright whereas another hummingbird might blow you away. Appreciate your thoughts on the video though, I do not disagree.
On my phone the D18 sounded duller than the hummingbird. I liked the crispness and clarity of the hummingbird. Thanks for the comparison. 🙏
Hummingbird is the ultimate strummer and singer's accompaniment. Incredibly smooth, well balanced across all strings, no harshness whatsoever, like it has its own EQ. Also looks amazing, great neck, and plays beautifully. However, not so good for clear finger-style and lacks the punch and clarity of the plainer D-18.
Both these guitars best used for their own individual strengths.
Compare the j-45 and the D-18. I have two martins. The hd-28 and d-35. I also have a Gibson j-45. I love the shorter scale length of the j-45. All three guitars are wonderful guitars. But when laid back in the recliner I enjoy the j-45.
They are all great indeed! Maybe we'll compare a J45 and D18 sometime!
Both are great! You CANNOT beat to look of that Hummingbird. When you have two quality guitars, sometimes it comes down to which one you feel looks the coolest. Hummingbird for the win!
Martin D18 is the absolute KING.!!!!
The finest acoustic I ever played was a Gibson Hummingbird. I tried to buy it, but when I left the guitar shop, as I drove out of the parking lot to fetch the down payment, all of the warning lights came on in my truck. Game over.
Maybe it was a sign... 👀
My first impression, without even plugging in my earphones, is the D-18 is much louder than the Gibson. Could the very large pick guard be muting the top? I just relistened with my earphones. The Gibson sounds nice, but the D-18 is more resonant and sounds a bit better to me. I would save myself $500 to $1,000 and pick up the less expensive D-18. Were the same type/age strings on both guitars?
Both guitars had the same type of strings indeed!
@seniorp9444 Not true. The D18 is not significantly louder than a Hummingbird, and both have wide dynamic ranges which depend on how they are played. Each has its own distinctive sound.
I used a D18 for many years in a variety of venues, from folk clubs and cafés without amplification to nightclubs and concert halls with large PAs, including the Royal Albert Hall. Like many professionals, I had no problem balancing my voice with the D18.
However, I do prefer the Hummingbird for a lot of solo work because the shorter scale makes it easier to play and it has rich harmonics.
Have you ever performed professionally as a singer with these two instruments?
2 legends in acoustic sound! The precise clean tone of the Martin is untouchable, while the beautiful and almost emotional warmth of the Gibson is irresistible. Get both!
I like to hear Martins being played but would prefer to own and play a Gibson.
Update: I bought a Hummingbird Standard a few weeks ago. I would call it a great all-rounder.
One little point: the bracing is not scalloped.
I was expecting that the D18 would have more low mids and highs and the Hummingbird would have a more full midrange with a slight rolloff of highs, but in this comparison it sounds like the Hummingbird has the same amount of low mids but it just has more higher mid frequencies making the low mids sound quieter in comparison if that makes sense.
If you like to sing and play, humming bird. If you don’t sing, D18. D-18 is really a cannon and overpowering for unamplified vocals.
Only for quiet singers.
Really? Paul Simon?
I have a strong voice, must be why the D18 is my mate…?
@seniorp9444, not true.
Bought the Hummingbird - love it totally - thank you
Great clip. Still waiting for the atkin d37 v Martin d28 authentic. Aha. I'd love to see this comparison. Please please thank you
Noted! Great idea ;)
I actually preferred the Martin with the pick. If money was no prohibitive factor, I would grab the Hummingbird because I don’t have a Gibson acoustic and I’d love to live with one. I have a couple of Martins. My 000-15SM is less than half the price of the Hummingbird and it’s a fantastic finger picker. I’d love to compare this Martin with the HB because I actually thought the HB sounded great when finger picking. I’d also love to hear for myself if my voice was better complimented with a HB. But at just under $4K, I’m likely to have to pass on the HB in favor of the DSS-15M or D-15M or if I get real lucky a J-45
Different, but both beautiful.
Very useful comparison -- good to know that if ever I want my Hummingbird to sound like a D18 I just need to stuff it with the contents of my sock draw
In all seriousness though, they're very different guitars; different tools for different jobs. - a D18 is loud and very mid-focused, while the Hummingbird is a bit quieter and very mid-scooped. The D18 cuts through a mix in a band better while the hummingbird is better for a solo singer as it's mid scoop leaves room for vocals while it's bass and sparkly treble fill in the rest of the spectrum. This is why I own one.
The Dove's mids are even more scooped
@@kotymccallister5150 I doubt the Gibson Dave would have been such a big seller. :)
Lovely. Question, do you think it’s worth it to go for the VTS system and the HIDE GLUE. Expensive options. Perhaps just a basic D18? Thanks man!
You can't go wrong with Hide Glue to be honest. But the VTS system is more of a personal taste! I'd advise playing a couple of them to try out which one suits you best ;)
Since Yesterday I've got both. I don't know if it's the effect of novelty, bu I'm blown away by Hummingbird. The name of this guitar is perfect. It's not as loud as D18, has wonderful shimmer to it and I think it will record better due to less low end. I prefere it for singing. It doesn't overpower my voice. Don't misunderstand me, Martin is also a fantastic guitar, but Gibson is very special. Not boomy at all and, what is also important, more playable than Martin. The ease of playing Gibson is insane. Also it's look makes me smile. Happy to possess both, but I'm sure I will never part with Hummingbird.
Great to hear the Hummingbird is such a good match! It really is one of the best options for recording and accompaniment. 😃
The Martin for my ears
Imo, the Gibson has soothing sweet tones that would be great for a solo artist playing folk or soft rock music and the Martin is very bright and would be great in a rock or bluegrass group. Even though I'm more of a rock fan, the Gibson's sweet tones makes it my favorite of these two. The d-45 is still my favorite guitar I've ever played!
Comparing these two is like comparing apples to dragon fruit. Just because they're in a comparable price range doesn't mean they are actually comparable. One is sweet and soft spoken and possibly *too* reserved and the other is kind of a boisterous a hole that can sound tinny if strummed too hard.
You've made a good point they're Bradley, thanks for sharing! In the end, we can't stress enough how important it is to try a guitar before you buy it :)
I'm definitly a mahogany guy. I preferred the Hummingbird for a long time, but I have to admit that D18 suits me better. When I play my hand is heavy, I need such a heavy guitar: D18 is it.
I like them both but I own a Honey Burst D18
Both sound great although there is a difference, I have a D28 rather than a D18 so rosewood back and sides and that makes it not the same comparison tone wise but I like the shorter scale Hummingbird and I think the feel is an important factor too. Feel and comfort are important factors for me I like the shorter scale and prefer the feel of the neck on the hummingbird but everyone is different and in fairness the Martin is not an uncomfortable guitar just different
You can listen to tones of different guitars on line to get a sense of the sound you like, but if you are like me quite a long way from any guitar stores that have a big enough selection of guitars to try getting a sense of feel is tough. Fair play to you guys whenever I've spoken about guitars you do your best to try and give a sense of feel of the specific guitars. Not an easy task and obviously not an exact art but it does help
Thanks! The feel and playability is also a really important part of the guitar, so we do our best to share our thoughts about that as well! 🙌
the hummingbird to me is far superior. thats my taste. plus the hummingbirds are super playable. such a fun axe to play
Another key differentiator might be the neck size. Thinner or chunkier?
Both extraordinary guitars. But personally I stay with the Martin. LOVE AND PEACE FROM CHILE!!
How about a comparison to the D-18 short scale
We'll have to get our hands on one first!
I prefer the Gibson short scale. My D18 sounds fantastic though. I sometimes play acoustic in a Ceilidh band, do I need the D18 volume.
I'm a Martin fan but I have to say that the Gibson is the winner hands down! It's far more fluid and sweet sounding as well as louder sounding than the Martin yet the Martin is such a versatile and familiar sound.
Thanks for sharing! It's very interesting how guitars can surprise us and exceed our expectations! Choosing a favorite is sometimes even harder but very cool to hear how you tend towards the Hummingbird in this case. :)
The mics should be positioned toward the 12 fret. I believe the Hummingbird is way more expensive than the D-18. I'm partial to Martins, (The standard that all others are judged against). I have a HD-28 for flatpicking and a 000-28VS, (my favorite), for fingerstyle. I prefer Rosewood instead of Mahogany. I do have a Yamaha FSX5 with mahogany back and sides. It's great for fingerstyle also. It's a softer sound, but a great one for the price, $1,300.00
The Hummingbird gives you something beautiful to look at, when it's sitting on it's stand . Also seems to have a warmer and cleaner tone to me.
I am surprised that the D18 compares to the Hummingbird. However, the look, the sound, the nostalgia of the Gibson can't be beat! I wouldn't mind having a D18 for a beach guitar though. Love them both, but the Gibson wins easily!
A beach guitar eh? What an absurd statement from a dude that likely owns an entry level Yamaha
@@IRequireMedication My other acoustic guitar is a 1992 Gibson J200. Back and sides are koa wood. I am gonna get either another J45, or possibly the Hummingbird. Gibson's are the bomb!(greatest/coolest/etc.). Thanks for the reply Michael.
@@stevesorenson5081 You know what? I believe you, but it was still an absurd statement on your part
In my opinion, the D28 is the professional entry level of Martin. D18? Sounds good, but doesn't quite rise to world class? Just an opinion.
Please compare d28 and d18 or j45 and d18 too :)
Done that first one already! --> th-cam.com/video/s0XnZFrKNHI/w-d-xo.html
Adore the Hummingbird sweetness
They are great guitars!
After hearing few times. Martin clear, warm and balanced. Gibson fat, sweet but sounds like its just developing a stuffy nose but dam good. Both have sweet top ends. Own a Martin, a little more all arounder and would love a Gibson. Coming from a primarily a pick and strummer player.
Hummingbird with rosewood back and sides is hands down the best sounding acoustic guitar you can buy.
I love them both, but the hummingbird is $1500 more than the D-18. If they were the same price I might consider the Gibson, but the Martin is a WAY better value!
What's 1500 when it's a guitar for life
@@richardlucascronley5128 $1500 is everything if you don't have it.
Maybe you should look at the new Guild D-40 Traditional.
I gotta say, I found it hard to discern the tones of either. I use studio headphones, and neither sounded typical of d18 or a hummingbird. If it was a blind test, I would have been lost . I will add, this result is not typical of these 2 presenters.
Thanks for your comment!
The Hummingbird for me
I thought most TH-camrs use mics at the 12th fret, not pointed at the sound hole.
One of the guys said the back and sides of both guitars are made of mahogany , in fact the d28 is made of rosewood.. ebony fret board is the better quality wood.
They are reviewing the D-18 with a Mahogany back.
Martin is louder and is distorting mic slightly
I have both. Hummingbird is my choice for gigging.
Gibson acoustics seem to have too much pick on string sound which gets in the way of sound hole notes.
Gibby all the way.... it has a growl like no other!
Thank you for this comparison. The D18 is amazing - but if I had to choose one, I would go Hummingbird. The HB is one of the most versatile acoustic guitars and has so much soul. Love them both though - apples and oranges! P.S. I recommend the Gibson Dove it is equally awesome!
Thanks for commenting Saeed! :)
@@thefellowshipofacoustics Of course, and thank you for this great demo! The Hummingbird also is a great staple on all of those early Stones albums and songs. Have a fantastic Summer!
@@1234seeeed ........the Hummingbird i a "Keith Guitar" , along with a Black Guard Tele.....
Do they cost the same ? It's an important detail. Gibson looks better and I like less tension that short scale has (in theory).
But I prefer Ebony fingerboard and the Martin here sounds a little better..
Basically both equally good . Would be nice to have both cause they are a little different in what they are.
They are in the same price range! Well, who says you can't have both? 😏
I crossed a Hummingbird with a D 18 and got a HumDinger. Made by Pavlov. Ding.
Nice!
Do Gibson J-15 vs Taylor 317
The Martin kinda tells a story.
…and the Martin is $1350. Less. Great video, thanks guys.
Thank you for watching!
Martin D-18 is superior in every respect. That said, I’d rather have the Hummingbird. Not even a question
They excel at different things. The D-18 is very good for finger picking folk music where midrange tone is more important. The HB is very good for strumming.
Great info! Thx
I’m not sure about that. I have the D18 and it’s great for strumming. It’s a BIG sound! The tone is AMAZING!! But I would love a HB as well!….and a J45, and a 0018 and the list goes on! 😂😂
@@kalvino67 I agree. The D-18 is a very good strummer as well! The answer is clearly that everyone needs BOTH of these guitars and lots more!
Fretboard radius: Gibson, 12 inches(rounder) Martin 16 inches (flatter)
True! That's an important difference in playability!
The song you play starting at 0:22, is that Pancho and Lefty?
They're both beautiful, but the Hummingbird is sublime.
It surely has some Townes vibes to it! 😉
I wonder what the Bird sound like without the huge scratch plate
‚The Kibsoon has woom mällo toune, the Matin has mo pönsch.‘ 😂
If you say so Lasse!
I have owned some nice Martin (J40, HD28V, 0028EC, 0015M ...) and two Gibson (Hummingbird True Vintage, SJ 200 True Vintage). It's my personal taste but I have always been much more seduced by the sound of Gibsons. I have always found the Martins too much in the midrange and the Gibson sound warmer. This is what I feel here, even if the position of the microphone puts the bass frequencies too much forward.
That’s because Martins are made for people who actually play guitar really well (you want a lot of midrange to actually cut through a recording mix) and gibsons are made for singer songwriters that just play back up chords
Hummingbird for me.
Great pick!
Martin all the way... that's why most all BG players use them but some people will go with the Gibson because they want to be different and are not professional musicians.... but they are a few professional musicians who use Gibson guitars because they are different from people who own Martin guitars that are not professional musicians.
If I had to choose' it would be a Yamaha because I'm not a professional musician but I want to be one and I want to be different from people who use Martin and Gibson guitars.
The Hummingbird all day and night !
The Hummingbird sounds like honey. Yes please.
Gibson❤
I'm putting my D-18 up for sale so I can get a Hummingbird
Hummimgbird sounds too boomy for me - as beautiful as it is. D18 to my ear sounds best and more balanced.
The Bible says no lair will enter heaven I can’t tell the difference between the two both sound great
Hummingbird is prettier. But for equal money, is always Martin for me
D-18
Great choice!
Is this the son of Danish Pete?
But we're Dutch, for Pete's sake! 😂
Bird for my ears except if playing blue grass then don’t even try taking on a Martin.
Martin is deeper with more sustain, whereas hummingbird has better clarity.
Martin hands down
The Martin sounds better to me.
Martin is of another league…also that Gibson pick guard is a true eye sore
The Hummingbird look just like it is supposed to.
I concur, that pick guard has always irked me
I do not know which of you is Coen or Martin.. But the player on the left with the light blue shirt played both guitars too far from the bridge, too close to the end of the finger board.
The other player, played in the common position closer to the bridge and behind the center of the sound hole.
This made for a considerable difference.
The biggest different between the Hummingbird and the D-18 is the quality of the materials and the massive, and ridiculous, pick guard which Americans call the the Gibson Tone Killer.
The Hummingbird is a cartoon of a guitar. The D-18 is a proper musical instrument.
The first Humming bird was made in 1960, the first D-18 was made in the 1930s.
It is not a battle it is a massacre.
Add to that Gibson is known for being consistently inconsistent with their quality.
I have owned 15 Martins, currently 3. I have owned 6 Gibsons, I own none.. the quality is very bad and the prices are obscene.
My first Gibson was a 1946 J-45.. I have never found another that good. Sadly it was stolen.
Thanks for your comment Jeff!
@@thefellowshipofacoustics Another observation..
When you find a good Gibson there is nothing like it.
They are few and far between, but even Martin cannot compare..
And that was my 1946 J-45 and later a WM-45.
Keep in mind.
Every guitar is "case by case".
I enjoyed your video and youtube channel.
Thanks from Southern Oregon, USA.
Liked and subscribed.
The humming bird has clarity. The Martin seems muddy
Gibson Acoustics, like the Hummingbird and Dove have a pianistic ring to them more suited aside a tenor vocal, you have the strum of a piano.
The Martin sound is that of an intimate stage performance to the likes of Eddie Vedder with rich baritones against the oddly big sound of a Martin 000-15M in rich mahogany classic sturdiness. Bottom Line- Gibson puts out a tenorish up-tone with a piano ringing finish, while the Martin rings a short rounded and level fading tone. I have MEneiere's Disease and just had a cochlear implant. One thing I haven't lost is perfect pitch/tone recognition.
Gibson.