wonderful comparison after hearing the clear sound of the hd28 the very first strums sounded so so and then that gibson just kept drawing me in. truly two different sounds that so many of us admire. i'm glad to have both. peace, rich
I used to own an HD-28LSV. It was great for bluegrass but wasn't the most versatile. I've lusted after a Bourgeois Slope D since trying one back in 2001 but they've always been out of my price range. That (and the fact that the J-45 has been used by so many of my favorite artists), has kept the J-45 on my radar as my next steel string. I have a chance to trade one of my classicals for an '05 J-45 Historic and unless it's a real dog, I'm gonna take it. Your great comparison has helped me decide.
Excellent post and great playing ;-) I have a J-45 and I love it for its mellow tones. But the Martin sings here too ... you clearly made the right choices in life to get both!
Great playing. Someone who knows a heap about guitars told me that Martins are the Rolls Royce of guitars and Gibsons are the Chevrolets. I have a D28 myself and the day I bought it was one of the best days of my life. Visiting a heap of guitar shops around Melbourne playing all the expensive guitars. And in the end I was sitting there playing a J-45 and the D28. The J-45 sounded so great. Strumming a big fat G chord was heaven. In the end I chose the D-28 because it felt right for me with its
These are both fine guitars, and which one you prefer is simply a matter of your personal taste and playing style. I myself prefer the tone of the HD-28 over the Gibson. Nice video, and a great comparison of the two. Thanks.
I prefer the Martin for its kinda broader, mellower tone. Difficult to explain cos the J-45 does not lack bass. They're both nice sounding, and in fairness, both excellently recorded and played; a credit to the player/video maker! Thanks!
I was just in Asheville on vacation and stopped in at the Guitar Center to relieve My guitar jonesing. I've been wanting a Martin for a while now and I played the d-28 d-18 and some laminated models (wanted to play a d-45 but they had none) and was thinking of stepping up to the plate and buying one. Then I played a used j-45, Wow I loved it, I went to lunch to think about buying the j-45 when I returned the guy told Me the just got a new j-45 in, so I asked to see it. I tuned it up and right out of the factory box. Well now I own it! Plus it was on a great in store sale, $1,850.00 with HSC. Was a hard decision but the Gibson sound won Me over. Nice playing in Your video!
Absolutely! I've owned both...still do have two Martins, & there is no mistaking their sound for anything else. That's not taking anything away from the Gibson, a wonderful sounding guitar, but the Martin is totally distinct.
I've always found these scalloped braced martins to lack a bit of volume and sustain to the low E string, especially when fretted at the 2nd and 3rd fret, it just makes a small, kind of nasal sound.
@rhetoric09 Apparently I looked up the price of the wrong Martin guitar. The HD 28 and the Gibson j45 are around 2500 each. I apoligize for the confusion. I myself have a Gibson hummingbird artist for which I paid around $2200.I am partial to Gibsons myself.
@sc12100 Very good.I too am a fan of the sp strings..i had Marin refret my guitar and it came back with the sp stings and like them a lot,I really am happy that you responded,I am anxious to go play a santa cruz..I am far from a great player but do enjoy playing these guitars and researching them is a lot of fun.Thanks
So different, both so great. Nice playing. Every nice guitar has such a distinctive voice; you'd even get this comparing different models of Martins to each other, same with Gibson, McPherson, Yamaha, Taylor, Collings, etc. No wonder good guitarists want to own so many instruments.
Can anyone recommend which Martin acoustic guitar I should consider, since I mainly like classic rock? I thought about the HD 35, but I know there are many to choose from. And, is it very important to choose an old one, instead of new? Thank you.
These are both great guitars, and I appreciate that they sound different. I own the HD 28 but I would love to get a J45 as well. I can't go with the argument that one guitar is all you need. That's like golfing with a single iron!
both iconic guitars, and both sound great! i have a fender and gibson and i can't compare the two other then their both great guitars and i love them both!
Hey Mariano, what did you decide? I cannot decide between Gibson J-48 and Martin D28. Any additional thoughts between the two are welcome! Best Regards to all and thank you themaninme for the video!
I own them both and are both great instruments, two completely different but beautiful sounds, and they share the same great playablitiy, they kind of compensate each other.
Wow. I've always wanted a Gibby acoustic, particularly the J-45 but it's got nothing on that Martin. When you were strumming the Gibson in the early bits, sounded like you were gonna do "This Boy" by the Beatles. But hands down, that Martin gets my vote. Funny because this Takamine Japan made in the 70s F-360 sounded a bit more fuller than the J-45. I dunno why, but the Gibby sounded thin and plasticky. I'm sure it's a pleasure though to have both in tow! Thanks for the vid
wicked picking man.. is that pmpi on thr right hand ?? or pipm ,,I play a bit diffrently and I would give a left nut to play that smoothly like at 0:52 ,, thanks ,,,i have a Martin d16 ,peace
..I would love to own eigther one. You are very talented and fortunate! If I had to choose I would keep the martin surpisingly! that's the 1st one, right?
short scale - a shorter neck- lee tention on strings the gibson is also smaller in body. and the gibson neck is known for its super grip and great action the martin (HD28) may sound fuller by harder to play due to long scale big body and higher action before frett buzz
They both sound nice. You play well, also. I think that the Martin sounds a bit brighter, and although I like Martins better overall, the Gibson had a slightly darker sound that complemented what you were playing better, IMO. Thanks for sharing.
I have the same exact instruments, except opposite finishes on both, I like using my Gibson on alot of open tuned pieces but they are both phenomenal. I having both of them would probably lean more toward the Martin, but I dont want anyone to interpret that I am taking anything away from the Gibson. Depends on what you like, what feels good in your hands.
Did you have that j-45 set up and the nut and saddle replaced w/ old dry bone. My buddy had his j-45 done in Nashville by some magic man luthier, and man his is really loud, unlike what I'm hearing here.
Thinking of selling one, or just fooling around? I didn't have a preferrence from the sound although its tough to tell over PC speakers. I used to think Gibsons did better on blues, but preferred Martin for everything else. I haven't played any Gibsons of late so I may think differently now.
its not a mismatch, the two are the most popular instruments by martin ang gibson. lots of buyers check them both when on the hunt for a pro acoustic. they may not sound the same but they sure compete on the the title " most loved american acoustic in history."
I think that when fingerpicked the gibson just sounds better, more balanced and sweet warm vintage tone. when strumed or flatpicked the martin tops with projection and tone.
Thanks for the video! Fantastic! I love the Martin D28. I picked up this Gibson and I was blown away! I love both guitars. I loved the Taylors but they sound almost too perfect plugged in. I need something that sounds authentic.
I couldn't agree with your assessment more. Fantastic demo. The Martin HD28 is just a great all-round meat and potatoes guitar, but the J45 has that special something especially when played fingerstyle, IMO. Every time I hear a beautiful recording of some fingerstyle playing, it ends up being a J45. No, it doesn't have the same clarity and top end brightness of the Martin, but damn if it doesn't have that soul and certain sadness to it. Love it!
I don't know. I'd be happy with either. The Martin seems more appealing with strumming and the Gibson with fingerstyle, although that may be because of different woods. Not sure though.
Played both at guitar center yesterday. I did enjoy the J45, but the HD28 had a much fuller and focused tone. The HD just made the whole room vibrate. Plus the sunburst finish on the J45 looked like it was put on by an intern. The HD28 is a clear choice for me.
Thank you so much for the reply, that is exaclty what I perceived...Martin are more crunchy and brighter...but now I am in love with the true vintage...two more questions...1. If I want to play live, does is matter then to have the J45 because of the mic? 2. In the store they have one with two important marks because of the hanging...I am not sure if this affected the sound but...they are doing a discount of 35% to 2,600USD...does it worth it? Or better to get a new piece.
I have owned several of both...currently have my dad's '77 HD28, and a '53 Gibson Southern Jumbo which is basically a J45...they are both great, but if I had to choose just 1 it would be the Martin
HI there, I have this exact dilemma...I visited a store and they have J45 and J45 True Vintage....I love them both (True Vintage a little more because of the materials)...But they have also a Martin D35 and the sound is more crunchy and bright...So for sound I would choose Martin (they told me that d28 is coming) but my dream was to get a Gibson...your opinion "the man in me"? Thanks
Nice playing man. @sc12100 For the record, the Martin guitar factory in Nazareth, PA is pretty small. Take a tour of it if you ever get a chance and you'll understand why they are so expensive. A lot oh hands on manufacturing goes into making a Martin Guitar. I wound recommend the tour to anyone with slightest of interest.
When i played in on my computer i was hearing woody martin and articulate gibson.. then I put the headphones on and switched back n forth during the last song and they sounded the same. Either way, they're both awesome tho I do love a sunburst guitar.
There's just something about the Martin - The wood seems to be far more active in it. To my ears, it seems the Gibson does the best it can just to keep up but ultimately the mid range stands out on the it because the bass is not projecting as well as on the Martin. I love that HD-28 and its resonance.
Martin HD-28 to my ears. That's why I ordered mine from MFG about 3 Mo. ago and have never had one regret. Sounds fantastic. All the guys in the praise band at church play Taylors and while they don't sound bad they don't compare to the full bass and sound projection that the Martin HD-28 gives.
Yes you are right! Though I prefer Martins for live performing, I'll take a well seasoned J45 any day in the studio. Very complex differences in the two.
@hanghang71--Fair question, but I really think it shouldn't influence your decision if you are comparing the two for tonal quality, and your tonal preference should be the deciding factor. =)
The Gibson definitely has more mid-range and has a lush sound when strumming. The bottom end of the Martin sounds wonderful. Seems like the Martin projects its sound more too.
you know what man.... you actually have a point there. it does sound "dead" 'cos when you're taking out high end sound (trebles) and stay with the High mids. the sound turns into a vintage strange mid ranged sound that is so common on old recordings. some people would kill for that sound. :)
i am fortunate enough to have both of these guitars - the Martin is so much bigger and louder, the low end literally booms, the Gibson is more responsive and has a slightly better overall tone, totally different guitars and each have their own character, love having to choose which one to pull out play, both are holding their own as far as which one gets played more often after about a year.
I've had both in multiples and prefer a J45 for what I do. I prefer the J45 in the clip. The midrange voice is full and rich IMO. Absolutely nothing wrong with a D28... one of the greatest guitars ever. Great picking. Thanks for the comparison.
I recently had to choose between the same guitars as I acquired both but could only keep one. It was hard because the Gibson had the best neck but the Martin tone was the decider in the end.
I like the Martin better. The projection was bold, and the tone was very nice.I currently own two Taylors, a 414CE, and 210E. My next box will most certianly be the Martin HD28.
I agree with your assessment. I think they were pretty close in the fingerpicking department but the flatpicking the Martin definitely had more body. In person I think the differences would be more discernable too... and lead to the conclusion that the Martin is the winner! I am partially biased I must say but I also don't have tin ears. Closer than I imagined these two though but in person you'd pick up the subtle differences more. I just love a good Martin!
I had an HD28 for a couple of weeks and traded up to a D-41 before my 30 or 45 days was up at GC . I like the J-45 here . Warm, rich ,folky and sweet . The HD28 doesn’t do it for me personally, it sounds stringy and like a harpsichord to my ears when strumming chords. Flat picking and finger style sounds better . Nice comparison and great playing ... Thanks
Impossible to compare. They are both great for what they are. The HD 28 is so smooth while the j 45 has a more agressive tone to it. I've already got a 2002 j45 and I love it. Just saving some money to get a HD 28
@Broyale26 What do you play? How long you been playing? What is the BEST in your opinion? Not a commercial, just stating my opinion... I guess Martin and Gibson are so bad why are they still in business... Both companies employ fine craftsmen and utilize techniques and standards that have been refined over the years... Many of the newer boutique guitars copied both the Martin HD 28 and 45 Gibson... That in itself should tell you something...
I own both of these guitars, although my H-28is vintage reissue. Both are wonderful. The Martin is rosewood, so it has a warm, lush almost "boomy" tone. The J-45 has more clarity, less warmth, but excellent balance. If you're bluegrassing outdoors, go with the Martin. If you're a singer-songwriter, the J-45 is hard to beat.
I felt if the Gibson were a natural top it would have made a little more difference as well personally when paint or stains are added to the top of any wood I feel it takes away from the natural ability to sound the best it could that's why for so many year guitar makers have perfected the type of finish they use on a guitar to get the thinnest finish possibly so how can a stain or paint help it
I have been back and forth on the 2 guitars. The gibson is brighter and they " to me " with your recording equipment sound very similar when finger picked but when flat picked you could hear a huge difference when strummed. The martin seemed to push out the sound. Hard to pick the better guitar. Just two different great guitars.
Nicely played! Im guessing this ones gonna go on for some time...but..for me, i looked at these two models when i wanted a guitar i could get old with... The 28 just seemed a little more 'articulate', both are great...but i came home with a martin.
@caleb101089 I'm telling ya man, unless you already have. Go out and look for the special handcrafted ones, they made only four types of them (compass) not just the regular CPXs, they'll rewire the way you think.
yeah, i'd second that. i put gibson branded rosewood bridge pins on mine. it does make a difference. i got some brass pins too, but they made the sound too harsh for my ear.
true. but I played softly on both to lower the effect of overtones and room sound. the fact that they are both played softly makes it even. bare in mind that a J-45 is 15% weaker in volume than a D28
in my oppinion the martin guitars have a warm kind of typical campfirey or blue grass or country tone to it, while the gibsons have the sound you would want for a live performance or for recording
You're a great player! I've got both. The Martin is louder & brighter. It's presence cuts through live, sounds like no other. Sweet ring, bass phenomenal! But, if you are a bluesy bender with a weaker hand, it is harder, especially on upper frets. Light strings affect tone but it helps. This is why I go to the J more often. It's a dream blues guitar, plays like butter, warm and woody tone, bending is much easier. It is also less boomy for recording. Each has it's place, buy both. LOL
wonderful comparison
after hearing the clear sound of the hd28
the very first strums sounded so so and then that gibson just kept drawing me in.
truly two different sounds that so many of us admire.
i'm glad to have both.
peace,
rich
I remember watching this 14 years ago when I bought my first D28. Pretty cool to see it still here and still being used 👍🏻
I used to own an HD-28LSV. It was great for bluegrass but wasn't the most versatile. I've lusted after a Bourgeois Slope D since trying one back in 2001 but they've always been out of my price range. That (and the fact that the J-45 has been used by so many of my favorite artists), has kept the J-45 on my radar as my next steel string. I have a chance to trade one of my classicals for an '05 J-45 Historic and unless it's a real dog, I'm gonna take it. Your great comparison has helped me decide.
Hey, thanks for this. Great playing and a wonderful comparison of two mighty guitars, each with its own sweet voice. Want 'em both!
Excellent post and great playing ;-) I have a J-45 and I love it for its mellow tones. But the Martin sings here too ... you clearly made the right choices in life to get both!
By the way thanks for posting this!! Sorry I didn't read your complete description as you did string them with a new set.
For me the J-45
Great playing. Someone who knows a heap about guitars told me that Martins are the Rolls Royce of guitars and Gibsons are the Chevrolets. I have a D28 myself and the day I bought it was one of the best days of my life. Visiting a heap of guitar shops around Melbourne playing all the expensive guitars. And in the end I was sitting there playing a J-45 and the D28. The J-45 sounded so great. Strumming a big fat G chord was heaven. In the end I chose the D-28 because it felt right for me with its
These are both fine guitars, and which one you prefer is simply a matter of your personal taste and playing style. I myself prefer the tone of the HD-28 over the Gibson. Nice video, and a great comparison of the two. Thanks.
I prefer the Martin for its kinda broader, mellower tone. Difficult to explain cos the J-45 does not lack bass. They're both nice sounding, and in fairness, both excellently recorded and played; a credit to the player/video maker! Thanks!
I was just in Asheville on vacation and stopped in at the Guitar Center to relieve My guitar jonesing. I've been wanting a Martin for a while now and I played the d-28 d-18 and some laminated models (wanted to play a d-45 but they had none) and was thinking of stepping up to the plate and buying one. Then I played a used j-45, Wow I loved it, I went to lunch to think about buying the j-45 when I returned the guy told Me the just got a new j-45 in, so I asked to see it. I tuned it up and right out of the factory box. Well now I own it! Plus it was on a great in store sale, $1,850.00 with HSC. Was a hard decision but the Gibson sound won Me over. Nice playing in Your video!
+Jon V.Z. luky man enjoy.
Of all the guitars, these two are the ones i wanted to be compared! Thank you so much!
Very nice comparison demo. What version and year is your J45? Standard, studio? Was it built in Bozeman factory? I love the way yours sounds.
Absolutely! I've owned both...still do have two Martins, & there is no mistaking their sound for anything else.
That's not taking anything away from the Gibson, a wonderful sounding guitar, but the Martin is totally distinct.
I've always found these scalloped braced martins to lack a bit of volume and sustain to the low E string, especially when fretted at the 2nd and 3rd fret, it just makes a small, kind of nasal sound.
@rhetoric09 Apparently I looked up the price of the wrong Martin guitar. The HD 28 and the Gibson j45 are around 2500 each. I apoligize for the confusion. I myself have a Gibson hummingbird artist for which I paid around $2200.I am partial to Gibsons myself.
@sc12100 Very good.I too am a fan of the sp strings..i had Marin refret my guitar and it came back with the sp stings and like them a lot,I really am happy that you responded,I am anxious to go play a santa cruz..I am far from a great player but do enjoy playing these guitars and researching them is a lot of fun.Thanks
So different, both so great. Nice playing.
Every nice guitar has such a distinctive voice; you'd even get this comparing different models of Martins to each other, same with Gibson, McPherson, Yamaha, Taylor, Collings, etc. No wonder good guitarists want to own so many instruments.
Can anyone recommend which Martin acoustic guitar I should consider, since I mainly like classic rock? I thought about the HD 35, but I know there are many to choose from. And, is it very important to choose an old one, instead of new? Thank you.
These are both great guitars, and I appreciate that they sound different. I own the HD 28 but I would love to get a J45 as well. I can't go with the argument that one guitar is all you need. That's like golfing with a single iron!
both iconic guitars, and both sound great! i have a fender and gibson and i can't compare the two other then their both great guitars and i love them both!
The J45 may not be the loudest or most clear when strumming but I completely love the round shoulder look and finish. Beautiful guitar.
I like the J-45 more. but how does it compare to the Gibson Hummingbird pro? I'm kinda deciding between those 2
Hey Mariano, what did you decide? I cannot decide between Gibson J-48 and Martin D28. Any additional thoughts between the two are welcome! Best Regards to all and thank you themaninme for the video!
I own them both and are both great instruments, two completely different but beautiful sounds, and they share the same great playablitiy, they kind of compensate each other.
Wow. I've always wanted a Gibby acoustic, particularly the J-45 but it's got nothing on that Martin. When you were strumming the Gibson in the early bits, sounded like you were gonna do "This Boy" by the Beatles. But hands down, that Martin gets my vote. Funny because this Takamine Japan made in the 70s F-360 sounded a bit more fuller than the J-45. I dunno why, but the Gibby sounded thin and plasticky. I'm sure it's a pleasure though to have both in tow! Thanks for the vid
my epiphone also make the sring dead...
can you prefer good acoustic strings
ya Martin fo sure man ,,,J45 is nice though ,,,may I ask what right hand arpeggio are ya usin when your travis style pickin there ??? great vid
wicked picking man.. is that pmpi on thr right hand ?? or pipm ,,I play a bit diffrently and I would give a left nut to play that smoothly like at 0:52 ,, thanks ,,,i have a Martin d16 ,peace
..I would love to own eigther one. You are very talented and fortunate! If I had to choose I would keep the martin surpisingly! that's the 1st one, right?
short scale - a shorter neck- lee tention on strings
the gibson is also smaller in body. and the gibson neck is known for its super grip and great action
the martin (HD28) may sound fuller by harder to play due to long scale big body and higher action before frett buzz
actualy those are medium strings on the j45
cleartone strings on both
Could you please send me that tabs of the second song, or just tell me the name of that song..Thanks a lot, I would really appreciate that!
They both sound nice. You play well, also. I think that the Martin sounds a bit brighter, and although I like Martins better overall, the Gibson had a slightly darker sound that complemented what you were playing better, IMO. Thanks for sharing.
I have the same exact instruments, except opposite finishes on both, I like using my Gibson on alot of open tuned pieces but they are both phenomenal. I having both of them would probably lean more toward the Martin, but I dont want anyone to interpret that I am taking anything away from the Gibson. Depends on what you like, what feels good in your hands.
My friend do you have the tabs for the songs please?
Did you have that j-45 set up and the nut and saddle replaced w/ old dry bone. My buddy had his j-45 done in Nashville by some magic man luthier, and man his is really loud, unlike what I'm hearing here.
factory bone on the gibby
the HD28 is way louder anyway. but that is sometimes not a good thing.
Thinking of selling one, or just fooling around? I didn't have a preferrence from the sound although its tough to tell over PC speakers. I used to think Gibsons did better on blues, but preferred Martin for everything else. I haven't played any Gibsons of late so I may think differently now.
Is the j45 a standard hog body ? if it is it holds its own to the rosewood Martin
they both sound pretty similar. good playing.
its not a mismatch, the two are the most popular instruments by martin ang gibson. lots of buyers check them both when on the hunt for a pro acoustic. they may not sound the same but they sure compete on the the title " most loved american acoustic in history."
I think that when fingerpicked the gibson just sounds better, more balanced and sweet warm vintage tone. when strumed or flatpicked the martin tops with projection and tone.
Thanks for the video! Fantastic! I love the Martin D28. I picked up this Gibson and I was blown away! I love both guitars. I loved the Taylors but they sound almost too perfect plugged in. I need something that sounds authentic.
I couldn't agree with your assessment more. Fantastic demo. The Martin HD28 is just a great all-round meat and potatoes guitar, but the J45 has that special something especially when played fingerstyle, IMO. Every time I hear a beautiful recording of some fingerstyle playing, it ends up being a J45. No, it doesn't have the same clarity and top end brightness of the Martin, but damn if it doesn't have that soul and certain sadness to it. Love it!
Sounds good from here brother !!!! very nice playing too!!!! :)
I don't know. I'd be happy with either. The Martin seems more appealing with strumming and the Gibson with fingerstyle, although that may be because of different woods. Not sure though.
Played both at guitar center yesterday. I did enjoy the J45, but the HD28 had a much fuller and focused tone. The HD just made the whole room vibrate. Plus the sunburst finish on the J45 looked like it was put on by an intern. The HD28 is a clear choice for me.
Gibson is pure Soul. I love my ES 335 Tom Delonge and the next one will be the J45. My brand 4 life.
Thank you for this video!
Thank you so much for the reply, that is exaclty what I perceived...Martin are more crunchy and brighter...but now I am in love with the true vintage...two more questions...1. If I want to play live, does is matter then to have the J45 because of the mic? 2. In the store they have one with two important marks because of the hanging...I am not sure if this affected the sound but...they are doing a discount of 35% to 2,600USD...does it worth it? Or better to get a new piece.
I have owned several of both...currently have my dad's '77 HD28, and a '53 Gibson Southern Jumbo which is basically a J45...they are both great, but if I had to choose just 1 it would be the Martin
HI there, I have this exact dilemma...I visited a store and they have J45 and J45 True Vintage....I love them both (True Vintage a little more because of the materials)...But they have also a Martin D35 and the sound is more crunchy and bright...So for sound I would choose Martin (they told me that d28 is coming) but my dream was to get a Gibson...your opinion "the man in me"? Thanks
Thanks; does scalloped bracing bring better sounding?
can anyone tell me the guitar that cost about 500 $ and sounds like one of this guitars?
Hi, what are the differences between D28 and HD28? Thanks
Nice playing man.
@sc12100
For the record, the Martin guitar factory in Nazareth, PA is pretty small. Take a tour of it if you ever get a chance and you'll understand why they are so expensive. A lot oh hands on manufacturing goes into making a Martin Guitar. I wound recommend the tour to anyone with slightest of interest.
When i played in on my computer i was hearing woody martin and articulate gibson.. then I put the headphones on and switched back n forth during the last song and they sounded the same. Either way, they're both awesome tho I do love a sunburst guitar.
There's just something about the Martin - The wood seems to be far more active in it. To my ears, it seems the Gibson does the best it can just to keep up but ultimately the mid range stands out on the it because the bass is not projecting as well as on the Martin. I love that HD-28 and its resonance.
yeah, what model do you have?
i have the cedar maritime gt, which is an amazing guitar and the price is just ridculous! (in a good way)
Martin HD-28 to my ears. That's why I ordered mine from MFG about 3 Mo. ago and have never had one regret. Sounds fantastic. All the guys in the praise band at church play Taylors and while they don't sound bad they don't compare to the full bass and sound projection that the Martin HD-28 gives.
Yes you are right! Though I prefer Martins for live performing, I'll take a well seasoned J45 any day in the studio. Very complex differences in the two.
Is the Gibson rosewood or mahogany? Nice playing!
@hanghang71--Fair question, but I really think it shouldn't influence your decision if you are comparing the two for tonal quality, and your tonal preference should be the deciding factor. =)
The Gibson definitely has more mid-range and has a lush sound when strumming. The bottom end of the Martin sounds wonderful. Seems like the Martin projects its sound more too.
you know what man.... you actually have a point there. it does sound "dead" 'cos when you're taking out high end sound (trebles) and stay with the High mids. the sound turns into a vintage strange mid ranged sound that is so common on old recordings. some people would kill for that sound. :)
i am fortunate enough to have both of these guitars - the Martin is so much bigger and louder, the low end literally booms, the Gibson is more responsive and has a slightly better overall tone, totally different guitars and each have their own character, love having to choose which one to pull out play, both are holding their own as far as which one gets played more often after about a year.
What about the hd-35???
I've had both in multiples and prefer a J45 for what I do. I prefer the J45 in the clip. The midrange voice is full and rich IMO. Absolutely nothing wrong with a D28... one of the greatest guitars ever. Great picking. Thanks for the comparison.
hey kurtcrowbain good taste for guitars you have.
Good luck!!
I recently had to choose between the same guitars as I acquired both but could only keep one. It was hard because the Gibson had the best neck but the Martin tone was the decider in the end.
What kind of wood does this j45 have? (back/sides)
@goredeathrot
J for Jumbo and D for Dreadnought?
I'm extremely lucky I own and play both because I just could not decide which sounded best either one is a dream to play
I like the Martin better. The projection was bold, and the tone was very nice.I currently own two Taylors, a 414CE, and 210E. My next box will most certianly be the Martin HD28.
I agree with your assessment. I think they were pretty close in the fingerpicking department but the flatpicking the Martin definitely had more body. In person I think the differences would be more discernable too... and lead to the conclusion that the Martin is the winner! I am partially biased I must say but I also don't have tin ears. Closer than I imagined these two though but in person you'd pick up the subtle differences more. I just love a good Martin!
What kind of wood does this J45 have? (back/sides)
What's the fingerstyle song he's playing?
You play really nice man. Keep up the good fight.
I had an HD28 for a couple of weeks and traded up to a D-41 before my 30 or 45 days was up at GC . I like the J-45 here .
Warm, rich ,folky and sweet . The HD28 doesn’t do it for me personally, it sounds stringy and like a harpsichord to my ears when strumming chords. Flat picking and finger style sounds better . Nice comparison and great playing ... Thanks
Impossible to compare. They are both great for what they are. The HD 28 is so smooth while the j 45 has a more agressive tone to it. I've already got a 2002 j45 and I love it. Just saving some money to get a HD 28
well said!!!
the J-45 has a round warm porch like sound that only when you play - you feel
@Broyale26
What do you play?
How long you been playing?
What is the BEST in your opinion?
Not a commercial, just stating my opinion...
I guess Martin and Gibson are so bad why are they still in business...
Both companies employ fine craftsmen and utilize techniques and standards that have been refined over the years...
Many of the newer boutique guitars copied both the Martin HD 28 and 45 Gibson...
That in itself should tell you something...
I own both of these guitars, although my H-28is vintage reissue. Both are wonderful. The Martin is rosewood, so it has a warm, lush almost "boomy" tone. The J-45 has more clarity, less warmth, but excellent balance. If you're bluegrassing outdoors, go with the Martin. If you're a singer-songwriter, the J-45 is hard to beat.
@safeandsound100 I agree to what you say - but I also see the comparison based on popularity as valid too.
you're the first to notice the armrests :)
you see the conditions I have to work in? :)
I noticed your strumming on the Gibson was much closer to the bridge than your strumming on the Martin,
if you put medium strings on the j-45 it will sound like the d28 or in my opinion better and still easy to play because of its shorter scale
I felt if the Gibson were a natural top it would have made a little more difference as well personally when paint or stains are added to the top of any wood I feel it takes away from the natural ability to sound the best it could that's why for so many year guitar makers have perfected the type of finish they use on a guitar to get the thinnest finish possibly so how can a stain or paint help it
i think the martin has a warmer sound to it. the j45 just sounds loud to me.
I have been back and forth on the 2 guitars. The gibson is brighter and they " to me " with your recording equipment sound very similar when finger picked but when flat picked you could hear a huge difference when strummed. The martin seemed to push out the sound. Hard to pick the better guitar. Just two different great guitars.
Nicely played!
Im guessing this ones gonna go on for some time...but..for me, i looked at these two models when i wanted a guitar i could get old with...
The 28 just seemed a little more 'articulate', both are great...but i came home with a martin.
@caleb101089 I'm telling ya man, unless you already have. Go out and look for the special handcrafted ones, they made only four types of them (compass) not just the regular CPXs, they'll rewire the way you think.
I like the bright Martin on the picking/strumming but the more complex sound of the Gibson is best on the fingerpicking -- just my view.
btw I LOVE my HD-28 that i had for the past 6 years but Im really looking into getting a J45 in the near future!
yeah, i'd second that. i put gibson branded rosewood bridge pins on mine. it does make a difference. i got some brass pins too, but they made the sound too harsh for my ear.
true. but I played softly on both to lower the effect of overtones and room sound. the fact that they are both played softly makes it even. bare in mind that a J-45 is 15% weaker in volume than a D28
Nice comparison, thanks. Both guitars sound out of tune, but I'm guessing that is the lo-fi audio quality from youtube.
i have a j 45 less then a year old love it so far what strings did u put on it?
in my oppinion the martin guitars have a warm kind of typical campfirey or blue grass or country tone to it, while the gibsons have the sound you would want for a live performance or for recording
You're a great player! I've got both. The Martin is louder & brighter. It's presence cuts through live, sounds like no other. Sweet ring, bass phenomenal! But, if you are a bluesy bender with a weaker hand, it is harder, especially on upper frets. Light strings affect tone but it helps. This is why I go to the J more often. It's a dream blues guitar, plays like butter, warm and woody tone, bending is much easier. It is also less boomy for recording. Each has it's place, buy both. LOL
The Martin has more cut, the Gibson, a more rounded tone. Love BOTH!