The first d-35 were all Brazilian rosewood in 1965. Because of the embargo of the Brazilian rosewood they are all East Indian rosewood now. I have a 2005 d-35 and it's all East Indian rosewood. I think it was in the 70s Martin stopped using the Brazilian rosewood. They still have small quantities of Brazilian and is usually used on the custom shop models and you pay dearly for it. I also have the j-45. I love the shorter scale length of the j-45 which you failed to mention. They both are great guitars. I also have the Martin hd-28 also a great guitar. They all are different in a good way. You can never have too many guitars.
Good illustration to why the J45 is one of the most used guitars for recording, it just sounds good. The D35 sounded muddy and boomy in comparison. Probably sounds lovely in the room though. Great playing guys. 👍
I had a J45 a while back, loved the neck but I just couldn't bond with it, could have been the cheap A pick up that was in it. I always go back to Martins after trying many different guitars, a D35 among them.
Two of my favourite for vocal accompaniment, where the D-28 would be too much on the mids and high end. I would say the J-45 for solo singer songwriter kind of thing, D-35 would work better in a band situation or when more volume and projection is needed.
Nice comparison's and contrast's of these iconic guitars ! I have played many of these two varieties and variation's over the last 3 weeks. I like both ! The price point now is $3600.00 on on each of these two model's in 2024. Gibby for me is warm and nice base. The Martin is visually beautiful looking and sounding crisp, clear, and resonating with a sweet ring. Challenging to choose just one. The Gibson's that I have seen have the electronic's set up and ready to perform with a amp inside the sound hole and jake port. They did not seem to loose anything in sound unplugged with this feature. Wondered what you both thought of that ? Would you either of you have the electrons added to a D-35 or would leave it as is if you bought one ? Thank you both for the great review ! I want to upgrade to one of these two guitars or a Guild D-55 as I really like those also ! Tc
no one talks about how the 45 has a lower non flabby bass quality as compared to the martin. The tone of the 45 is what you want to hear on your favorite strum sing alongs. Rounded mid/highs and emphasis on bass without hiding the important articulate information. D35 not worth the purchas if you have a 45. The martin almost sounds like it's struggling to find its voice. Is it a bright guitar? A warm guitar? Can't tell you
Well done boys, sounds amazing! I have a beatutiful custom built Taylor guitar and now I'm looking to buy another really nice guitar so am considering the Martin D18, D35 or Gibson J45. I really like the Martins and my wife who has a good ear says she likes the sound of the Martin better but I tend to lean toward the sweet and smooth sound and feel of the J45. Tough decision! Thanks for posting. Can't afford to have 3 nice guitars. Will be keeping the Taylor and I'm thinking I will be getting a J45...not sure....
Very different guitars and each does their thing, which can complement the other perfectly. I've actually got one of each! A D-35 Centennial and 50's Original J-45. Both are amazing and don't think I would part with either.
I have both and I can tell you right now one is not better than the other there are some songs that sound better on the j-45 and some that sound better on the d-35 one thing is forsure I’d put these two guitars against most other acoustics out there and they would still be the cream of the crop 😊😊
A lot actually. Some mic’s sound completely different to the point where the guitar would sound different too. Also, it depends on the room and where the mic is positioned. Different positions bring out different sound qualities
listening to this review again. my opinion is that the d35 is a banjo killer more balance overall (almost eq'd) where the j45 Was much woodier (Thumpy like any hog)
Unless you gotta have that back, buy the HD 28 and replace a few inexpensive bridge and nut pieces. Save these $$$ or save a bit more and get a 4 series from Martin. There is a huge difference in sound and quality. The Modern series captures the sound without the bling and cost. Ding ding.
Almost bought the J-45 based on the sound from this guy's playing here th-cam.com/video/FaAR7x6hioI/w-d-xo.html. Instead I have a 2012 D-35 and 2011 HD28-V. Nice playing 🙂
Which is your favorite?
D-35 I have one.
Love the Gibson for chords and the Martin for single note picking .
The first d-35 were all Brazilian rosewood in 1965. Because of the embargo of the Brazilian rosewood they are all East Indian rosewood now. I have a 2005 d-35 and it's all East Indian rosewood. I think it was in the 70s Martin stopped using the Brazilian rosewood. They still have small quantities of Brazilian and is usually used on the custom shop models and you pay dearly for it. I also have the j-45. I love the shorter scale length of the j-45 which you failed to mention. They both are great guitars. I also have the Martin hd-28 also a great guitar. They all are different in a good way. You can never have too many guitars.
I like how you guys were complimenting each other's guitars rather than competing. It's nice to see, especially between with these two brands. Cheers.
Good illustration to why the J45 is one of the most used guitars for recording, it just sounds good. The D35 sounded muddy and boomy in comparison. Probably sounds lovely in the room though. Great playing guys. 👍
Great demo and comparison! Love both models and making a decision on one of them. Thanks for sharing this!
I had a J45 a while back, loved the neck but I just couldn't bond with it, could have been the cheap A pick up that was in it. I always go back to Martins after trying many different guitars, a D35 among them.
Two of my favourite for vocal accompaniment, where the D-28 would be too much on the mids and high end.
I would say the J-45 for solo singer songwriter kind of thing, D-35 would work better in a band situation or when more volume and projection is needed.
Nice comparison's and contrast's of these iconic guitars ! I have played many of these two varieties and variation's over the last 3 weeks. I like both ! The price point now is $3600.00 on on each of these two model's in 2024. Gibby for me is warm and nice base. The Martin is visually beautiful looking and sounding crisp, clear, and resonating with a sweet ring. Challenging to choose just one. The Gibson's that I have seen have the electronic's set up and ready to perform with a amp inside the sound hole and jake port. They did not seem to loose anything in sound unplugged with this feature. Wondered what you both thought of that ? Would you either of you have the electrons added to a D-35 or would leave it as is if you bought one ? Thank you both for the great review ! I want to upgrade to one of these two guitars or a Guild D-55 as I really like those also ! Tc
Funny! Both of these models are regarded as workhorses, and both are my favorite models
Yep! I agree
I think the D-28 was called the work horse because of the longevity of it. The d-35 didn't come out until 1965.
Just bought a 2023 Gibson J-45 2 days ago. It was listed at $2999 I ended up paying $2699 with a $300 discount at Sam Ash.
Love the Mello tones from the D35
no one talks about how the 45 has a lower non flabby bass quality as compared to the martin. The tone of the 45 is what you want to hear on your favorite strum sing alongs. Rounded mid/highs and emphasis on bass without hiding the important articulate information. D35 not worth the purchas if you have a 45. The martin almost sounds like it's struggling to find its voice. Is it a bright guitar? A warm guitar? Can't tell you
Martin guitars are awesome!
Wow nice comparison! Would love to know what strings were being used on that Gibby! Sounds great!
HELLO, WHAT SIZE OF STRING YOU USE?
Super jam les gars. J’ai la chance d’avoir les deux.
Both models go together like bookends. One isn’t better than the other, they complement each other. IMHO-
Well done boys, sounds amazing! I have a beatutiful custom built Taylor guitar and now I'm looking to buy another really nice guitar so am considering the Martin D18, D35 or Gibson J45. I really like the Martins and my wife who has a good ear says she likes the sound of the Martin better but I tend to lean toward the sweet and smooth sound and feel of the J45. Tough decision! Thanks for posting. Can't afford to have 3 nice guitars. Will be keeping the Taylor and I'm thinking I will be getting a J45...not sure....
"back in the day" all three back pieces on the D35 were Braazilian Rosewood... not just the center piece.
Very different guitars and each does their thing, which can complement the other perfectly. I've actually got one of each! A D-35 Centennial and 50's Original J-45. Both are amazing and don't think I would part with either.
Nice! They are both awesome
I have both and I can tell you right now one is not better than the other there are some songs that sound better on the j-45 and some that sound better on the d-35 one thing is forsure I’d put these two guitars against most other acoustics out there and they would still be the cream of the crop 😊😊
What difference does the make or kind, of microphone, have to do with the tone , quality or playability; as long as it amplifies the sound?
A lot actually. Some mic’s sound completely different to the point where the guitar would sound different too. Also, it depends on the room and where the mic is positioned. Different positions bring out different sound qualities
Love the groove
listening to this review again. my opinion is that the d35 is a banjo killer more balance overall (almost eq'd) where the j45 Was much woodier (Thumpy like any hog)
Nice! The j45 is my fav 👏
Thanks! And same
Unless you gotta have that back, buy the HD 28 and replace a few inexpensive bridge and nut pieces. Save these $$$ or save a bit more and get a 4 series from Martin. There is a huge difference in sound and quality. The Modern series captures the sound without the bling and cost. Ding ding.
Nice
The Slope is Dope 😂
❤❤❤❤
J-45 wins here it’s close though. You just can’t beat that clarity of the 45.
Why wouldn't you clean your guitar once in a while?
I have since then lol. It does mess with the way it ages though
I have a D-35.
Gibson!!!!
It became, illegal , to use Brazilian Rosewood, in 1969-1970, so they ceased making guitars, with it; for all manufacturers.
The bro on the right is a total bro...
Almost bought the J-45 based on the sound from this guy's playing here th-cam.com/video/FaAR7x6hioI/w-d-xo.html. Instead I have a 2012 D-35 and 2011 HD28-V. Nice playing 🙂
J45 she got soul
I agree lol
promosm
The Workhorse, always.
I agree
The j45 is the best acoustic guitar ever
The J45 is really great