Both are great sounding guitars. I enjoyed your playing....Thanks! Mahogany typically seems more much more mellow in sound to me. Would be interested in hearing a comparision between the Gibson and a Martin D-28 since it is rosewood as well. Martin's are usually pretty consistent, Gibson not so much. Seems like you may have landed one of those "special" Gibsons everyone talks about.
Well thanks Jeff. That was a really interesting contribution to the discussion. And wow, you have played some great guitars. Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experiences. Loved hearing them. Cheers mate.
Personally I am a Martin guy , I have 2 of them. However I also have a J-45 Mahogany and I barely play it to be honest with you. It just doesn’t have the magic ya know like when you strum a chord and it sounds like a piano or an organ and it literally inspires you to play better.. both my Martins do this and well. In fact one of them I had no intention of purchasing it because it was a crossover Nylon guitar and I had never played a nylon guitar that not only sounded good but wasn’t difficult to play but that Martin 00016c nylon didn’t have the 2+ inch nut and flat fretboard and it was set up phenomenally . It took me strumming 2-3 chords and I knew I was talking it home to my amazement. Like I said I didn’t like nylon guitars previously. But it had that “ magic “ that inspired you to not only play better but also inspired what you played on it , and it’s a Mahogany guitar back and sides. My other Martin is Rosewood back and sides. Mahogany has the midrange whereas Rosewood has the midrange scooped out lots of Lows and lots of highs but hardly any mids , great for a singers voice to fill in the mids . That’s my take on the difference between Rosewood and Mahogany.
That is a very interesting statement Steven. Thanks for contributing to the conversation. That gut strung sounds fantastic. And yes there is a special sound to a Martin that I don't like to be without. Cheers, and thanks for watching.
I’ve played both recently in music stores. The Martin D18 standard I played today is the absolute best sounding guitar I have ever heard . I currently own a custom D18 with Adirondack top but the regular D18 with Sitka spruce is the best value and tone in my opinion including much more expensive models.
Hi @mikedproducer, no it's not. The new one is super expensive and apart from the body depth, no real difference. Not sure if it sounds any better either. This one is much more comfortable to play too. Thanks for watching. Cheers.
I love Martin D-18s. There’s something plain spoken about them that sounds like an acoustic should in my head. That said, the Gibson sounds great! Good luck deciding!
Nice playing mate. These two guitars both respond well to your playing style here even though they have a different tonal character. I like both, but prefer the sound of the Gibson.
I have a J-45 burst Mahogany 1950s reissue (2018), and a D-28 (2019). The Martin is a bit more upmarket. Wasn't the J-45 just an average guitar at first? The tone woods aren't average though. J-45 got a reputation. Martin was never average. As for the sound I love them both. Probably would keep the Martin over the J-45. I love the fingerboard.
Hi @mollyMcGuire100, thanks for the interesting comments. I tend to agree with you, I just love that D18. I suppose I'm fond of this J45 because it's so easy to play with a short scale and a narrower depth than the martin. I wish I'd made the same choices as you. D28 rosewood and j45 mahogany. Thanks for watching, cheers.
I think you make a good point @mrcolin2u. These newish D18's can sound sensation. I'm also surprised by how good this gibson sounds. Thanks for watching. Much appreciated. Cheers.
I did own a standard D18 about few years ago and foolishly sold it. Before then I was a rosewood fan but these days I much prefer the sound of mahogany.
I'm in same boat is love my j45s but I love my Martin DM and my OM and even my old 70s yamahas I use them for different songs. Honestly though the Martin OM is the most versatile acoustic I got and I thought I'd hate it when I first bought it cause the slightly wider fretboard (which took getting used too) and longer scale but man what a cannon. One of my j45s has walnut back and sides so brighter than the mahogany j45 . The mahogany j45 has a good balanced tone the DM is all mahogany like a d18 and has more bottom end than the J45 and I'd say is better if your doing bluegrass flat picking. The OM can do it all very well and that blows my mind being a smaller thinner body than the dreadnoughts. In case anybody cares about my take on hiw these guitars compared. Can't stand Taylor and would never own anything I've heard and played by them. Too bright and thin sounding. It's Martin or Gibson or Yamaha for me.
You really can’t go wrong with either one mate. That rosewood is pushing more air, and is a bit more percussive with it’s attack. For me the Martin would physically be more comfortable to play, especially while standing. They both will record wonderfully… I’m certain of that. I’d keep both of them. Two beautiful instruments.
Thanks a lot emp. I think you're probably right. I put some recordings on that I did after the video and they both sound great to me. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers.
@@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638 I'm building D-28's right now and love that tone, but the J 45 had a more sweet & rich bottom end and full spectrum thru all strings. Thanks for sharing your guitars.
I think it depends on your style,, if more a strummer,, the Gibson. If you do individual notes the Martin.. but seems your style does both..which leans me toward the Martin.
I have owned many Gibsons.. about 10, and more Martins, around 15 since 1961.. the older the better, pre 1980s is my preference. My choice in Martins has always been Mahogany backs and sides... and specifically D-18s and 00-18. I currently have a 2015 00-18V with flamed Mahogany backs and sides, an exception to my usual vintage. A couple of my Gibsons were outstanding,, my first a 1946 J45 bought in 1965 for $100.. fantastic guitar.. sadly stolen in 1967. The next I liked was the WM-45 which was the only other Gibson I have owned I would say was equally good. When you find an exceptional Gibson there is nothing like it, and nothing Martin can touch. Finding such a Gibson is difficult as Gibson is consistently inconsistent. The Gibson in this video was, to me, one such Gibson. The Martin, while good, was not spectacular. I am not a rosewood fan, but this particular Gibson was outstanding. Would I buy it, no. Gibsons are grossly over-priced. I'll continue my search for another WM-45.
Thanks very much Jeff. That was interesting indeed. I would still be sad about that stolen 45. Heart breaking. Thanks for watching and making such interesting comments. Cheers.
Trouble is the sound you hear sat on top of the instrument is not what the listener hears, plus once you start playing with other instruments the sound you have blends differently for better or worse, for my money i prefer the martin❤
😂 OK Larry. I'll send it when I've finished paying for it😂 If you're in the USA I couldn't afford the postage mate. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed it. Cheers.
The Gibson definitely has more sustain and a lovely rich tone. The Martin sounds a quieter as it's not a studio but also a lighter tone. I think also the Gibson tone seemed more balanced across the strings.
Actually, the Gibson J45 studio w/rosewood would be more comparable to the Martin D-28. THAT is the difference. The standard J45 with mahogany would be the true comparison to the D-18. You are comparing apples and oranges. Of course there are striking differences.. As well the differences of a D-28 as with the D-18. This comparison is really wrong. They BOTH sound wonderful. Keep them BECAUSE of their differences.
Keith you are absolutely correct. But check out some of the d28 and d18 comparisons on the tube. I sort of hear much less difference than with the Gibson maybe. Thanks for watching man.
Hi Rahul and thanks for some interesting comments. It is actually a Gibson j45 not a chibson Chinese copy. I had a D28 for 40 years. A wonderful guitar. But I've got to hand it to this Gibson. It is a belter😂 cheers mate, and thanks for watching.
@@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638 thanks 🙏 all that matters is the sound we are after… I am a Martin Sound lover… every one has their own taste… two thinks I don’t like about Gibson 1) Build quality from one guitar to another same configuration is not consistent 2) Prone to neck breaking close to truss rod as there is not enough wood… keep that in mind … I myself own D-18 sinker golden era and D-41 that is a cut above any Martins I have played
Here's my take for what it's worth: If it was me I would find a way to keep both, lol. They sound good for sure. However, here is what I'm hearing: Because the tuning is down a half step, I think the bass response on the J-45 is exaggerated. Rosewood has more bass in general, and a little less tension actually makes the bass less tight, sound like more bass and "richer". The D-18 also has a bit more bass response when tuned down but you still hear the mids ring through, and presents with more clarity in the notes. Overall, tuned half down or to standard pitch, I often find the D-18 is clear and will punch in the mix or jam due to the mids from the Mahogany. It still has a good bass response, but not enough to take away from the mids and treble...making it clear to my ears. There is a lot of personal preference in choosing an instrument of course. What one may like another may not! All the best
That's a pretty erudite response Steve. Thanks for your input. I would tend to agree with just about everything you say. At the moment I'm still hanging on to both of them. Thanks for watching mate, cheers.
I guess i have enough different kinds of guitars ,and at this age it should qualify me to be an official member of the old fart acoustic guitar demo club.
Both are great sounding guitars. I enjoyed your playing....Thanks! Mahogany typically seems more much more mellow in sound to me. Would be interested in hearing a comparision between the Gibson and a Martin D-28 since it is rosewood as well. Martin's are usually pretty consistent, Gibson not so much. Seems like you may have landed one of those "special" Gibsons everyone talks about.
Thanks a lot Jeff. Yes, the d28 is strangely not as different sounding as the Gibson. Crazy.
Well thanks Jeff. That was a really interesting contribution to the discussion. And wow, you have played some great guitars. Thank you so much for watching and sharing your experiences. Loved hearing them. Cheers mate.
Yes sean. True. And yet i love that martin mahogany tone. Its a rock and a hard place. Thanks for watching. Appreciate it.
Interesting comparison. Martin's tone and timbre is more deeper. Keep up your good work.
Thanks nomad. Much appreciated. And thanks for watching mate. Cheers.
Personally I am a Martin guy , I have 2 of them. However I also have a J-45 Mahogany and I barely play it to be honest with you. It just doesn’t have the magic ya know like when you strum a chord and it sounds like a piano or an organ and it literally inspires you to play better.. both my Martins do this and well. In fact one of them I had no intention of purchasing it because it was a crossover Nylon guitar and I had never played a nylon guitar that not only sounded good but wasn’t difficult to play but that Martin 00016c nylon didn’t have the 2+ inch nut and flat fretboard and it was set up phenomenally . It took me strumming 2-3 chords and I knew I was talking it home to my amazement. Like I said I didn’t like nylon guitars previously. But it had that “ magic “ that inspired you to not only play better but also inspired what you played on it , and it’s a Mahogany guitar back and sides. My other Martin is Rosewood back and sides. Mahogany has the midrange whereas Rosewood has the midrange scooped out lots of Lows and lots of highs but hardly any mids , great for a singers voice to fill in the mids . That’s my take on the difference between Rosewood and Mahogany.
That is a very interesting statement Steven. Thanks for contributing to the conversation. That gut strung sounds fantastic. And yes there is a special sound to a Martin that I don't like to be without. Cheers, and thanks for watching.
I’ve played both recently in music stores. The Martin D18 standard I played today is the absolute best sounding guitar I have ever heard . I currently own a custom D18 with Adirondack top but the regular D18 with Sitka spruce is the best value and tone in my opinion including much more expensive models.
Since the standard went back to forward shifted scalloped bracing in 2012 the D18 has been amazing.
The Gibson is deep and tonally appealing. I was surprised too. The Martin would be my 2nd choice in this comparison.
An interesting comment Aman. Thanks for watching.
I Love the Gibson! With my ears and a good speaker the panoramic sound of the Gibson is hands down best. Don’t lose that baby. Get her insured.
Thanks for watching John. Yes😂 I think I will get it insured. Great advice. Cheers mate.
They both sound good, but the Gibson had a brighter sound. I have a Yamaha LLTA that has Rosewood back and sides. I just love it
Cheers Joseph. That rosewood does sound sweet. But I love the mahogany martin tone too😂
perfect pair- keep these two and be done... gotta keep em both!
Thanks @aquaboneous I am going to keep them. And thanks for watching man. Cheers.
Is this the newest version of the studio? Where the body thickness is the same as a standard?
Hi @mikedproducer, no it's not. The new one is super expensive and apart from the body depth, no real difference. Not sure if it sounds any better either. This one is much more comfortable to play too. Thanks for watching. Cheers.
I love Martin D-18s. There’s something plain spoken about them that sounds like an acoustic should in my head.
That said, the Gibson sounds great! Good luck deciding!
Very true Matt. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers.
Nice playing mate. These two guitars both respond well to your playing style here even though they have a different tonal character. I like both, but prefer the sound of the Gibson.
Thanks very much @gregorylumpkin. This Gibson does sound good , surprisingly good. But that martin sound is so good too. 😂
I have a J-45 burst Mahogany 1950s reissue (2018), and a D-28 (2019). The Martin is a bit more upmarket. Wasn't the J-45 just an average
guitar at first? The tone woods aren't average though. J-45 got a reputation. Martin was never average. As for the sound I love them both.
Probably would keep the Martin over the J-45. I love the fingerboard.
Hi @mollyMcGuire100, thanks for the interesting comments. I tend to agree with you, I just love that D18. I suppose I'm fond of this J45 because it's so easy to play with a short scale and a narrower depth than the martin. I wish I'd made the same choices as you. D28 rosewood and j45 mahogany. Thanks for watching, cheers.
Great informative video, I’ve been looking into a used D-18 or Gibson Songwriter maybe also have a look at j-45 studio. Thanks
I'm happy it was some use to you @IanBroon. Thanks for watching. I can recommend both of these. Cheers.
I had a Gibson Songwriter. I've played the D-18, D-28 & HD versions. In my opinion, the Songwriter takes the cake. Awesome sounding guitar!
I think you make a good point @mrcolin2u. These newish D18's can sound sensation. I'm also surprised by how good this gibson sounds. Thanks for watching. Much appreciated. Cheers.
I did own a standard D18 about few years ago and foolishly sold it. Before then I was a rosewood fan but these days I much prefer the sound of mahogany.
Yeah. I love um both😂
I'm in same boat is love my j45s but I love my Martin DM and my OM and even my old 70s yamahas I use them for different songs. Honestly though the Martin OM is the most versatile acoustic I got and I thought I'd hate it when I first bought it cause the slightly wider fretboard (which took getting used too) and longer scale but man what a cannon. One of my j45s has walnut back and sides so brighter than the mahogany j45 . The mahogany j45 has a good balanced tone the DM is all mahogany like a d18 and has more bottom end than the J45 and I'd say is better if your doing bluegrass flat picking. The OM can do it all very well and that blows my mind being a smaller thinner body than the dreadnoughts. In case anybody cares about my take on hiw these guitars compared. Can't stand Taylor and would never own anything I've heard and played by them. Too bright and thin sounding. It's Martin or Gibson or Yamaha for me.
@therover4141 thanks for the interesting comments 4141. Much appreciated. And thanks for watching.
So which one did you keep?
I've still got both. Sold a couple of other guitars so I could keep them. Just couldn't let um go.😍
They both sound amazing !
Thank you @slpc30. And thanks for watching. Cheers.
You really can’t go wrong with either one mate. That rosewood is pushing more air, and is a bit more percussive with it’s attack. For me the Martin would physically be more comfortable to play, especially while standing. They both will record wonderfully… I’m certain of that. I’d keep both of them. Two beautiful instruments.
Thanks a lot emp. I think you're probably right. I put some recordings on that I did after the video and they both sound great to me. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers.
I prefer the look of a round shoulder and that studio rosewood sounded very good indeed
Thanks @StitchYes567, it is sounding surprisingly good I would agree. And it is a tad easier to play than the D18. Thanks for watching, 🍻
I didn't think I would ever hear a Gibby sound better than a Martin but it sure does over the You Tube channel.
I think you're right lance. It's weird because Martins have always been my first choice. Thanks for watching.
Thanks robert. That rosewood is really sweet. But the martin tone is also special. Cheers mate.
J45 has got it for me.
It does sound sweet Peter. But that D18 has got something about it. Thanks for watching. Much appreciated. Cheers mate.
@@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638 I'm building D-28's right now and love that tone, but the J 45 had a more sweet & rich bottom end and full spectrum thru all strings. Thanks for sharing your guitars.
Cheers Peter.
I think it depends on your style,, if more a strummer,, the Gibson. If you do individual notes the Martin.. but seems your style does both..which leans me toward the Martin.
Thanks for your response @ericjohnson9928. I think you're probably right. That's a very big guitar playing name you have there Eric. Cheers mate.
I have owned many Gibsons.. about 10, and more Martins, around 15 since 1961.. the older the better,
pre 1980s is my preference.
My choice in Martins has always been Mahogany backs and sides... and specifically D-18s and 00-18.
I currently have a 2015 00-18V with flamed Mahogany backs and sides, an exception to my usual vintage.
A couple of my Gibsons were outstanding,, my first a 1946 J45 bought in 1965 for $100.. fantastic guitar..
sadly stolen in 1967. The next I liked was the WM-45 which was the only other Gibson I have owned I
would say was equally good. When you find an exceptional Gibson there is nothing like it, and nothing
Martin can touch. Finding such a Gibson is difficult as Gibson is consistently inconsistent.
The Gibson in this video was, to me, one such Gibson. The Martin, while good, was not spectacular.
I am not a rosewood fan, but this particular Gibson was outstanding. Would I buy it, no. Gibsons are
grossly over-priced. I'll continue my search for another WM-45.
Thanks very much Jeff. That was interesting indeed. I would still be sad about that stolen 45. Heart breaking. Thanks for watching and making such interesting comments. Cheers.
u got it the other way around mate mate, gibson is famous for its mahogany and martin is for rosewood lol
Well you're right @armasxu and that's what is surprising me😂. Thanks for watching mate. Cheers.
Nice 🎸👍🏼🎸 thankyou 🎸👍🏼
Thanks mac. Much appreciated. Cheers mate.
I prefer the Martin. But you seem to like the Gibson. Which ever one you like, go with your gut feeling.
Hi Sara. Thanks for watching. I love the sound of both but that gibson is so sweet. Yet my heart is with the martin. Crazy.
Just keep them both. They both have their uses.
So far so good @tjstevens001, I've still got both. And you are right Tim, they are two very different guitars. Thanks for watching. Cheers.
Trouble is the sound you hear sat on top of the instrument is not what the listener hears, plus once you start playing with other instruments the sound you have blends differently for better or worse, for my money i prefer the martin❤
A good point Michael. Its strange. Someday the Martin sounds unbeatable but this Gibson is always sweet. 👌
I’ll take the one you don’t want…😛
😂 OK Larry. I'll send it when I've finished paying for it😂 If you're in the USA I couldn't afford the postage mate. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoyed it. Cheers.
Gibson is so rich, brighter. I'd keep the Gibson!
It's a difficult decision nick. Thanks for watching man. Hoping I can keep them both. We'll see.
The Gibson is a Jumbo
@@eljefe.o386
Jumbo is Gibson’s name for a dreadnaught.
@@powbobs I own two J’s
@@eljefe.o386
I own a 12 fret Southern Jumbo custom shop.
amazingradio.com/profile/petemac2/tunes/d79a4519-8b7c-4525-b64f-51eed5b0a76b
The Gibson definitely has more sustain and a lovely rich tone. The Martin sounds a quieter as it's not a studio but also a lighter tone.
I think also the Gibson tone seemed more balanced across the strings.
Thanks for watching Sean. You make some excellent points. Cheers mate.
Actually, the Gibson J45 studio w/rosewood would be more comparable to the Martin D-28. THAT is the difference. The standard J45 with mahogany would be the true comparison to the D-18. You are comparing apples and oranges. Of course there are striking differences.. As well the differences of a D-28 as with the D-18. This comparison is really wrong. They BOTH sound wonderful. Keep them BECAUSE of their differences.
Keith you are absolutely correct. But check out some of the d28 and d18 comparisons on the tube. I sort of hear much less difference than with the Gibson maybe. Thanks for watching man.
I think the Gibson sounds so full with loads of overtones. My preference anyway. Both are great.
Thanks for watching @robertdurando7152. I agree. On this comparison the Gibson is sounding great.
Connot compare Chipson to Quality Martin Guitar .... if you like Rosewood get D41-45 or D28... Martin is the far best sounding than Chipson
Hi Rahul and thanks for some interesting comments. It is actually a Gibson j45 not a chibson Chinese copy. I had a D28 for 40 years. A wonderful guitar. But I've got to hand it to this Gibson. It is a belter😂 cheers mate, and thanks for watching.
@@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638 thanks 🙏 all that matters is the sound we are after… I am a Martin Sound lover… every one has their own taste… two thinks I don’t like about Gibson 1) Build quality from one guitar to another same configuration is not consistent 2) Prone to neck breaking close to truss rod as there is not enough wood… keep that in mind … I myself own D-18 sinker golden era and D-41 that is a cut above any Martins I have played
@@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638 th-cam.com/video/1JUqtEcp28E/w-d-xo.html
Good man
Here's my take for what it's worth:
If it was me I would find a way to keep both, lol. They sound good for sure.
However, here is what I'm hearing:
Because the tuning is down a half step, I think the bass response on the J-45 is exaggerated. Rosewood has more bass in general, and a little less tension actually makes the bass less tight, sound like more bass and "richer".
The D-18 also has a bit more bass response when tuned down but you still hear the mids ring through, and presents with more clarity in the notes.
Overall, tuned half down or to standard pitch, I often find the D-18 is clear and will punch in the mix or jam due to the mids from the Mahogany. It still has a good bass response, but not enough to take away from the mids and treble...making it clear to my ears.
There is a lot of personal preference in choosing an instrument of course. What one may like another may not!
All the best
That's a pretty erudite response Steve. Thanks for your input. I would tend to agree with just about everything you say. At the moment I'm still hanging on to both of them. Thanks for watching mate, cheers.
I guess i have enough different kinds of guitars ,and at this age it should qualify me to be an official member of the old fart acoustic guitar demo club.
😂😂 harsh but fair John, harsh but fair. And you know what they say? It takes one to know one😂 Thanks for watching, cheers mate.