Ian, it's so great to see a new demo of yours! Love em! That D18 sounds so 'Martin' I could eat it! The J45 sounds wonderful too. I think the classic acoustics coming outta Bozeman are such quality instruments these days. Can't go wrong with either guitar...
Both guitars are so iconic, sound incredible and are different enough despite the same woods used. I had a hard time to decide between a D-18 and J-45. So I bought both over time, and both in sunburst. It's the only acoustic guitars I have. I am happy every-time no matter which one I pick up to play. Thanks for the video Ian.
I have a 2019 D18. I like the look and sound more than the gibson, its personal taste- what I dont like about the D18 is the slim neck, doesnt feel really comfortable, the aging toner, I would prefer to get the aging done by myself. great that youre back Ian!
I have a Gibson Hummingbird Original, Gibson Southern Jumbo Original and a Martin D18 Standard.. they all have their own place.. one thing is for sure. All 3, are great sounding guitars..
The Gibson has a better tone, like an old friend having a conversation over coffee. The Martin is brighter and annunciates clearer, like a fellow with a clear voice speaking to a crowd. So what do you need, a hart felt conversation with a friend, or do you want to tell a crowd of people a clear story?
gibson have started to put the scratch plates on properly not covering the rosette , you also get electronics , the martin is lighter and has a very unique sound , i sold my j45 to get a d28 and never looked back, about 1.5k in the difference in price but the d18 for me is a much nicer sounding instrument for my needs . just my 2cents
Nice soft playing. I am mostly a fairly hard strummer. When I saw the title of this video I thought, with these guitars, I would hear some hard strumming. There are very few guitars that can sound clear with hard strumming. This video was pretty much a comparison of light strumming and finger picking.
They both sound great but for me it's the J-45. The two main reasons, and this is just my subjective opinion of course: 1) the notes on the D18's high strings sounded too bright for my ear in relation to the notes on the other strings, and the J-45 was much more balanced in this regard. 2) The overall tone and voice of the D-18 sounded a little boxy to me, not too much, just a little bit, while the J-45 had a much more open voice. Both great guitars but for me the J-45 is the winner. That being said, I'd have to play both before buying.
I have a j-45 I bought instead of the d-18. I played both side by side. Hearing instead of playing can burn you. This video is a great starting point but until you play them for yourself you really can't tell. What I like you may not. I will not buy a guitar without first playing it. The Martin d-18 I played had a satin finish I think. The action was extremely high plus it just didn't sound like a Marti d-18. I played a d-18 since 1971 but the 2020 model I played did not sound or play like the one I bought in 1971. So that's why I have a j-45. Not to mention the shorter scale length.
In 2012 the D18 was re imagined.. braces were shifted forward along with a few more changes.. I have a 2023 Hummingbird Original, 2023 Southern Jumbo Original and a 2024 Martin D18 Standard.. they each have their own place. But all 3 sound great..
Gibson for its tone and sustain. It just seems to have beautiful note separation/ more air or lightness. The Martin has the powerful resonance about it but for my listening, the Gibson on this outing 🙂 I own a Gibson & a Martin so not super tribal 🤣
The J45 has a great sound but the neck is too chunky for my taste. I also feel like I have to really bear down on it to get the volume I want. I absolutely love my D18…the sound is warm and full, but still has a touch a brightness, plenty of volume, and is so comfortable to play.
The Gibson, but then I'm kind of a Gibson guy. The Martin sounds great, they usually do. But so does the Gibby, and she's beautiful. And I'm used to their necks. Gibsons usually do it for me sonically and visually. I've had Martins I've loved, though. I
Yea both.. great guitars, however if you're a singer /song writer the J45 is the one It sits perfectly with the human voice particularly when recording .
I've always felt more at home with the J 45 vs a martin D 18 standards. To me personally the Gibson necks are more comfortable. J 45 seems to be a little more versatile. I did have a D18 GE once in my life and I am excluding that guitar from that opinion. It was a supreme all rounder.
I keep getting the temptation to buy a J45 to join my HD28 and every time I see something like this I think I have to get the D18. It sounds like a Steinway piano compared to the Gibson (which still is awesome and its own thing). But damn. Tough choice.
The gibson sounds more woody and warm than the Martin to me, which is an attractive quality, but the shimmer, sustain and smoothness of the Martin is just so luxurious.
@@geoffreycarter3981I added a J45 to my collection a couple years ago. What originally sounded like warmth from the Gibson later just sounded very dull when compared to my standard Martins. I sold the Gibson at a loss and replaced it with a Martin 000-15SM, which is warm and complex sounding...not to mention the neck is amazing. Anyhoo, I think I fell for the internet hype around "the workhorse of guitars" and ignored the fact that Martins just sound better to my ear.
The Martin sound is more blurred. Might be good for pop music or happier tunes. The Gibson sounds to have a defined string distinction which might suit alternative indie/country, darker dry desert vibes. In truth, even to an expert (I am ‘almost’ an expert) both sound professional standard. And there’s not a great deal between them in terms of sound. I am biased because I own a Gibson J-45 standard. But were I to have purchased a Martin D-28 instead I don’t think I’d be too upset.
You gotta have the J45 banner to really compare with a D18. And Gibson charges another 2k to get the banner J45 which sounds like what a J45 should be in the first place. I dunno why it’s gotta be like that. Every standard J45 I played was muffled and just didn’t have much volume like a D18. But the J45 true vintage or current J45 42 Banner have much much better volume and power
That J-45 sounds congested. It could be the recording or maybe it’s a dud or hasn’t opened up yet over time. Mine sounds like a richer version of the D-18 in this video.
An observation based on a few decades of guitar mania. When you find a "good" Martin, difficult under the current regime owing to material and workmanship decline, there is none better. The D-18 is a perfect example. . When you find a good Gibson , Gibson is consistently inconsistent, such as the J-45, there is nothing like it. In my opinion. superior to a "good" Martin. Finding a "good" Martin is easy, finding an exceptional Martin is now more difficult. Example I bought a 2003 D-18 Golden Era. Within a month the neck twisted and the bridge popped off. The selling dealer, Mackenzie River Music in Eugene, Oregon, said it does not need a neck "reset" it needs a neck. The guitar was offed to another US famous retailer. I lost $500. I bought a new D-18 S.. I opened the case and most of the top and back braces had popped off. Instead of glue there was a white powder. Guitar returned, refund minus my cost of shipping both ways. I lost $250. And there is more all under the new regime. Many Martins are now suffering binding separation.. seems universal. Mino to some, r but you would think a company in business since 1833 would have this down in spades. Finding a "good" Gibson is also difficult, finding an "exceptional" Gibson is like the proverbial Unicorn. I'm patient but optimistic. There is one out there.
Both of these guitars sound so similar. The Gibson probably has a slightly fuller sound but they both sound balanced and warm. The Martin has slightly more shimmer on the high end and to me sounds a little more country while the Gibby a little more folky. I prefer the unglossed neck, string spacing and scale on the Martin which would seal the deal for me.
I have to agree with this analysis. The Martin has balanced and pleasing overtones. The Gibson is lacking in this regard. One or two of the progressions this fellow played did sound better on the Gibson. But, the Martin is superior overall.
I have had J45s and I love them. They look and sound great . The Martins I have played (a D28, and a few D18s) all have played better, and felt less clunky. The Martin D28 that a friend of mine has, sounds like a perfectly tuned piano in a perfectly sound treated room...and it plays effortlessly. Every note of every chord seems to occupy the proper space and it just rings so perfectly to my ears. A pristine Martin beats out a pristine Gibson in both sound and playability. Gibson wins on looks.
i agree. gibsons are killer lookin'. i've played great gibsons, and i really like the sound of them. i currently have a j45 clone and i love the woodiness and the thumpiness for certain styles and inspiration on a more rhythmic/rockin' sound.@@dr.scanlan6112
The Gibson sounded warmer to me.
Love your stuff Ian. Thanks for returning and posting.
The Gibson in this comparison is more pleasing to my ear. That said, one cannot go wrong with either of these very fine instruments.
Ian, it's so great to see a new demo of yours! Love em! That D18 sounds so 'Martin' I could eat it! The J45 sounds wonderful too. I think the classic acoustics coming outta Bozeman are such quality instruments these days. Can't go wrong with either guitar...
Both guitars are so iconic, sound incredible and are different enough despite the same woods used. I had a hard time to decide between a D-18 and J-45. So I bought both over time, and both in sunburst. It's the only acoustic guitars I have. I am happy every-time no matter which one I pick up to play. Thanks for the video Ian.
I have one of each and they are both great for different styles...
Good point Wysteria
J45 for me
Love my J-45! 🤘
I have a 2019 D18. I like the look and sound more than the gibson, its personal taste- what I dont like about the D18 is the slim neck, doesnt feel really comfortable, the aging toner, I would prefer to get the aging done by myself. great that youre back Ian!
I’m with you. I hate all the faux aging. Natural wear/tear/aging for me.
The J45 has the slim taper neck.. not the 50s original versions. But the J45 Standard the neck is really slimmer than the D18 neck.
@@liberalsrmentallyflawed3611why I dig the 50s original J-45s. Bone nut and saddle instead of Tusq, and the fatter, rounder necks.
You’d need or want both of these models. Shorter scale on the Gibson and longer scale on the Martin. Both are fun and enjoyable to play.
I have both, prefer the J45
Here's my take a way. I own a 1973 D-28, now I need a J-45 to!
I came here thinking a D18 was going to be my next guitar, and I'm leaving here thinking I need a J-45
I own both of these guitars. I'll warn you that finding a really good J45 can be tough. If you do find one however, they're wonderful.
@@gldnedge Well after returning four Martin D-18s due to quality issues, seems like it's super hard to find a good Martin now a days too!
@@gldnedgeI own both as well. I play the Gibby way more often. There’s just something about that guitar.
I have a Gibson Hummingbird Original, Gibson Southern Jumbo Original and a Martin D18 Standard.. they all have their own place.. one thing is for sure. All 3, are great sounding guitars..
That D18 is exactly what an acoustic guitar is supposed to sound like ❤
Love the woody mids of the j45. They have a very unique attack that I love! Kinda rubbery. Great studio guitar.
What kind of strings are on the j45? Sounds excellent.
Probably 12-53 80-20’s
Always the best comparisons and this is a great one.
The Gibson has a better tone, like an old friend having a conversation over coffee. The Martin is brighter and annunciates clearer, like a fellow with a clear voice speaking to a crowd.
So what do you need, a hart felt conversation with a friend, or do you want to tell a crowd of people a clear story?
Very nice description!!!
What a fantastic analogy. I found my self in this very situation, and although the D18 is awesome guitar. The J45 is that old friend.
Very well said
You analogy left me confused and nauseous
gibson have started to put the scratch plates on properly not covering the rosette , you also get electronics , the martin is lighter and has a very unique sound , i sold my j45 to get a d28 and never looked back, about 1.5k in the difference in price but the d18 for me is a much nicer sounding instrument for my needs . just my 2cents
Excelente interpretación acústica, me ha gustado mucho, enhorabuena desde Madrid y gracias por compartir tu música Ian, like 37
Nice soft playing. I am mostly a fairly hard strummer. When I saw the title of this video I thought, with these guitars, I would hear some hard strumming. There are very few guitars that can sound clear with hard strumming. This video was pretty much a comparison of light strumming and finger picking.
Good point @biohazard8295
They both sound great but for me it's the J-45. The two main reasons, and this is just my subjective opinion of course: 1) the notes on the D18's high strings sounded too bright for my ear in relation to the notes on the other strings, and the J-45 was much more balanced in this regard. 2) The overall tone and voice of the D-18 sounded a little boxy to me, not too much, just a little bit, while the J-45 had a much more open voice. Both great guitars but for me the J-45 is the winner. That being said, I'd have to play both before buying.
Correct
Having played a J45 and D-18 back to back I much prefer the thinner unfinished neck and wider string spacing of the D-18.
When you've played the D18 for a while.. the back of the neck gets shiny, polished by your hand..
In this video. To my ears. I prefer the D18
I prefer the j45 the sounds is more warmer and boomy i love it but they are both great
does anyone know what the second riff is called or the
tabs to the second riff
Gosh....how to choose ? They're both nice sounding /looking....just different. Guess ya need to purchase both ! 🤣
Gibson is cheaper, has shorter scale (more comfortable for me) and has pickup (Martin not sure). Sound difference is subjective.
I have a j-45 I bought instead of the d-18. I played both side by side. Hearing instead of playing can burn you. This video is a great starting point but until you play them for yourself you really can't tell. What I like you may not. I will not buy a guitar without first playing it. The Martin d-18 I played had a satin finish I think. The action was extremely high plus it just didn't sound like a Marti d-18. I played a d-18 since 1971 but the 2020 model I played did not sound or play like the one I bought in 1971. So that's why I have a j-45. Not to mention the shorter scale length.
In 2012 the D18 was re imagined.. braces were shifted forward along with a few more changes.. I have a 2023 Hummingbird Original, 2023 Southern Jumbo Original and a 2024 Martin D18 Standard.. they each have their own place. But all 3 sound great..
I'd take my favourite specs of each and make one helluva guitar
Both sound great, but that J-45 talks to me. I hear warmth and clarity that the D-18 doesn't seem to have.
Gibson for its tone and sustain. It just seems to have beautiful note separation/ more air or lightness. The Martin has the powerful resonance about it but for my listening, the Gibson on this outing 🙂 I own a Gibson & a Martin so not super tribal 🤣
The Gibson seems to "speak" more easily on fingerpicked melody lines, so that's what I'd go with.
If you want to compare Martin's D-body and Gibson guitar, I think a long -scale advanced Jumbo is good.🧐
The J45 has a great sound but the neck is too chunky for my taste. I also feel like I have to really bear down on it to get the volume I want. I absolutely love my D18…the sound is warm and full, but still has a touch a brightness, plenty of volume, and is so comfortable to play.
The J45 Standard has a slim taper neck.. actually feels thinner than the D18 neck..
@@liberalsrmentallyflawed3611yep and that combined with the shorter scale make it easier to play…especially if you have smaller hands.
Bacon or eggs? I'll take the bacon and eggs. Possibly the two finest acoustic mahogany giutars of my life time. Im 70.
I have a 2023 Gibson Hummingbird Original, 2023 Gibson Southern Jumbo Original and a 2024 Martin D18 Standard.. all 3 are great sounding guitars..
That's only because he not playing a Gulid D40 lol
The Gibson, but then I'm kind of a Gibson guy. The Martin sounds great, they usually do. But so does the Gibby, and she's beautiful. And I'm used to their necks. Gibsons usually do it for me sonically and visually. I've had Martins I've loved, though. I
Yea both.. great guitars, however if you're a singer /song writer the J45 is the one
It sits perfectly with the human voice particularly when recording .
I've always felt more at home with the J 45 vs a martin D 18 standards. To me personally the Gibson necks are more comfortable. J 45 seems to be a little more versatile. I did have a D18 GE once in my life and I am excluding that guitar from that opinion. It was a supreme all rounder.
I keep getting the temptation to buy a J45 to join my HD28 and every time I see something like this I think I have to get the D18. It sounds like a Steinway piano compared to the Gibson (which still is awesome and its own thing). But damn. Tough choice.
The gibson sounds more woody and warm than the Martin to me, which is an attractive quality, but the shimmer, sustain and smoothness of the Martin is just so luxurious.
@@geoffreycarter3981I added a J45 to my collection a couple years ago. What originally sounded like warmth from the Gibson later just sounded very dull when compared to my standard Martins. I sold the Gibson at a loss and replaced it with a Martin 000-15SM, which is warm and complex sounding...not to mention the neck is amazing. Anyhoo, I think I fell for the internet hype around "the workhorse of guitars" and ignored the fact that Martins just sound better to my ear.
The Martin sound is more blurred. Might be good for pop music or happier tunes. The Gibson sounds to have a defined string distinction which might suit alternative indie/country, darker dry desert vibes. In truth, even to an expert (I am ‘almost’ an expert) both sound professional standard. And there’s not a great deal between them in terms of sound. I am biased because I own a Gibson J-45 standard. But were I to have purchased a Martin D-28 instead I don’t think I’d be too upset.
J45 is just 👍👍👍Best 🎸i own
As a J45 owner I’m more than a little biased but would not be unhappy with a D18 to keep my Gibson company.
Fuller, sweeter more balanced sound of the J-45
You gotta have the J45 banner to really compare with a D18. And Gibson charges another 2k to get the banner J45 which sounds like what a J45 should be in the first place. I dunno why it’s gotta be like that. Every standard J45 I played was muffled and just didn’t have much volume like a D18. But the J45 true vintage or current J45 42 Banner have much much better volume and power
That J-45 sounds congested. It could be the recording or maybe it’s a dud or hasn’t opened up yet over time. Mine sounds like a richer version of the D-18 in this video.
An observation based on a few decades of guitar mania.
When you find a "good" Martin, difficult under the current regime owing to material and workmanship decline,
there is none better. The D-18 is a perfect example.
. When you find a good Gibson , Gibson is consistently inconsistent, such as the J-45, there is nothing like it.
In my opinion. superior to a "good" Martin.
Finding a "good" Martin is easy, finding an exceptional Martin is now more difficult. Example I bought a 2003 D-18 Golden Era.
Within a month the neck twisted and the bridge popped off. The selling dealer, Mackenzie River Music in Eugene, Oregon,
said it does not need a neck "reset" it needs a neck. The guitar was offed to another US famous retailer. I lost $500.
I bought a new D-18 S.. I opened the case and most of the top and back braces had popped off. Instead of glue there was a white powder.
Guitar returned, refund minus my cost of shipping both ways. I lost $250. And there is more all under the new regime.
Many Martins are now suffering binding separation.. seems universal. Mino to some, r but you would think a company in business since
1833 would have this down in spades.
Finding a "good" Gibson is also difficult, finding an "exceptional" Gibson is like the proverbial Unicorn.
I'm patient but optimistic. There is one out there.
Thin differences, but the Martin is a bit more focused
Want the J45 look and the D18 sound but can't afford both? Get The Norlin Era J45 Deluxe with square shoulders et double X-bracing !
(Just kidding)
I prefer Martins rosewood guitars but I prefer Gibson mahogany guitars
Gibson sounds smoother
J45.
D-18 everyday and twice on Sunday's 😂
Both of these guitars sound so similar. The Gibson probably has a slightly fuller sound but they both sound balanced and warm. The Martin has slightly more shimmer on the high end and to me sounds a little more country while the Gibby a little more folky. I prefer the unglossed neck, string spacing and scale on the Martin which would seal the deal for me.
Gibson is limited on the sonic spectrum. Boxy, compressed with fewer harmonics. But not everyone hears it.
I have to agree with this analysis. The Martin has balanced and pleasing overtones. The Gibson is lacking in this regard. One or two of the progressions this fellow played did sound better on the Gibson. But, the Martin is superior overall.
The D18 sounds nasally and brighter compared to J45. The USA Texan Ive tried sits between the two.
i cannot decide just by the sound, gibson looks nicer
I love the Gibson look
Gibson sounds a bit more banjo like. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. Martin sounds bigger. I’d like a J45 and a D 28! Getting one of them soon!
Good ol’ boys play Martins. Bad boys play Gibsons, and choir boys play Taylors
Love this
Gb
Gibson looks better, Martin sounds better
Gibson looks better, Gibson sounds better.
Go for a D-18 in sunburst then. Looks as beautiful as a Gibson sunburst 🙂
Gibson records better.
In person gibsons better
Gibson looks better, and in this video at least, sound a lot better
gibson
win
no comparison. the gibson sounds thin and lifeless and lacking in body. the D18 is full, warm, and potent, with beautiful ringing sustain .. .
I have had J45s and I love them. They look and sound great .
The Martins I have played (a D28, and a few D18s) all have played better, and felt less clunky. The Martin D28 that a friend of mine has, sounds like a perfectly tuned piano in a perfectly sound treated room...and it plays effortlessly. Every note of every chord seems to occupy the proper space and it just rings so perfectly to my ears.
A pristine Martin beats out a pristine Gibson in both sound and playability.
Gibson wins on looks.
i agree. gibsons are killer lookin'. i've played great gibsons, and i really like the sound of them. i currently have a j45 clone and i love the woodiness and the thumpiness for certain styles and inspiration on a more rhythmic/rockin' sound.@@dr.scanlan6112
firecrackerheart - you've got it backwards
@@LoneTinajaNo, he had it about right.
@@G_Demolished It's ludicrous to say that Gibson sounds thin and lifeless and lacking in body. That's not an objective analysis.
Gibson sounds much American
???????????????????
You can't get any more American than bluegrass and for that, the D-18 rules.
Gibson makes pretty acoustic guitars. Martin makes perfect acoustic guitars. They do one thing, and do it right.
Quality control is still an issue with both companies. Don't be fooled.