I bought both of them. The j-45 in 2016 and the hd-28 this summer. I’m 23 years old and now i’m acoustically set for life. As long as i have them i dont need anything else. Not even food or water.
WOW! You, Cliff Walton, at the tender age of twenty-damn-three, have achieved 6 string Nirvana.You bugger you. And how right you are. Take it from an old guy who has run through more guitars than I care to admit, you really DO have all anyone truely needs. Anything more is simply G.A.S. Oh, but you'll be tempted. You'll be tempted. Stay strong! Good luck.
Correct, absolutely correct. Honey did you hear that......he said THIS is why it's so important to own more than one guitar. And that's not coming from me......I swear.
I have a 63 year old J-45 (that's at the luthier having the bridge reset) and there are times that playing it makes me cry. It's so soulful and mellow and unlike any other guitar I've ever played. And I had the same reaction listening to the first part of this video. But then when I hear the Martin I find myself saying: "THAT'S how a guitar is REALLY supposed to sound". I guess I'm fickle. (I guess that's why I'm no longer married.)
I have a 2008 D28 I absolutely adore, but if I had $5000 to burn the first thing I'd do is go buy the J-45 Vintage I played the other day. So good, such a nice contrast to the D28.
I think this was a good comparison between two classic dreads. I didn’t feel like it was “which one is better” or even, “what’s the difference between mahogany and rosewood.” Most people know they are different guitars from different makes using different woods and different bracing patterns. I felt like this review was like “this one is chocolate, this one is vanilla; just try both and see what you like!” Good job and great review!
Yesterday I went to Southpaw guitars and played multiple guitars in the Taylor Gibson and Martin lines. Dove, L-00, J45 vintage and custom. Taylor 814 LTD sassafras, 714. Then something caught my eye. A 2020 Martin HD 28 in Ambertone. I’ve played a few d28 variants before but from the first G chord I was smitten. It was the tone I am looking for. Played it for over an hour smiling the whole time. Even grabbed a D 42 and the HD 28 was every bit as good and maybe better. Now to sell some stuff and beg my wife. Thanks for all of the inspiration
I’ve played both of these and neither...but will be buying one of the two in the next month. I’ve gone back and forth so many times, and this video really helped me to continue going back and forth! Lol Good problem to have. Both sound absolutely amazing. Great video
I love how bright and loud the D28 is for picking, but I find it has a brighter ringimg sound when I strum. That was evident in this video as well. The J45 is known as the "workhorse" for a reason. It sits right in the middle and gets the job done nicely for whatever you're needing done. I love both guitars, and will eventually buy a D28 so that I own both, but only being able to own one right now - I chose the J45 for its versatility. Great video, awesome review!
J-45 has that signature thump-clang sound when you play it hard. When you play it gentle it's very mellow, almost like a nylon string guitar. The J-45 is just such a versatile instrument. It's real magic happens when you try to sing over it in an acoustic-vocal unplugged scenario. It seems no matter how hard you strum it, the J-45 will never overpower even a softer vocal, it's lush mid-range and short sustain (thank's in large part to the mahogany, it's not the same on J-15, G45 series) will complement the vocal and make even a weaker vocals sound stronger. It's why you see so many Singer-Songwriters using it. HD-28 is a flat-pickers dream. Sparkling highs, long sustain and volume. It's just a different tool that's better suited for a more specific playstyle. If you're a Singer-Songwriter or Solo acoustic-vocalist performer If you want the guitar to be the star of the show go with the HD-28. If you want to be the star of the show go with the J-45.
rmzzz76 I totally agree. I own a D18 which I much prefer over the HD28. The HD28 is impressive to the untrained ear, but it’s too much of everything and the notes are mushy. Just my lousy opinion of course.
@@jimmy5634 Bingo. I have a Martin called a D mahogany 09. They only made about 130 of them over a few years. It's basically a d18 golden Era, with a high altitude Swiss alpine spruce top, and braces(first time they've done both with this wood), instead of Adirondack. All golden Era scalloped, foward shifted, etc. Cloth side strips. The vinatge Slanted nut, long saddle etc. Like I said same as the golden Era but the top. Some things are different. For instance it's the only Martin hog ever made with a Volute. Pretty interesting. And boy oh boy does it sing. The Alpine spruce made this guy into basically got the rosewood overtones, with the hog pop and clarity. Loud as hell yet smooth. It's a monster. Look into them on the Martin forum if you ever get a chance. I sold my rosewood Martin after I got it if that tells you anything. And I'll never, ever sell it. Mine was the second to last year they made this model, a 2012. Got it new old stock. Martin couldn't afford to make 4hem anymore because they were charging around 2300 and less. Which is absolutely absurd. The one guitar they made very little profit on. Rosewood is always fun in the beginning. Sexier, etc. Lush. But after awhile it just doesn't have that pop imo. And gets dull. I feel eventually alot of players go hog after years of rosewood. Nothing like a great hog guitar. Congrats on your d18. Never sell it. Will only get better. And if you ever get a chance to get something custom made you have to try high altitude Swiss alpine spruce. If ever come across a D mahogany 09, jump on it. Not only are they a steal, but you won't be disappointed. Enjoy the 18 my man. Great great guitar
rmzzz76 zi totally agree with you. Ones a guitar for singing, the other for playing. The D18 is a good compromise, but I would still pick the J45 for vocal accompaniment. My J15 also works great for singing alongside. Lots of balance and clarity .
I have this J45 Standard, as well as a Martin HD35, and a Taylor 614ce. mahogany, rosewood and maple. All 3 needed from 3 of the greatest guitar makers to cover a broad spectrum of acoustic enjoyment. I think I only need a nice Koa to complete my collection.
They’re not the greatest guitar makers. They’re the biggest. You’ve got Santa Cruz, collings, bourgeois. And probably a myriad smaller luthiers making custom guitars all around the world.
great demo! i think the mahogany on the j45 gives it a little bit more clarity, but the rosewood on hd28 made it sound a bit louder and punchier. Both are amazing though, such classics...
Great playing and comparison. Would be better if you had them back and forth between playing styles. Strum the Gibson then Martin, finger style Gibson then Martin etc. By the time you got to the martin i forgot what the Gibson sounded like in the styles
I like this guy because he doesn't YAP, YAP, YAP! He gets to the point and does the demonstration. And oh, the Martin sounds much better to me. It will be my next guitar.
I, personally, prefer the big, strong sound-- bassiness, BOOM, , and warmth of Mr. Gibson. Acoustic Paradise (not to mention the teardrop tobacco burst).
The best review yet. I too own a reimagined HD28 my first acoustic. Still after hearing a J45 I immediately went in search. I ended up with a southern jumbo. I just couldn't pass on the extra bling. Has anyone heard the L2's.....
This is a fantastic video. It definitely showcases the differences in the two guitars. The J 45 has a little bit more of a deeper tone as opposed to the HD 28, which is a little bit more louder, and more of a glassy or high end as well as nice balance, low end.
I'm a 26 year old musician and the HD28 was always my holy grail, but you just seriously got me hooked on the J45. I'm gonna go to the local store and try them out.
Ian; Huss and Dalton DM player here. That was one of the best A/B comparisons I've seen on UA-cam. Awesome! The only quibble I have is the mike position would be changed by a recording engineer because the Dread is bassier. Maybe more distant for both. This is a tricky bit here, I know. But still this is great stuff. You really show off both instruments so well. Was that Deep Ellum blues that you played at one point? I'm now a subscriber. Thanks man! Oh..And THANK YOU FOR NOT USING DROP D. Maybe you do in some of your other videos, but it drives me crazy in all these acoustic guitar demos I always see.
absolutely Eric. there's only so much I can get across within the context of digital audio and the UA-cam medium, obviously mic positions would change from guitar to guitar, part to part, etc. I need to have some sort of constant variable so the general differences in each instrument can be showcased. I don't think I have any drop D vids out there... :)
The single notes/fingerpicking on the Martin sound more full and round, but it gets muddy when strummed. The J45 sounds perfect when strummed but I little too thin on the leads. I'd take both! J45 for rhythm and HD28 for lead.
I would take the J45. Loved playing it. So easy. And the tone...a nice blend of the high and low...never to bright and never to low...it captures that nice middle ground without sounding dull. Plenty of life to found in the J45.
Think this is something that I’ve noticed before… On the Gibson I hear the brassiness of the strings; in the Martin I hear the wood in the depth of the wood-colored tone.
Yes! I have Gibson J-45, I feel the same way, brassiness, bright. But I've tried a Martin D-28 and HD 28 it has bass you can FEEL in your body when you play
Great playing, very clean, Ian! I've been playing on a Seagull S6 acoustic for the last twenty years, and now I REALLY feel like trading in a kidney for a Gibson J-45... seriously though, I thought my S6 sounded good all those years but hey, those high-end acoustics really sing!
To me the J45 sounds the best by quite a distance. I have had a J45 for 2 years now and its like a relationship developing. After 2 years I am getting to a stage where I know it pretty well and it just keeps getting better and better. J45s have a soul. I use Nexus strings which I think are the best sound for J45 I have come across. The worst are Ernie Ball.
I recently got the J-45 Standard (2010 model) and already have a deep bond. I think the Martin D-28 (or equivalent model) is ideal for solo performances and quiet bands due to its frequency band characteristics, but the J-45 cuts through in loud bands and mixes. Of course, I love the J-45 sound itself too. My main job is producing and recording. The J-45 works well as a "workhorse" in my daily work. I use coated Phosphor bronze strings which Gibson Montana recently adopted as factory strings. It is okay so far.
HD-28 piano like chords. You can hear each string separately. Beautiful definition. Gibson with it’s shorter fret scale and mahogany back and sides, has a harp like chord sound. The strings blend together. Both are outstanding.
It's nothing to do with the scale length. That's immaterial. It's the mahogany construction and different body shape and the different bracing pattern that goes along with it.
@@jamessingleton9159 I've been building guitars from scratch for the last 35 years. No, scale length by itself is such a minor contributor to tonal changes that if I built two identical guitars other than scale length, you would not be able to reliably hear a difference between them.
@@Turboy65 So you're basically telling me that a difference in string tension has no effect on the sound of the instrument, given a similar force from my right hand. I'll agree to disagree. It does matter.
@@jamessingleton9159 It's trivial. I've DONE the experiment, having made two guitars that were basically identical other than scale length. You'd never be able to tell which is which when listening to recordings of both. You can THINK what you want, but I've DONE the experiment and the effect of a 3 percent scale length change is....not more than 3 percent. It makes more difference when just changing from a 6-in-line headstock to a 3+3 headstock. That makes a big difference in the length change of the strings above the nut, which does alter the springiness of the strings when bent.
If I had to own 2 guitars the rest of my life these would be it. I got the Martin so now I just need to add the J45 😎👍🏻. I’ll prob find a J45 True Vintage model which they stopped making now. I love the old banner headstock they had HD28 is so loud and boomy it’s hard to sing over. The Gibson is perfect for singing with. It’s mellow and relaxed. The Martin just booms when you touch the strings ( which I love) but you gotta have a loud voice to sing over it
Comparisons like this are always very useful and interesting. I'm no newbie and I certainly hear the difference between the two. Both sound great in their way. The Gibson has a little more treble bite, a little more bell-like sustain, where the Martin is smoother, fuller I guess. But really now, the differences all in all are pretty minor. I doubt few could hear one blindfolded and go 'oh yeah, J45'. It's not a Tele v Start v Les Paul kind of different. Thanks!
They are both such beautiful sounding guitars, but the Gibson sounds warmer and clearer to me. I just love that crystal clear sound. Great video....thanks.
I own both of these guitars, and it’s like picking your favorite child. Both are wonderful guitars, and that, my friends, is why you really need to have more than 2 guitars. Tell your significant other that these are medically warranted.
Talk about two great guitars... This just comes down to preference. I have a J45 and I love it but if you'd asked me before I got it if I would consider this guitar over a Martin, I would've thought you were nuts. I acquired my J45 in a trade of a Martin 000-18. I just wanted it for the looks and was ready for something different knowing it's still high quality. This Gibson has blown me away. The sound is amazing and now I love Gibson's... haha. That said, Martins are fantastic too.
Something for me to ponder for the future. I just got a J45 today, so another guitar will be in the distant future. I really enjoy the sound of the Martin. Both guitars are different and both are awesome.
I was blessed with a J45 as a retirement/bday gift from my wife and its such a wonderful guitar. Only sounds better as time goes on. Getting that guitar was my foray into playing/learning music and it’s been wonderful in helping me with my PTS. I’ve since gotten a Gretsch electric, Roland Keyboard, and a kit of edrums. Learning music has been and continues to make me so happy. Don’t matter the instrument, get one and make music.
Congratulations on your retirement, and a happy birthday to you Scott. You're absolutely right, the music is what matters! All the other stuff is just fun...
Comparison is the thief of joy. Buy the one YOU want, better yet, get both. When you’re old you’ll never remember the lost interest on your saving account but you WILL remember playing beautiful instruments.
I have had 28V and J 45 historic. Both great. Each lends itself to different situations. Both are excellent. Wouldn’t know which one I’d keep if I had to part with one.
I own both also. My J-45 is a 2021 50s Original; the HD-28 is a 2018, the first year of the Reimagined era for this model. I have to say, hands down, to my ear: J-45 for strumming, HD-28 for flatpicking. I’ll take either for fingerpicking. Thanks. Nice demo, easy to follow.
I have three Martin acoustics including on HD28 that is now 43 years old and has been played the bejeezers out of it. I also own a Collings D1 their tribute to the D18 Martin. I have one Gibson electric. I think that says it all really because I have played just about every guitar marque on the planet. That HD28 lives in my studio these days so whenever I need an acoustic on a track that is what I use because it does the job first time e Rey time. Nuff said.
Both are excellent iconic guitars. I prefer Gibson acoustics personally (have a J45 Vintage and Advanced Jumbo New Vintage) but you can really hear that vibrance from the rosewood in the Martin too. I love rosewood and mahogany both; different flavors. I eventually want to add an OM to my collection (Santa Cruz and Martin Modern Deluxe are contenders) but for now its Gibson all the way . Fantastic video!!
I played an Advanced Jumbo in a music store once and what struck me about it was the volume. It was freaking loud without even playing it hard. Sounded great though.
Oh Naïve one. I too possess a J45 and HD28 and - like you - thought that that was all I would ever want / need. Then I got a SJ200 followed by a Guild 12 string. Unfortunately, its a disease and incurable. Called GAS - Guitar Acquisition syndrome. Just go where it takes you... I'm 63
Great demo and two great guitars. Love that little run at 4:49 - great playing. They are both very similar and very different at the same time (if that makes any sense). I have a Martin HD-28V, HD-35 and a 000-28EC, a Taylor 724 CE (Koa) and the Gibson J-45. They are all great to play and have their specific niche. The 000-28 probably gets the most play time because it is so versatile and has the smaller body. One mistake I made was trying to make the J-45 sound like the D-28 by putting 13 gauge strings on it. I recently switched to the Martin Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Custom Lights (11-52) and totally changed the J-45 (for the better). Now she sounds like a Gibson and much more playable.
Really nice demo that allows us to hear and appreciate the differences between these two iconic dreadnoughts. Every time I play and hear a Gibson acoustic, it sounds “tighter” to me than the Martins (if that makes any sense). The Gibson sounds beautiful, but I do slightly prefer the open, more resonant sound of the Martin (which is why I own one). At some point, I’m going to have to add a Gibson to my quiver simply to increase the credibility of my collection😝
Hey everybody, Martin ships all HD-28's with medium strings. As far as I know the J-45 comes with Gibson lights. Does the HD-28 in this video have mediums or lights?
The HD 28 is the king when it comes to flatpicking. I noticed in that category it definitely won to my ears. For strumming I like the j45 a little more. But it’s not as big of a difference in the strumming category between the 2 guitars as the flatpicking . For flatpicking the HD28 is an obvious winner for me. Good video
Im lucky enough to have these guitars and the one thing that this video cant tell you is that, 1) the martin is way louder than the Gibson, perfect for blue grass and finger picking not good for strumming she has a wide string spacing 2) the gibson not loud as Martin but a perfect strummer and perfect neck since its smaller than the 28, ( for my own preference ) No winner for me, it depends on the song, but as a folk singer Martin fits well ( for me )
Man that J45 sounds so good!! Before anyone jumps on me.. both guitars sound amazing! My opinion neither one is better than the other. Both are great and it's really just a preference which tone one prefers.. I've owned several J45's ranging in years and Era's. It's probably my all time favorite guitar. Everyone knows Gibson had a bit of a down time when their guitars really wasn't that great and not close to what they once was. But it seems like they've really gotten back to building great sounding Acoustic Guitars again. Last year I bought a "New Old Stock" Martin D-35.. it's a 2010 but it was "Brand New" and had no play time on it. So it aged for 10 yrs before being played. It's still opening up and sounds incredible!! Obviously I had it Set-up so it plays itself! But I'm soooo missing that Gibson round shoulder Mahagony J45 tone!! It might be the dumbest move but I'm seriously thinking about selling my D-35 so I can get a Gibson Southern Jumbo or a really good J45..
The sound of these guitars is so much more than rosewood vs mahogany. Most intermediate to higher end guitars have these same woods. There are dozens of factors from bracing position and material to glues used. Both of these companies have hundreds of years of perfecting their secret mojo. To top that off, if you tried 10 of each, many would sound different from one another. That’s what sucks about online guitar shopping. In the old days, you would try a few at your local store and pick the best...
Bryan I agree 100%. This channel is by no means supposed to be the source, I'm just trying to show some different general characteristics as best I can in a digital sound file over the web.... There is no substitute for getting a bunch of guitars in your hands and finding one you connect with
The bass and lower mids in the HD28 were mushy to me, especially when strummed and fingerpicked. I tried one in a shop and ended up with a Standard D18...felt the same way then. I also own Standard J45 which sounds pretty much like the one in this video. Sweet sounding guitar, especially once you get understand how to make it sing. The Gibby is a less "forgiving" guitar. You gotta' pay attention to the details!
n1rwana sorry it took so long to get back to you.I think they are both great. The D18 is warmer throughout and has a richer creamier voice. The J45 which sounds like the one in this video is clearer with better note separation. I also own a J15 which is a real sleeper in the Gibson line. It’s very balanced. I actually play it more than the other two.
@@jimmy5634 I own a D18 and J45 as well. That's a great description of the two guitars. I've tried to put each guitar into words, but couldn't quite find them. I agree with you. The Martin is richer and smoother. The J45 has a bit more bite. I love them both equally.
Your comment about the HD-28 sounding mushy gave me a funny mental image. That mushiness is like a Southern Gentleman approaching a young lady and gently saying "Well Howdy ma'am." It's got propriety.
That Gibson sounded great. I was thinking the Martin had a really tough job to follow that. Then you started strumming the Martin and I was like wow! That is one of the best HD28's I have heard. Perfect tone and I didnt want the video to end. Great playing!
terrific comparison. Looked at both these guitars in the past. For me, the capo part at end of each session shows the difference. The Gibson sounds modern country and clean - you might find it on a current day recording, whereas the Martin sounds like an orchestra playing round a camp fire out West in 1940. As someone has said, that is why you should have many guitars.
Came back to watch again. Just reviewed your D-18 Vs D-28 video. Of course D-18. But got me thinking so came back to watch this. While I appreciate the comparison.. the D-28 is rosewood and the J 45 is likely mahogany. For reasons below I may just search for another J 45. I owned a 1946 J 45.. bought in 1965 when some SOB stole my 1939 00-17. Paid $100 for it. I loved that guitar.. liked most of mine, loved that one. Sadly it , too, was stolen. SO, I looked and did not find a comparable J45... that over a couple decades.. until I went to a local GC ( forgive me, once a year is enough) And there I found a mint WM-45.. outstanding mint... $800. Stupidly I sold it to order a custom Martin D-18VS.. avery expensive guitar. .. 14 months later, got it. What an ungodly mess. Never played it, packed it up and returned it.. they lost it.. 11 months later they said it was unrepairable and another 14 months to get another one. I declined. Cost me a year of no guitar and $250 in shipping. That was backed up by another very expensive Martin custom I had in the pipeline to replace my 1939 00-17. That , too, showed up a complete hack job. Neck off center and 15 degrees angled south. To compensate they cut 1/4 Inch off the bass side of the bridge to make it look like it was centered. The bass string was 5/16ths of an inch from the edge of the fingerboard and the high E was 1/16th. Never played it , returned it. Months later ,after hearing nothing from them, I called customer service. They told me they had destroyed it months ago as unrepairable. Fact. Funds returned after another month. Cost me over $250 in shipping. $250 to not own a guitar. Why I will never buy a new Martin again.
BTW, I have a Taylor 818e. I’d put it closer to the J45. But quite a bit closer to the D28 than other Taylor’s. It’s a phenomenal guitar, though kinda thick, which with v class bracing explains why its sound competes in this class. I preferred it over the D28 I played.
Very well done! I have an HD28 and also J45. This comparison showcases the differences. I love that J45! The martin sounds just like what I would expect. More jangle, brighter trebles that are a little less Organic (to my ears). I love my Martins but that’s J45 is superbly woody and wonderful
Nice demonstration of sound. I have a 0018 Martin and a j40 Martin now I might have to look into a Gibson J45. 45 (woody and warm) Sounds way different than my 40 (bright and punchy).
My uncle had that Gibson when I was a young boy...60 now, loved how it played and sounded. Never played a REAL Martin but I did by a Sigma DRST1 for ten dollars about 15 years ago....it has a couple of issues but I never played another guitar that sounded as good as this one.....always in tune....no matter what chords you play it never has a out of tune sound. I think it was made in the nineties..made in Korea.
I owned an Alvarez Wildwood series 5063 that is a direct copy of the 45...sounded like a piano...at 16 I saved forever for it and loved that guitar...20 years later I sold it to buy a woman a gift...no bullshit, that woman left me 3 months ago...whuddya think I miss more...?
@@9eyeh8chu9 thanks man, I was just whining...but if you ever see a 5063 with no pickguard and a bullseye in the lacquer behind the bridge...you know who to get ahold of...lol...play on bro!
Got a 70 s HD 28, that gets better each time I play it, sound completely different than when it was new. Looked for year for aJ45, couldn’t ever find one that I liked. Price and tone. For my money GUILD makes the next best acoustic. ( made in America ones on course). Great video, tasty playing
I have had a J45 for 10 years and just got the HD-28. Really too boomy for me and everything sounds “muddy”. I expected more bass but I just didn’t realize how dominant it would be. Likely returning it to go with the D-28 to reduce the boom and add more clarity.
Great comparison video! Just curious... What made you choose the HD-28 instead of a D-28? They’re both great, but, the D-28 has longer historic lineage, plus, it’s probably more readily found. More pre-1970’s, people got famous playing a D-28! On the other hand, I’ve heard that an HD-28 is more historically correct towards a pre-WW2 D-28 than a post-WW2 D-28.
I’m not complaining, but, now that you’ve explained your choice for using a HD-28, I’d like to see comparison between J-45 & D-28 (circa late-40’s to 2017) just because there are way more of them out there (used) than HD-28. There’s nothing wrong with what we already have - you’ve done great work!
Up until a few months ago, I worked at a music store that carried Gibson, Taylor, & Martins. In this pricepoint, the Gibson J-45 blows everything else out of the water. Just play one!! Cheers! 😎🎸👍
I have a HD Santa Cruz sitka/rosewood, and a J45 sitka/mahogany. So very much like this video - well done by the way. The rosewood provides sound like a chorus with more overtones, while the mahogany is a single note dryer sound. Both project volume very well and hold up in jams with other loud instruments, and depending on the tune, you may want a single note approach or a chorus approach. I agree with the others that to own both is a wonderful thing! I also agree one is not better than the other, just depends on the sound you want at the time you play. My Gibson is a tad easier to play with 1&3/4" nut with a 24" length vs. a 1&11/16" nut with a 25" length on my SCGC. Again different folks like different nut widths and different lengths.
Is the HD-28 a flagship? I thought D-45 was, even says on their official site. "Martin D-45 Guitar. This decked out Dreadnought is the flagship model of the Standard Series." I'm flattered that the HD-28 would be called a flagship, because it's the one I own :D
Ive had a couple comments on this. I am probably misusing the term flagship here, as technically the flagship would be the most blinged out of the line.... I guess I was referring to the J45 and the D28 as the most iconic of these companies guitars and used the term "Flagship" to note that. Congrats on owning a great guitar.
I bought both of them. The j-45 in 2016 and the hd-28 this summer. I’m 23 years old and now i’m acoustically set for life. As long as i have them i dont need anything else. Not even food or water.
Maybe water…..maybe.
I’m hoping at upgrade my dad’s ‘78 Sigma DR-28 to the real deal - the Martin D-28 - by the end of the year. Then, fate willing, a D-42 before I die.
WOW! You, Cliff Walton, at the tender age of twenty-damn-three, have achieved 6 string Nirvana.You bugger you. And how right you are. Take it from an old guy who has run through more guitars than I care to admit, you really DO have all anyone truely needs. Anything more is simply G.A.S. Oh, but you'll be tempted. You'll be tempted. Stay strong! Good luck.
You're still young man. 000s, 00s, resonators, 12 strings, mandolins, it never ends.
u need a good om
This video demonstrates to the world why it's so important to own more than one guitar.
Correct, absolutely correct. Honey did you hear that......he said THIS is why it's so important to own more than one guitar. And that's not coming from me......I swear.
Exactly. Completely different tones. Both amazing in their own way.
Nice playing and great video showing the difference between the Martin and Gibson tones!
I have a 63 year old J-45 (that's at the luthier having the bridge reset) and there are times that playing it makes me cry. It's so soulful and mellow and unlike any other guitar I've ever played. And I had the same reaction listening to the first part of this video. But then when I hear the Martin I find myself saying: "THAT'S how a guitar is REALLY supposed to sound". I guess I'm fickle. (I guess that's why I'm no longer married.)
I have a 2008 D28 I absolutely adore, but if I had $5000 to burn the first thing I'd do is go buy the J-45 Vintage I played the other day. So good, such a nice contrast to the D28.
I think this was a good comparison between two classic dreads. I didn’t feel like it was “which one is better” or even, “what’s the difference between mahogany and rosewood.” Most people know they are different guitars from different makes using different woods and different bracing patterns. I felt like this review was like “this one is chocolate, this one is vanilla; just try both and see what you like!” Good job and great review!
Thanks Joshua! That's why I made sure it said "comparison" in the title. It's not a shootout, just listening to two iconic acoustics.
I'll take strawberries. Lol. Own both.
Yea they both sound so good. I always go with Martin over any other acoustic but they both are amazing.
How about some more flatpicking especially on the Martin?
The HD is still on my list having a Hummingbird and a J45. Different animals and all very good. Thank for this vid!
Thank you Ian! I bought a J45 10 months ago, and just bought the HD28 yesterday. I am truly blessed to own these two premier instruments!
One of the best comparisons I've heard on UA-cam. Thanks.
Thanks for checking it out my friend
Yesterday I went to Southpaw guitars and played multiple guitars in the Taylor Gibson and Martin lines. Dove, L-00, J45 vintage and custom. Taylor 814 LTD sassafras, 714. Then something caught my eye. A 2020 Martin HD 28 in Ambertone. I’ve played a few d28 variants before but from the first G chord I was smitten. It was the tone I am looking for. Played it for over an hour smiling the whole time. Even grabbed a D 42 and the HD 28 was every bit as good and maybe better. Now to sell some stuff and beg my wife. Thanks for all of the inspiration
Gibson sounded amazing but damn when you started playing martin just 😍😍 ..
finger picking i prefer the j45 in this demo
Gibson J-45 Standard
Strumming 0:01 Flatpicking 1:59 Fingerpicking 3:17 Capo 5:06
Martin HD-28
Strumming 6:22 Flatpicking 8:04 Fingerpicking 9:47 Capo 11:43
When you started playing the Gibson I thought, oh my! 😍 Then when you started playing the Martin I thought, oh my! 😍
It was the other way around for me. 😂
Yeh,it's kind of like a good Les Paul and a good strat.(or substitute Sg or Tele)you always want the one you don't have.
totally two different beast!... Rosewood/Mahogany..and different scale lengths on each guitar.
I’ve played both of these and neither...but will be buying one of the two in the next month.
I’ve gone back and forth so many times, and this video really helped me to continue going back and forth! Lol
Good problem to have. Both sound absolutely amazing. Great video
Which one did you get?!
I love how bright and loud the D28 is for picking, but I find it has a brighter ringimg sound when I strum. That was evident in this video as well. The J45 is known as the "workhorse" for a reason. It sits right in the middle and gets the job done nicely for whatever you're needing done. I love both guitars, and will eventually buy a D28 so that I own both, but only being able to own one right now - I chose the J45 for its versatility. Great video, awesome review!
Been looking for comparison videos of these two. This is the best I've found! Still can't decide though lol
Good demo, bud. Your playing accentuates each guitar’s sonic capability. Kept it simple, but a whole lotta meaningful
Unfortunately what this video demonstrates to me is that I suck on guitar...
Bryan Southard Same here... 😭
Me too
don't feel bad I'm on the same bus
We all sucked at one time... its the journey my friend.
Yea but it sure is fun right?
That's two of my favorite guitars thank you so much for this I've been waiting on this video !!!
I’ve always been a Martin guy, but man that j45 sounds warm and good!!!
A serious bluegrasser should have both!
J-45 has that signature thump-clang sound when you play it hard. When you play it gentle it's very mellow, almost like a nylon string guitar. The J-45 is just such a versatile instrument. It's real magic happens when you try to sing over it in an acoustic-vocal unplugged scenario. It seems no matter how hard you strum it, the J-45 will never overpower even a softer vocal, it's lush mid-range and short sustain (thank's in large part to the mahogany, it's not the same on J-15, G45 series) will complement the vocal and make even a weaker vocals sound stronger. It's why you see so many Singer-Songwriters using it. HD-28 is a flat-pickers dream. Sparkling highs, long sustain and volume. It's just a different tool that's better suited for a more specific playstyle. If you're a Singer-Songwriter or Solo acoustic-vocalist performer If you want the guitar to be the star of the show go with the HD-28. If you want to be the star of the show go with the J-45.
rmzzz76 I totally agree.
I own a D18 which I much prefer over the HD28. The HD28 is impressive to the untrained ear, but it’s too much of everything and the notes are mushy.
Just my lousy opinion of course.
@@jimmy5634 Bingo. I have a Martin called a D mahogany 09. They only made about 130 of them over a few years. It's basically a d18 golden Era, with a high altitude Swiss alpine spruce top, and braces(first time they've done both with this wood), instead of Adirondack. All golden Era scalloped, foward shifted, etc. Cloth side strips. The vinatge Slanted nut, long saddle etc.
Like I said same as the golden Era but the top. Some things are different. For instance it's the only Martin hog ever made with a Volute. Pretty interesting.
And boy oh boy does it sing. The Alpine spruce made this guy into basically got the rosewood overtones, with the hog pop and clarity. Loud as hell yet smooth. It's a monster. Look into them on the Martin forum if you ever get a chance.
I sold my rosewood Martin after I got it if that tells you anything. And I'll never, ever sell it. Mine was the second to last year they made this model, a 2012. Got it new old stock.
Martin couldn't afford to make 4hem anymore because they were charging around 2300 and less. Which is absolutely absurd. The one guitar they made very little profit on.
Rosewood is always fun in the beginning. Sexier, etc. Lush. But after awhile it just doesn't have that pop imo. And gets dull. I feel eventually alot of players go hog after years of rosewood. Nothing like a great hog guitar.
Congrats on your d18. Never sell it. Will only get better. And if you ever get a chance to get something custom made you have to try high altitude Swiss alpine spruce. If ever come across a D mahogany 09, jump on it. Not only are they a steal, but you won't be disappointed. Enjoy the 18 my man. Great great guitar
As a singer I completely agree with this which is why I prefer mahogany over rosewood. Well put mzzz76
rmzzz76 zi totally agree with you. Ones a guitar for singing, the other for playing.
The D18 is a good compromise, but I would still pick the J45 for vocal accompaniment.
My J15 also works great for singing alongside. Lots of balance and clarity .
@@jimmy5634 "HD28 impressive to the untrained ear" LOL you can't make this up, the internet truly is a magical place
I have this J45 Standard, as well as a Martin HD35, and a Taylor 614ce. mahogany, rosewood and maple. All 3 needed from 3 of the greatest guitar makers to cover a broad spectrum of acoustic enjoyment. I think I only need a nice Koa to complete my collection.
Taylor koa :-) my 2015 20 ce is sweet :-)
Nice - I have a Martin D18 and Washburn D21 but I am jonesing after a Gibson Dove for my maple fix.
They’re not the greatest guitar makers. They’re the biggest. You’ve got Santa Cruz, collings, bourgeois. And probably a myriad smaller luthiers making custom guitars all around the world.
great demo! i think the mahogany on the j45 gives it a little bit more clarity, but the rosewood on hd28 made it sound a bit louder and punchier. Both are amazing though, such classics...
Gibson for strumming. Martin for flat picking. Both good for finger style. I could live with either one.
I've always loved the J45 most of all flattop acoustics. I guess it's because it's the sound of my fathers' guitar from my earliest memories.
Great playing and comparison. Would be better if you had them back and forth between playing styles. Strum the Gibson then Martin, finger style Gibson then Martin etc. By the time you got to the martin i forgot what the Gibson sounded like in the styles
I like this guy because he doesn't YAP, YAP, YAP! He gets to the point and does the demonstration. And oh, the Martin sounds much better to me. It will be my next guitar.
Totally agree. It was pleasant surprise to hear a guitar strumming instead of a lengthy intro.
Thanks for the video. Am a lefty who learned righty out of nessesity. Can now look into these guitars and string them the way I play in my dreams. 🙂
I own a Martin HD-28 V and absolutely love it.
Awesome guitar, enjoy it!
I, personally, prefer the big, strong sound-- bassiness, BOOM, , and warmth of Mr. Gibson. Acoustic Paradise (not to mention the teardrop tobacco burst).
The best review yet. I too own a reimagined HD28 my first acoustic. Still after hearing a J45 I immediately went in search. I ended up with a southern jumbo. I just couldn't pass on the extra bling. Has anyone heard the L2's.....
This is a fantastic video. It definitely showcases the differences in the two guitars. The J 45 has a little bit more of a deeper tone as opposed to the HD 28, which is a little bit more louder, and more of a glassy or high end as well as nice balance, low end.
Thanks for playing the different styles on each guitar, skillful. OMG finger picking the HD-28, Wow
I'm a 26 year old musician and the HD28 was always my holy grail, but you just seriously got me hooked on the J45. I'm gonna go to the local store and try them out.
Get both.....they cannot replace each other. Or, get a J-45 and a D-16 Special.
Ian; Huss and Dalton DM player here. That was one of the best A/B comparisons I've seen on UA-cam. Awesome! The only quibble I have is the mike position would be changed by a recording engineer because the Dread is bassier. Maybe more distant for both. This is a tricky bit here, I know. But still this is great stuff. You really show off both instruments so well. Was that Deep Ellum blues that you played at one point?
I'm now a subscriber. Thanks man!
Oh..And THANK YOU FOR NOT USING DROP D. Maybe you do in some of your other videos, but it drives me crazy in all these acoustic guitar demos I always see.
absolutely Eric. there's only so much I can get across within the context of digital audio and the UA-cam medium, obviously mic positions would change from guitar to guitar, part to part, etc. I need to have some sort of constant variable so the general differences in each instrument can be showcased. I don't think I have any drop D vids out there... :)
You gotta love a comparison video like this... where the only take away is "damn, those were some nice sounding guitars"
Haha yes Tyler! You get it...
The single notes/fingerpicking on the Martin sound more full and round, but it gets muddy when strummed. The J45 sounds perfect when strummed but I little too thin on the leads. I'd take both! J45 for rhythm and HD28 for lead.
My thoughts as well. Glad I have both.
I would take the J45. Loved playing it. So easy. And the tone...a nice blend of the high and low...never to bright and never to low...it captures that nice middle ground without sounding dull. Plenty of life to found in the J45.
Think this is something that I’ve noticed before… On the Gibson I hear the brassiness of the strings; in the Martin I hear the wood in the depth of the wood-colored tone.
Yes! I have Gibson J-45, I feel the same way, brassiness, bright. But I've tried a Martin D-28 and HD 28 it has bass you can FEEL in your body when you play
Which is why I'm thinking of trading in for D-28 anyway
Joe Customer, make a beautiful noise, brother!
That's exactly the difference between mahogany and rosewood. Fundamental tones vs Overtones.
Great playing, very clean, Ian! I've been playing on a Seagull S6 acoustic for the last twenty years, and now I REALLY feel like trading in a kidney for a Gibson J-45... seriously though, I thought my S6 sounded good all those years but hey, those high-end acoustics really sing!
Your S6 does sound good.
To me the J45 sounds the best by quite a distance. I have had a J45 for 2 years now and its like a relationship developing. After 2 years I am getting to a stage where I know it pretty well and it just keeps getting better and better. J45s have a soul. I use Nexus strings which I think are the best sound for J45 I have come across. The worst are Ernie Ball.
I recently got the J-45 Standard (2010 model) and already have a deep bond.
I think the Martin D-28 (or equivalent model) is ideal for solo performances and quiet bands due to its frequency band characteristics, but the J-45 cuts through in loud bands and mixes. Of course, I love the J-45 sound itself too.
My main job is producing and recording. The J-45 works well as a "workhorse" in my daily work.
I use coated Phosphor bronze strings which Gibson Montana recently adopted as factory strings. It is okay so far.
HD-28 piano like chords. You can hear each string separately. Beautiful definition. Gibson with it’s shorter fret scale and mahogany back and sides, has a harp like chord sound. The strings blend together. Both are outstanding.
It's nothing to do with the scale length. That's immaterial. It's the mahogany construction and different body shape and the different bracing pattern that goes along with it.
@@Turboy65 the short scale absolutely does affect the sound..
@@jamessingleton9159 I've been building guitars from scratch for the last 35 years. No, scale length by itself is such a minor contributor to tonal changes that if I built two identical guitars other than scale length, you would not be able to reliably hear a difference between them.
@@Turboy65 So you're basically telling me that a difference in string tension has no effect on the sound of the instrument, given a similar force from my right hand. I'll agree to disagree. It does matter.
@@jamessingleton9159 It's trivial. I've DONE the experiment, having made two guitars that were basically identical other than scale length. You'd never be able to tell which is which when listening to recordings of both. You can THINK what you want, but I've DONE the experiment and the effect of a 3 percent scale length change is....not more than 3 percent. It makes more difference when just changing from a 6-in-line headstock to a 3+3 headstock. That makes a big difference in the length change of the strings above the nut, which does alter the springiness of the strings when bent.
If I had to own 2 guitars the rest of my life these would be it. I got the Martin so now I just need to add the J45 😎👍🏻. I’ll prob find a J45 True Vintage model which they stopped making now. I love the old banner headstock they had
HD28 is so loud and boomy it’s hard to sing over. The Gibson is perfect for singing with. It’s mellow and relaxed. The Martin just booms when you touch the strings ( which I love) but you gotta have a loud voice to sing over it
Comparisons like this are always very useful and interesting. I'm no newbie and I certainly hear the difference between the two. Both sound great in their way. The Gibson has a little more treble bite, a little more bell-like sustain, where the Martin is smoother, fuller I guess. But really now, the differences all in all are pretty minor. I doubt few could hear one blindfolded and go 'oh yeah, J45'. It's not a Tele v Start v Les Paul kind of different. Thanks!
That HD-28 wins hands down for me.
Great demo - thank you very much.
Oh man, a j-45 capo 5. That’s my favorite sound in the whole wide world. It sounds like me uninterestedly walking past a whole wall of Martins .
thought the same thing
@@TheDennzio Me too. The Gibson really shown @ capo 5.
I love Martins, but that Gibson sounds fantastic. Great video!
They’re bookends. Twin sons of different mothers. Great playing and demonstration. 🎤
They are both such beautiful sounding guitars, but the Gibson sounds warmer and clearer to me. I just love that crystal clear sound. Great video....thanks.
Thanks Barry!
the best comparison video!!!!!
I own both of these guitars, and it’s like picking your favorite child. Both are wonderful guitars, and that, my friends, is why you really need to have more than 2 guitars. Tell your significant other that these are medically warranted.
I'm mainly a bass player and I have "only" two guitars for finger style.
...and cheaper than a divorce!
Hell, i would trade my wife for Martin in a heart beat and i am not even gay. The last time i checked anyway.
A girlfriend once asked me : “How many guitars do you need?” I replied: “Just one......more”.
"...medically warranted...", and the co-pay is so justified!
Love my. Martin h .d .28 2008. Purchased it new wow it opened up now sounds awesome. J 45 is a great guitar love them both. Cheers
Talk about two great guitars... This just comes down to preference. I have a J45 and I love it but if you'd asked me before I got it if I would consider this guitar over a Martin, I would've thought you were nuts. I acquired my J45 in a trade of a Martin 000-18. I just wanted it for the looks and was ready for something different knowing it's still high quality. This Gibson has blown me away. The sound is amazing and now I love Gibson's... haha. That said, Martins are fantastic too.
Something for me to ponder for the future. I just got a J45 today, so another guitar will be in the distant future. I really enjoy the sound of the Martin. Both guitars are different and both are awesome.
I was blessed with a J45 as a retirement/bday gift from my wife and its such a wonderful guitar. Only sounds better as time goes on.
Getting that guitar was my foray into playing/learning music and it’s been wonderful in helping me with my PTS.
I’ve since gotten a Gretsch electric, Roland Keyboard, and a kit of edrums.
Learning music has been and continues to make me so happy.
Don’t matter the instrument, get one and make music.
Congratulations on your retirement, and a happy birthday to you Scott. You're absolutely right, the music is what matters! All the other stuff is just fun...
Dynamite vid and playing! 🧨 Dynamite guitars! 🧨 🧨 Thanks, Ian. 🎸👍
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Buy the one YOU want, better yet, get both.
When you’re old you’ll never remember the lost interest on your saving account but you WILL remember playing beautiful instruments.
Can you talk to my wife?
Spot on. Like everything in life you only get one go. See it - buy it . If you can afford it that is !
Great playing Ian ! I keep coming back just to listen to the songs :-)
If you won't mind, what is the name of the song you are playing at 9:47 ?
I appreciate the effort, but this video would be a lot more useful if it were edited to show the same sections on both guitars back to back :)
You are right. In the future they will be edited this way.
Agreed 1000%
Two of the best guitars out there in my opinion!
Loved you in "The Crow"
I have had 28V and J 45 historic. Both great. Each lends itself to different situations. Both are excellent. Wouldn’t know which one I’d keep if I had to part with one.
Two sweet guitars.... What else do you need, I mean really? I'd feel well covered with a D28 and a J45...
I own both also. My J-45 is a 2021 50s Original; the HD-28 is a 2018, the first year of the Reimagined era for this model.
I have to say, hands down, to my ear: J-45 for strumming, HD-28 for flatpicking. I’ll take either for fingerpicking. Thanks. Nice demo, easy to follow.
I have three Martin acoustics including on HD28 that is now 43 years old and has been played the bejeezers out of it. I also own a Collings D1 their tribute to the D18 Martin. I have one Gibson electric. I think that says it all really because I have played just about every guitar marque on the planet. That HD28 lives in my studio these days so whenever I need an acoustic on a track that is what I use because it does the job first time e Rey time. Nuff said.
Both are excellent iconic guitars. I prefer Gibson acoustics personally (have a J45 Vintage and Advanced Jumbo New Vintage) but you can really hear that vibrance from the rosewood in the Martin too. I love rosewood and mahogany both; different flavors.
I eventually want to add an OM to my collection (Santa Cruz and Martin Modern Deluxe are contenders) but for now its Gibson all the way . Fantastic video!!
I played an Advanced Jumbo in a music store once and what struck me about it was the volume. It was freaking loud without even playing it hard. Sounded great though.
Oh Naïve one. I too possess a J45 and HD28 and - like you - thought that that was all I would ever want / need. Then I got a SJ200 followed by a Guild 12 string. Unfortunately, its a disease and incurable. Called GAS - Guitar Acquisition syndrome. Just go where it takes you... I'm 63
Hell yeah Peter
Great comparison! What kind of guitar pick did you use on this video?
Great demo and two great guitars. Love that little run at 4:49 - great playing. They are both very similar and very different at the same time (if that makes any sense). I have a Martin HD-28V, HD-35 and a 000-28EC, a Taylor 724 CE (Koa) and the Gibson J-45. They are all great to play and have their specific niche. The 000-28 probably gets the most play time because it is so versatile and has the smaller body. One mistake I made was trying to make the J-45 sound like the D-28 by putting 13 gauge strings on it. I recently switched to the Martin Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Custom Lights (11-52) and totally changed the J-45 (for the better). Now she sounds like a Gibson and much more playable.
Really nice demo that allows us to hear and appreciate the differences between these two iconic dreadnoughts. Every time I play and hear a Gibson acoustic, it sounds “tighter” to me than the Martins (if that makes any sense). The Gibson sounds beautiful, but I do slightly prefer the open, more resonant sound of the Martin (which is why I own one). At some point, I’m going to have to add a Gibson to my quiver simply to increase the credibility of my collection😝
once again proves you simply cant beat a Martin
@@jeffduran9272 I sold my new 000-18 and bought J45 it depends on the sound one wants!
I feel the exact opposite lol
Hey everybody, Martin ships all HD-28's with medium strings. As far as I know the J-45 comes with Gibson lights. Does the HD-28 in this video have mediums or lights?
Outstanding!!
The HD 28 is the king when it comes to flatpicking. I noticed in that category it definitely won to my ears. For strumming I like the j45 a little more. But it’s not as big of a difference in the strumming category between the 2 guitars as the flatpicking . For flatpicking the HD28 is an obvious winner for me. Good video
Both sound killer!
Im lucky enough to have these guitars and the one thing that this video cant tell you is that,
1) the martin is way louder than the Gibson, perfect for blue grass and finger picking not good for strumming she has a wide string spacing
2) the gibson not loud as Martin but a perfect strummer and perfect neck since its smaller than the 28, ( for my own preference )
No winner for me, it depends on the song, but as a folk singer Martin fits well ( for me )
I feel the opposite
yes i agree
I strum the hell out of my HD28 😂
Thank you for the luxurious review! What pick did you use?
Man that J45 sounds so good!! Before anyone jumps on me.. both guitars sound amazing! My opinion neither one is better than the other. Both are great and it's really just a preference which tone one prefers..
I've owned several J45's ranging in years and Era's. It's probably my all time favorite guitar. Everyone knows Gibson had a bit of a down time when their guitars really wasn't that great and not close to what they once was. But it seems like they've really gotten back to building great sounding Acoustic Guitars again.
Last year I bought a "New Old Stock" Martin D-35.. it's a 2010 but it was "Brand New" and had no play time on it. So it aged for 10 yrs before being played. It's still opening up and sounds incredible!! Obviously I had it Set-up so it plays itself! But I'm soooo missing that Gibson round shoulder Mahagony J45 tone!! It might be the dumbest move but I'm seriously thinking about selling my D-35 so I can get a Gibson Southern Jumbo or a really good J45..
I think I would try to find a way to have both. I hate giving up an instrument I really like.
The sound of these guitars is so much more than rosewood vs mahogany. Most intermediate to higher end guitars have these same woods. There are dozens of factors from bracing position and material to glues used. Both of these companies have hundreds of years of perfecting their secret mojo. To top that off, if you tried 10 of each, many would sound different from one another. That’s what sucks about online guitar shopping. In the old days, you would try a few at your local store and pick the best...
Bryan I agree 100%. This channel is by no means supposed to be the source, I'm just trying to show some different general characteristics as best I can in a digital sound file over the web.... There is no substitute for getting a bunch of guitars in your hands and finding one you connect with
Ian Meadows you do an awesome job. I appreciate that you make your videos about the guitar and not yourself.
The bass and lower mids in the HD28 were mushy to me, especially when strummed and fingerpicked.
I tried one in a shop and ended up with a Standard D18...felt the same way then.
I also own Standard J45 which sounds pretty much like the one in this video. Sweet sounding guitar, especially once you get understand how to make it sing. The Gibby is a less "forgiving" guitar. You gotta' pay attention to the details!
what do you think d18 v j45 ?
n1rwana sorry it took so long to get back to you.I think they are both great.
The D18 is warmer throughout and has a richer creamier voice. The J45 which sounds like the one in this video is clearer with better note separation. I also own a J15 which is a real sleeper in the Gibson line. It’s very balanced. I actually play it more than the other two.
@@jimmy5634 I own a D18 and J45 as well. That's a great description of the two guitars. I've tried to put each guitar into words, but couldn't quite find them. I agree with you. The Martin is richer and smoother. The J45 has a bit more bite. I love them both equally.
I’m a new player with a J45. How do you make it sing?
Thank you in advance.
Your comment about the HD-28 sounding mushy gave me a funny mental image. That mushiness is like a Southern Gentleman approaching a young lady and gently saying "Well Howdy ma'am." It's got propriety.
That Gibson sounded great. I was thinking the Martin had a really tough job to follow that. Then you started strumming the Martin and I was like wow! That is one of the best HD28's I have heard. Perfect tone and I didnt want the video to end. Great playing!
thanks my friend
Nice review. Both guitars sound different.....and very nice.
Ian, have you ever demonstrated a Gibson AJ to a D-28 since they have the same scale length? Thank You.
terrific comparison. Looked at both these guitars in the past. For me, the capo part at end of each session shows the difference. The Gibson sounds modern country and clean - you might find it on a current day recording, whereas the Martin sounds like an orchestra playing round a camp fire out West in 1940. As someone has said, that is why you should have many guitars.
So true Andy! My thoughts exactly...
Came back to watch again.
Just reviewed your D-18 Vs D-28 video. Of course D-18.
But got me thinking so came back to watch this.
While I appreciate the comparison.. the
D-28 is rosewood and the J 45 is likely mahogany.
For reasons below I may just search for another J 45.
I owned a 1946 J 45.. bought in 1965 when some SOB stole my 1939 00-17.
Paid $100 for it. I loved that guitar.. liked most of mine, loved that one.
Sadly it , too, was stolen. SO, I looked and did not find a comparable J45...
that over a couple decades.. until I went to a local GC ( forgive me, once a year is enough)
And there I found a mint WM-45.. outstanding mint... $800.
Stupidly I sold it to order a custom Martin D-18VS.. avery expensive guitar. ..
14 months later, got it. What an ungodly mess. Never played it, packed it up and returned it..
they lost it.. 11 months later they said it was unrepairable and another 14 months to get another one.
I declined. Cost me a year of no guitar and $250 in shipping.
That was backed up by another very expensive Martin custom I had in the pipeline to replace
my 1939 00-17. That , too, showed up a complete hack job.
Neck off center and 15 degrees angled south. To compensate they cut 1/4 Inch off the
bass side of the bridge to make it look like it was centered. The bass string was 5/16ths
of an inch from the edge of the fingerboard and the high E was 1/16th. Never played it ,
returned it. Months later ,after hearing nothing from them, I called customer service.
They told me they had destroyed it months ago as unrepairable. Fact. Funds returned
after another month. Cost me over $250 in shipping. $250 to not own a guitar.
Why I will never buy a new Martin again.
BTW, I have a Taylor 818e. I’d put it closer to the J45. But quite a bit closer to the D28 than other Taylor’s. It’s a phenomenal guitar, though kinda thick, which with v class bracing explains why its sound competes in this class. I preferred it over the D28 I played.
I have a 2021 J45. It sounds...amazing.
Very well done! I have an HD28 and also J45. This comparison showcases the differences. I love that J45! The martin sounds just like what I would expect. More jangle, brighter trebles that are a little less Organic (to my ears). I love my Martins but that’s J45 is superbly woody and wonderful
I'm a J45 guy too Gary. There's just something about a good Slope D.
Nice demonstration of sound. I have a 0018 Martin and a j40 Martin now I might have to look into a Gibson J45. 45 (woody and warm) Sounds way different than my 40 (bright and punchy).
I’d like a guitar with Gibson bass and Martin treble.
Me too John!
Same, except for me add the Taylor aesthetics :)
martin d35 is the anwser!
Get a D18
One of those contests where there is no loser. Best of the best right here.
My uncle had that Gibson when I was a young boy...60 now, loved how it played and sounded. Never played a REAL Martin but I did by a Sigma DRST1 for ten dollars about 15 years ago....it has a couple of issues but I never played another guitar that sounded as good as this one.....always in tune....no matter what chords you play it never has a out of tune sound.
I think it was made in the nineties..made in Korea.
Sweet! I've heard good things about those Sigmas.
I owned an Alvarez Wildwood series 5063 that is a direct copy of the 45...sounded like a piano...at 16 I saved forever for it and loved that guitar...20 years later I sold it to buy a woman a gift...no bullshit, that woman left me 3 months ago...whuddya think I miss more...?
thestcroixkid That’s awful man, I’m sorry 😐
@@9eyeh8chu9 thanks man, I was just whining...but if you ever see a 5063 with no pickguard and a bullseye in the lacquer behind the bridge...you know who to get ahold of...lol...play on bro!
Got a 70 s HD 28, that gets better each time I play it, sound completely different than when it was new. Looked for year for aJ45, couldn’t ever find one that I liked. Price and tone. For my money GUILD makes the next best acoustic. ( made in America ones on course). Great video, tasty playing
Both sound different, both sound great. The solution is to get both!
Simon you've got that right!!!
@@ianmeadows6351 when are u doing a j45 vs hummingbird comparison?
I wonder what kind of strings was on that j45 during the review.
Really well done, played. I subscribed!
Thanks Frank, see you around the channel I hope. Happy New Year to you.
I have had a J45 for 10 years and just got the HD-28. Really too boomy for me and everything sounds “muddy”. I expected more bass but I just didn’t realize how dominant it would be. Likely returning it to go with the D-28 to reduce the boom and add more clarity.
both guitars are greats in there own, with that said I prefer the Martin as to me it has a warmer sound all around
Great comparison video! Just curious... What made you choose the HD-28 instead of a D-28? They’re both great, but, the D-28 has longer historic lineage, plus, it’s probably more readily found. More pre-1970’s, people got famous playing a D-28! On the other hand, I’ve heard that an HD-28 is more historically correct towards a pre-WW2 D-28 than a post-WW2 D-28.
Hi Lawrence, I chose the HD-28 because it's the model that more accurately represents the D-28 of the past!
I’m not complaining, but, now that you’ve explained your choice for using a HD-28, I’d like to see comparison between J-45 & D-28 (circa late-40’s to 2017) just because there are way more of them out there (used) than HD-28. There’s nothing wrong with what we already have - you’ve done great work!
Up until a few months ago, I worked at a music store that carried Gibson, Taylor, & Martins. In this pricepoint, the Gibson J-45 blows everything else out of the water. Just play one!! Cheers! 😎🎸👍
I have a HD Santa Cruz sitka/rosewood, and a J45 sitka/mahogany. So very much like this video - well done by the way. The rosewood provides sound like a chorus with more overtones, while the mahogany is a single note dryer sound. Both project volume very well and hold up in jams with other loud instruments, and depending on the tune, you may want a single note approach or a chorus approach. I agree with the others that to own both is a wonderful thing! I also agree one is not better than the other, just depends on the sound you want at the time you play. My Gibson is a tad easier to play with 1&3/4" nut with a 24" length vs. a 1&11/16" nut with a 25" length on my SCGC. Again different folks like different nut widths and different lengths.
Is the HD-28 a flagship? I thought D-45 was, even says on their official site. "Martin D-45 Guitar. This decked out Dreadnought is the flagship model of the Standard Series." I'm flattered that the HD-28 would be called a flagship, because it's the one I own :D
Ive had a couple comments on this. I am probably misusing the term flagship here, as technically the flagship would be the most blinged out of the line.... I guess I was referring to the J45 and the D28 as the most iconic of these companies guitars and used the term "Flagship" to note that. Congrats on owning a great guitar.
Which one is more comfortable to play ? How does hummingbird or southern jumbo compare to these guitars ?
I had the j45 studio. Now have the martin hd28 reimagined. Is the j45 studio much different from the standard??
Hard choice indeed. I think the Martin is a bit louder with longer sustain, Gibson has more base and a bit warmer. Both sweet guitars
You've got that right Enrico. Thanks for tuning in.