1957 Martin D-18 and Gibson Advanced Jumbo Custom Shop Guitar Compare

Episode 2 of Life in virus times...Just a quick and not particularly highly produced video following on from yesterday's guitar and watch video. I will do a watch only video next, so never fear :)

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Advanced jumbo is the loudest most powerful guitar I’ve ever had my hands on. Most people know nothing about them. You should see peoples eyes when you sit in a bluegrass jam full of Martins and the AJ drowns them out 😀. I had a lively one though. It sounded pretty D28ish rather than the typical dry sound Gibson has. I used Elixer 80/20 strings on mine and that kept it bright and crisp. Other strings would sound dark like you said after a couple weeks. Try them sometime. They are a little to bright at first but once they settle down they are perfect 👍🏻. It takes a day is two to settle them down but once they do it’s just right. Clear, crisp, and not dark. The AJ goes dark and dry with strings it don’t like Unfortunately my AJ burned in a house fire 3 years ago. I’m still not over it 🤦‍♂️

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

So sad about yours burning up!!! I need to try the Elixers...I definitely prefer phospher bronze strings. Don't recall what is on my guitar now, but I have some Martin strings coming in the mail soon. I will definitely try the Elixers, though. Folks definitely light up when you bring one of these beauties in. :) I don't know what it is exactly, but this is the easiest playing neck I have ever felt on an acoustic. It is so comfortable and I just play more accurately and faster with it. Soon as I get the new strings, I will record a better quality video so folks can get a real sense of how these things sound. I have expensive mics and a Tascam DP03SD to put them through. Just been lazy, or I would have done it before now :) Thanks for checking out my video!

[@SeenOnMyCommute]

The Martin is definitely crisper, but the Gibson has a better resonance. I can see how the Martin would stand out more in a group, but when you're playing solo, I think I'd like the Gibson better. The undertones add to the presences.

[@LawrieFWhite]

My thoughts exactly. You nailed it.

[@scaliscro1541]

I agree with Steves comments below, the gibson is the better guitar in my humble opinion. Lovely video by the way!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much! sorry I am late to respond...YT isn't telling me when people comment :( Both guitars do have their strengths...That is why I just have to keep both of them -- Somehow I will have to cope......LOL

[@LegsON]

I like the saying that "rosewood is egoist's guitar".😄 I have an Epiphone AJ-500, all-solid sitka-east-indian-rosewood. Fantastic guitar. I know many people will roll their eyes, but its sound character is very similar to original AJs. Such a shame original and advanced jumbo don't get same praise and recognition as J-45. Once I got familiar with this body shape visually, I came to conclusion that it's probably perfect. Square shouldered dreads look crude now. :D

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Nothing wrong with Epiphone!...One thing I have learned is that the difference between guitars often has little to do with how much they cost or who made them...There are great guitars out there of all makes...you just have to find the right one for you! I had similar thought about the round shouldered guitars. They just seem more elegant and it seems like they should have more consistent sound reflection inside (I am completely ignorant of sound works inside a guitar, but it sounds like a good theory, doesn't it? ;)

[@LegsON]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches I feel like tighter waist/shoulders help guitar with having a focused bass. It's also amazing how this little body dimension difference leads to noticeably more comfortable posture and instrument position on the lap!

[@lionhead7497]

I think the Gibson is like a warm hug of sound. Regarding playing in groups, using a denser pick and playing closer to the bridge will brighten up that attack you need to cut through. On the contrary, playing warmer on the Martin you may want a softer material pick (not thin, just softer) and strum closer to soundhole. Why bother if you have one for each occasion though!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Exactly right! I keep them both on stands in my library so I can pick whichever is right for the moment :) With the shorter scale and the best neck ever, I find the Gibson to be the easiest to play. Still, the sound of the Martin just grabs me somewhere down deep :)

[@marc8vino]

​@@ADudeAndHisWatches shorter scale length on an AJ? AJ's, Doves and SJ-200's are 25.5. Is yours really J-45 scale 24.75?

[@oldmanofcotati]

Funny. Of my top 7 acoustics my 2002 Gibson AJ hangs right next to my 2017 Martin D-18. Enjoyed your video. Thank you.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Excellent taste in guitars! :) Thanks so much for watching!!

[@BogdanLeitan]

Absolutely beautiful instruments, I was wondering sir, could you give me a quick guesstimate, I recently purchased the same guitar, Gibson Custom Shop, mine has the Madagascar rosewood I’m not perfectly aware of the value, could you tell me how much you got yours for or how much do they go on the market nowadays, I got it in a trade, I absolutely love it :) Thank you so much !

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! Hmmm, I'm not completely sure what they go for now days, I got mine for $2000 about 8 or 9 years ago. Looks like they go for around $2500, depending on the particulars. That is a heck of a thing to get in a trade! Well done! It's a beauty for sure, and plays easier than any guitar I every played. One thing Gibson does better than anyone is the neck carves. Soooo comfortable!

[@BogdanLeitan]

Without a doubt, wonderfully feeling looking and sounding instrument, it’s just a time afraid I paid around 4200 for mine( trades value )...but mine is a Custom Shop, Madagascar Rosewood so hopefully one day I’m gonna get it appraised and I’m gonna realize that I didn’t mess up ,man ...

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@BogdanLeitan You might have over-paid for the used market, but definitely got it cheaper than new!

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

Love the Gibson best I’d try Elixir 80 20 bronze 13 56

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I may have to try those...I definitely need to change strings now! Since I got old and my hands are so dry, strings last much longer than they used to ...I guess that is at least one positive about getting old ;) Thanks!

[@bastardsonofretkillr]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches I’m 67 years old I quit eating carbs and only eat meat I do a lot of fasting and I’m pain free

[@danyjr]

Thanks for this video. The Martin's soundboard has had a lot longer to mature. When comparing a good vintage to a good new-ish guitar, the vintage will always sound better in my humble opinion. I'm sure if you keep playing the Advanced Jumbo for 30 years it will show its true magic.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

That is definitely true...Age makes a huge difference! Still, I think the Gibson will always stay on the sweeter, more symphonic, side of the street because of the rosewood. The Martin just has those brighter and clearer tones. And the Low E is soooo perfect! that doesn't really come across in my crappy recording...Going to bust out a better microphone and try again soon :)

[@freethinksman4393]

It's a shame that you didn't use a microphone and recorder that allowed the most accurate sound to be captured. There seems to be a noise gate or something in the camera that cuts off the sustain of the instruments. Those are amazing guitars! I really want to hear them in *all* their glory.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Yeah, sorry about that! I intend to get set up so I can use my good recording gear soon...We just moved across country and are still getting out of moving boxes LOL .... I was thinking about using my SM57 and my AKG Perception 200...Or maybe I should use my Neumann KS 105? Into my Tascam 03SD, I think. Thanks for stopping by! And thanks for liking my guitars...They are way better than I deserve, I suspect. ;) I am going to try tuning my Gibson down a full step so I can sing some songs that are just out of my range; kind of a reverse capo. Will try to capture that experiment for KZbin too! Thanks again!

[@timg926]

Great video thanks for sharing. I like the gibson tone better but both are great!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks! I honestly can't tell which I love the best...Usually the one I'm playing :)

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Two GREAT guitars you have!! I dont think I've seen a AJ that color before with gold tuners. Very beautiful guitar. I think I might like it a little better because of the low end. But I don't want to take anything away from your vintage Martin. It sounds amazing as well. I've only ever played Gibson acoustics. I have several and a good J45 is probably my favorite guitar. But I'm thinking of making a change and actually buying a Martin D-35. I've been on the hunt for "The one" haha. Great video!!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Thanks so much! I was so lucky to get two awesome guitars and lots of folks like the Gibson best...I don't think I could live without either of them at this point :) The J45 is an amazing guitar for sure...You really can't go wrong...And the D35 is super gorgeous...Once I started appreciating guitars, I realized I should also been borne rich :) Sorry for the lateness of my reply, for some reason, YT isn't letting me know when folks comment. :(

[@NoUseForAName0626]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches hello, good afternoon! This video just came up in my "Recommended videos" and I remember when I first watched this video and commented. it's been a year now so if you don't mind I'll give you a quick update. Lol.. Last April (2020) I found "The one" and bought my first Martin.. a 2010 D-35 that had never been played! It sat in the case (Humidified of course lol) for 10 years and was never played. There's no question it's an amazing guitar! It sounds and plays incredible! But for whatever reason the last few months I've found myself missing the tone of a Gibson. Lol, I actually met and talked to a nice gentleman today who has a Gibson AJ and he and I worked out a deal to trade guitars.. So I'm going to have that Gibson tone I've been missing once again!! Haha.. Even though the AJ and a D-35 both have Spruce tops and Rosewood back and sides, the same scale length etc..they are still very different.. So I'm really excited!! Lol Anyway, just thought I'd share that with you and any other music/guitar lovers who might see this comment. Hope you're still enjoying both of these amazing guitars that you show in this video!!

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

@@NoUseForAName0626 Thanks for checking back and posting an update! Both of your guitars are awesome! I understand wanting the Gibson. I would say it is still my favorite guitar because it is so easy to play. There is just something about Gibson necks that, for me, is just right. You were lucky to find that kind of trade...and to find the Martin in that condition! :) That AJ is such a beautiful guitar, too. Sometimes it is just fun to look at.

[@franksinzinger5219]

I have an AJ too. And I absolutely love it. It have a wider (fuller) sound spectrum. Good for voice. I have a also a d18 ish guitar for the Gibson luthiers company „the heritage hft445“ a very rare Guitar. It’s 30 old and have a aged tone. It’s better for melodies or bluegrass. But an AJ can do it to. Mark Knopfler own a original AJ from the 30ies.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I would love to play one of the originals from way back then...although it wouldn't sound much like Mark LOL. I tried lots of really old Gibsons, but not the old AJ. Age really makes a huge difference on acoustics! I had a 1911 A2 Mandolin that just totally beat any modern mando I have heard for pure, sweet tone. I haven't seen your hft445 guitar, sounds interesting! ...PS sorry for late reply, YT isn't telling me when folks comment :(

[@MrGitpicker]

Both are nice and the combo is very versatile. I agree rosewood muds out and mahogany has a more focused punchy tone. The Martin wins imo.

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

Now if the virus stops scaring folks away, I will get to jam with others again. LOL

[@scaliscro1541]

Having listened again the AJ is leagues better

[@wishlist123]

kinda wanna see what's inside that guild guitar case cuz i like guild guitar too xDD

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

It is a great 12 string :) I will try to do a video on that! I didn't even think about it...Thanks!!

[@wishlist123]

@@ADudeAndHisWatches YaY thanks for letting me know, looking forward to the video~

[@scaliscro1541]

What plectrum were you using?

[@ADudeAndHisWatches]

I think it was the Pickboy carbon nylon edge .60mm --- My new favorite! They are expensive, but unlike the Pickboy Celltex, these don't wear very quickly...Been using the same pick for weeks and don't see any wear at all! www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/pick-boy-edge-sharp-tip-carbon-nylon-guitar-picks-10-pack/h96312000002000?cntry=us&source=3WWRWXGP&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvoPbsZyx6QIVzz2tBh0RqgKlEAQYAyABEgJgoPD_BwE