Gibson Hummingbird modern classic vs Martin HD-28: Comparison Between 2 Classic Dreadnoughts

Before anyone comments "You should compare guitars made of the same woods" or "This is useless! You should compare it with a Martin D-18", I just want to say, not everyone is able to own similar guitars.
This Gibson Hummingbird isn't mine. I made a video (with permission from the owner) to show you the difference between two classic square-shoulder dreadnoughts - the Martin HD-28 and Gibson Hummingbird.
The Gibson Hummingbird was introduce in 1960 to compete with the popular Martin dreadnoughts. It was Gibson's first square-shoulder dreadnought (the slope shoulder J-45, J-35 Southern Jumbos were Gibson's popular models). It is one of the most recorded guitars in history, used by famous artists like Keith Richards.
On the other hand, the Martin HD-28, which is the scalloped version with Herringbone trim of the D-28, is another classic Bluegrass/country folk instrument. The pre-war Martin D28s featured the similar appointments. and was designed to compete with the Banjo back then when guitar amplification was still not heard of.
Obvious differences between the Gibson Hummingbird and the Martin HD-28:
- mahogany back and sides vs rosewood back and sides
- 24.75" scale length vs 25.4" scale length
- rosewood fretboard and bridge vs ebony fretboard and bridge
Impression
- no doubt the Hummingbird is great for singer/songwriters and recorded music; it is warm, has a lot of mids, and will sound great in a band
- the HD-28 has much more defined top end, bass (obviously) and is more mid-scooped; it is much louder than the HB in real life
- both guitars are unique in their own way and will be suited for different styles of playing; they both sound great
- if I were to choose one, I would probably stick with my HD-28 as I prefer the definition and clarity
- if I had the money, I'll own both ;)
Thanks for watching. Please like and subscribe!

[@cian_jacob]

Finger style #1: Hummingbird: 0:00 HD-28: 0:37 Finger style #2: Hummingbird: 1:13 HD-28: 1:38 Strumming #1: Hummingbird: 2:02 HD-28: 3:26 Harmonics and strumming (Angie): Hummingbird: 4:54 HD-28: 5:48 Thanks for the video! I’ll finish these later when I can

[@ululalleb]

The best comparison video of any two guitars I’ve seen on KZbin. All very professional, from the playing, sound quality and also not to hear endless commentary.

[@willjames5572]

Different sounds for different styles. Neil Young vs. the Rolling Stones. For my money, the vintage sunburst hummingbird is stunning in both appearance and tone. Nice playing!

[@duncansbuddy]

Both are top of the line dreadnoughts. Always loved the warmth of a Hummingbird, always inspires me and warms my soul.

[@sandystrait3878]

Love both of those guitars and this comparison is such a great idea. Love it! Two classics side by side. Both of these were brought to life by your amazing playing.

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Nice demo. Like people have mentioned, they both sound great, and have different strengths. I own the HD28, but must say that I like the strumming qualities of the Gibson. The dryer sound with quicker decay sounds great to my ears. Sometimes with the Martin there is just too much going on. But, of course, it depends on what you want to do. Get both of them!

[@williamwoods1657]

The Martin has a ring in its tone, whether bass, mid or treble...it's what I love about them. It rings like a bell in the sustained reverb, nothing sounds like it.

[@Moonshot568]

I have , Gibson hummingbird true vintage and SJ 200 . Few Taylor as well .... and one Martin D41 . Love them all but you are right , nothing Ring like the Martin .

[@sooparticular]

rosewood

[@entemen]

It's called long scale.

[@hobiecat901]

A very good Review and Comparison. They both are absolutely great in the hands of an artist.

[@mylerism]

I love hearing the difference between these two guitars. I've got a great mahogany dreadnought (J-45), but I've been thinking of getting a high-end rosewood. Nice playing. Cheers

[@stanherring4208]

Excellent review and playing, thanks!

[@freethinksman4393]

I like Martins for songs that make me laugh. I like Gibsons for songs that make me cry.

[@simpleone1989]

Wow that's a great way to put it!

[@TheLouisConnelly]

Good..!

[@michaellassen5659]

That's a pretty sweet comment! Made me laugh about just getting a humming bird :-)

[@bobsegar1242]

Amazing

[@peterulrich497]

Very interesting comment and more I think about it the more I believe you have valid point.

[@justinr5902]

Sounds like 2 must owns to me; thanks for doing it!

[@burtclarke6942]

At first I loved the Hummingbird, then you got into the picking and I could see why the D28 is the Bluegrass standard. Great job!

[@supermarioxs1]

Just got the Heritage Cherry Bird!!! I absolutely love it !!! Sounds great man !!! 🤩

[@TheDennzio]

Whoa that HD 28 is a banjo killer!

[@michaeldore661]

Great video and great guitars man!

[@johncahill3644]

I had a D-28 for many years because I was told it was the best by more knowledgeable people than myself. It never quite did it for me though (and I realize how that must sound). Then much later in life I played a Hummingbird Original and fell instantly in love with it. Hearing you play Wild Horses was perfect...it sounds magical on a Hummingbird, and just missing something on the Martin (to my ear). That being said, the Martin is a remarkable instrument! Thanks for this video.

[@edyue1]

Damn, best comparison and covers. Love the Tommy/Who ;)

[@randywylie3922]

Just came across this video today. Nice playing and sound on both. I just ordered my Gibson Hummingbird Original with vintage Cherry Sunburst. I already own a 2010 Martin HD-28 and a Taylor 814ce. Love both of them and will not part with either. I saw an earlier comment about strings. The Martin ships with medium gauge strings but I actually prefer Gibson medium gauge phosphor bronze, coated. The Bluebird comes with light gauge but I am having it shipped with Gibson lights. I was a little surprised that Gibson puts lights on this guitar. If I don’t like the sound I will try medium gauge. Anxious to hear the sound difference between the Gibson and Martin.

[@tyleranderson9190]

The Hummingbird has that Gibson sound I love, but the Martin sounds great too. The Martin is much brighter, while the Bird is much more even and mellow. You made the right choice getting them both! Nice playing too!

[@simpleone1989]

Unfortunately the bird isn't mine! I have a nice j45 though. I hope to do a video on it soon.

[@timlilly]

I just traded my D28 for a Hummingbird. I love them both but the Bird just seems to have something about it. Your HD28 does sound the business though!

[@maxwellfan55]

Always thought the HD28 far superior to D28, but rosewood Martins can sound great some days, other days mediocre. The Gibson I found more stable, so I'd go with that. I also have a Hummingbird.

[@TheAndyCzech]

Well done. Thank you Simon!

[@TheStevem12065]

Awesome demo. I just got a Hummingbird custom shop with a red spruce top in the same vintage burst. It's a beautiful guitar all around. You're playing really was perfect for hearing the differences. Thanks!!

[@john15333]

I've been eying the same model - a hummingbird red spruce. I own a 2023 J-45 red spruce already that I play everyday. It's absolutely incredible, but I'm looking for a wider sound to compliment it in my show. Do you still enjoy it?

[@TheStevem12065]

I love it. It has this warm creamy tone. I left my hometown about 6 months ago to go out on the road and build a project. Playing this guitar just surround me this warmth it makes me feel like I'm back home with the people I love.

[@shred5]

These are two of my three top dreadnought acoustics along with the D55. I do prefer the midrange of the Hummingbird, especially up the neck and when playing all the strings together. The Martin definitely has solid lows and solid string definition as a result on the lower strings I like it better for slower things or playing individual strings. At the end of the day it comes down to what you're playing as to what wins.

[@nightmusic1974]

Really great and summarizing comparison between both models! But it would have been interesting to know the year of making of both intruments, as it should also affect the sound of each one.

[@jamesallen1164]

I have always been a Gibson guy and I have many great gibsons and I love them all , but that being said i have one Martin I recently purchased from a freind . it's a d-16 rgt and it chokes me to say this but truth is truth my Martin is the acoustic I prefer to play now . I love my gibsons but my Martin is definatly a new sound I really enjoy .

[@piedpeter1]

That's really great to hear, I am truly impressed with my D16gt w/ej16 or 17 strings, just a really well balanced guitar, BUT, that Hummingbird bird is pure SWEET tone, then again I need to try one in person.

[@Southernguitar74]

Excellent comparison. Playing into a good mic and nothing more. Nicely done. Winner...For me...Da bird.

[@pogodancer6875]

Hummingbird is sweet

[@peterulrich497]

These are both great American guitars, very tough to choose between. I have a Hummingbird and also a J200 and like the more full rich tone of the Gibsons but each guitar has its own tonal personality and you won't regret buying either of these.

[@vincentlussier8264]

Boy it's really hard to say, both sound so beautiful! Good player too. Fast wrist for Pinball Wizard!

[@CenterThePendulum]

Actually great to hear dissimilar guitars compared. Helps people in the earlier stages of deciding.

[@rl2210]

I have a 2016 Hummingbird which I love,but that D28 sounds better as a picker...that said when you put a pick to that Bird it really takes off,nice job.

[@guitarlight3935]

Nice playing, beautiful guitars! I prefer the Hummingbird, it's just so wonderful to look at, and its tone is pure honey. I've owned both of these guitars. The Martin is now gone. The Hummingbird will need to be pried from my cold dead hands when I die.

[@tacov3410]

I clicked on this thinking I would choose the hd28 but I'm going to have to go hummingbird for this shootout. Especially pinball wizard.

[@jcbrenneman]

I had exactly the opposite response. Something about the ring and shine in the 28 that just stands out.

[@tinman8014]

Excellent demo. Preferred the Martin for fingerstyle at the start and bluegrass at the end. Preferred the Gibson for everything else. I do wonder whether the quieter hummingbird would have sounded better fingerpicked with the mic’d volume equalised.

[@davetee116]

Wish I could see your left hand. Bravo on playing

[@sooparticular]

both incredible!!! buy both!! damnnnn

[@oldmanofcotati]

Very good. Thank You.

[@romainbertrand253]

I have an HD28 I really loooove. I always thought that the Hummingbird are ideal for strumming and singing but they're lacking the precision and definition I find in an HD 28. An HB28 is more versatile in my opinion. But both are awesome guitars.

[@purpleheartscott8553]

Very nice playing by the way. As for the guitars, they are both beautiful and are night and day. Each have a unique voice and can do anything asked of them. It’s all up to the individual playing and their ears. For me, I enjoy the Martin in applications where power and projection are fundamental, like bluegrass runs for instance. Has both the powerful highs and lows. The Gibson is warm and far more mellow and has more of the mids being showcased, great for pop and rock and modern Country, etc. I love my J45 and I know I’ll eventually have a Martin, either a D28 or D18. I would also love a Hummingbird eventually and while were at it, a SJ200 😂

[@simpleone1989]

You can never have too many!

[@purpleheartscott8553]

Simon Tan 👍 my thoughts exactly.

[@scottkingsley8037]

Yeah you are spot on and I'm not quite sure what others are hearing based on their comments. The Martin is demonstrably brighter twang, the perfect grandpa picking on the porch guitar gettin some blue grass solos going. Its a player's guitar. The Gibby has the warm bummed out singer songwriter mids that pairs well with voice. It's the singer's guitar.

[@lastWhiteKingdom]

the hummingbird sound amazing on strumming!

[@pavelgeorgiev3661]

I love Angie on Gibson and then ... I love Angie on Martin... Gibson "I'm in love and happy" feeling, Martin "I'm in love, romantic/nostalgic feeling". Really can't chose, both sound on their own!

[@dannymuhammad8321]

When you strum the Martin hard it compresses beautifully it holds together. Gibson didn't do that but it did something else that was cool on its own just need both

[@purpleheartscott8553]

I love my Gibson J45 and want a D28 eventually. And if I am able to get more beyond that, I’d be likely to get a sj200.

[@timothymeadows8326]

I have a 2016 SJ200 for sale on Facebook Marketplace under Timothy Meadows, Fernandina Beach, FL ;)

[@vladimirverline8251]

thank you very much

[@piedpeter1]

Great job got to really hear the differences. Leaning towards Humming bird for that warm pleasing complex tone. It's like Gibson is "the sound" and Martin came along and punched it up a notch, both awesome. But I'm hearing it in KZbin world. Curious what one do you ultimately prefer?

[@simpleone1989]

Definitely the Martin for my style of playing. If only I could have both...

[@marchel9322]

An acoustic mahogany guitar is great for recording. That is why it will sound better to most people in comparisons like this. Big chance those same people will prefer the sound of a rosewood guitar when they play both side by side and have to pick one themselves.

[@peterneuhart9115]

I like the Martin more for fingerpicking.

[@MrFrenchHarp]

The bird is king, imho. I’m saving up for one to sit next to my Taylor 814ce Brazilian rosewood.

[@johnbertotti8815]

Great guitars just got a 28style Martin myself so I'm a Martin guy but I sure wouldn't turn down a hummingbird! To me they are two distinctly different guitars at which point it comes down to personal tonal preference.

[@jimmycollette9209]

Both are beautiful guitars. I have a hd-28. I also have a Gibson but not a hummingbird. My Gibson is the j-45 also a wonderful guitar. Either guitar here is a wise choice. If you have the luxury of a guitar store near you go play them both for yourself. When I bought my j-45 I was in the market for a Martin d-18 to round out my martins. I also have a d-35. The j-45 was so much better for me. I would love to have a hummingbird but it would come with a divorce. I would have to choose between the hummingbird or my wife but the divorce was cost more. Sorry hummingbird. I'll just have to live with the hummingbirds around my feeder. Now if my wife should decide to leave me the first thing I would do is buy a hummingbird. But until then I'll live with what I've got.

[@romainbertrand253]

Sound both amazing. It really depends of the song. I have a HD28 and still want a Hummingbird :-D

[@simpleone1989]

Yes me too! Unfortunately I've not found a suitable hummingbird! (the one in the view belongs to a friend)

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Yes same for me!! Lol.. I have Martin D-35 which is an amazing guitar but if someone with a nice Hummingbird wanted to trade.. lol.. I'd probably do it. Depending on the the year and shape of the Hummingbird I guess. Lol.. I absolutely the Burst color Hummingbird's!!!

[@t3601f]

Awesome skills! I am fortunate enough to have both but can’t touch your playing!

[@Kivencito]

I love the hummingbird. I also prefer that color from the red one.

[@ubertwerpify]

man too close to call both great in their own ways - prefer slightly the brashness of the gibson - but no way you lose with either one

[@1m3rc4d0]

what is the name of the second to last piece please? I love the way you played it. I have a hummingbird avant-garde I love the sound and feel. I want a martin but for now I’m hooked on the humingbird. want to get another one before I get a Martin or a Taylor

[@Rogmichael1]

Nice playing! Please compare the J45 to the Hummingbird I need a reason to own both guitars.

[@simpleone1989]

I have a j45 but not a hummingbird. Will do a demo soon but both are worth owning!

[@thomasjarman1072]

Elizabeth Cotten! Nice video

[@willtilley513]

That Hummingbird is awesome ❤️❤️❤️

[@JohnnysCoolStuff]

Sometimes you need a Martin, other times a Gibson. Depends on the song. Martins don't have the mid-range warmth of a Gibson, but incredible clarity and projection.

[@BluesHeavy]

The issue I have with martin comes in the way of the boom that coupled with the sharp highs makes it a tough beast for singer songwriter stuff I’d prefer the hummingbird in the studio but live my M36 feels more full

[@stevec.1802]

Both guitars have their own unique voice. To me, the Martin has more of a midrange forward sound than the Gibson. Both are desirable guitars to own and play.

[@greatslambino]

Angie is a great song for the comparison

[@Ryukin-lo7zn]

Hi, I wonder what brand of strings and gauges are used on this Gibson hummingbird ? It's this kind of sound that I was looking for on a hummingbird (like The Rolling Stones played on many of their songs). Thanks for sharing this comparison !!

[@simpleone1989]

I think they were 12s Ernie balls phosphor bronze. The strings were a bit old too.

[@Ryukin-lo7zn]

@@simpleone1989 Thank you for your reply.

[@waynejohnson3214]

I want to like the Bird the best, cause it looks so cool. The Martin sounds better to my ears.

[@roberttitus4691]

If you have very discerning ears:Nothing has soothing floating ringing sheen of a martin .Boy it's terrific .I pray ill get money and own one -its killer....You can hear the reverb like vibes fading

[@yazidbakar1485]

Very beutiful gibson hummingbird vintage sunburst..very nice sound..

[@jeffsimslmt]

I’m surprised the Gibson has superior note separation.

[@bobaldo2339]

What kind of strings are on the two guitars? That can make as much difference than the woods. The Martin is warmer - but that is nearly always true when compared to a Gibson.

[@qujilicious6307]

Thanks for this video! Maybe a weird question, but what kind of pick (and pick gauge) are you using?

[@simpleone1989]

Qujilicious one is a no brand 1mm nylon pick and the other a Jim Dunlop 2mm tortex.

[@qujilicious6307]

@@simpleone1989 Ah thanks, I didn't know Tortex went up that high!

[@simpleone1989]

@@qujilicious6307 yes I like the sound. It's warm and yet articulate.

[@chrislazz5632]

Man oh man I want a Gibby Hummingbird.

[@fbr4056]

What strings do did you have on this hummingbird? I have bronze elixir medium lights on mine. This tone sounds sweet though.

[@simpleone1989]

I think they were Ernie ball earth wood 12s.

[@duncansbuddy]

I'm sorry, forgot to state, "nicely done Tan".

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

The pinball wizard was great real nice

[@jeep3069]

Looks like a child did the finish on the Gibson and that Martin sounds much better I’m glad I’ll own one tomorrow or the next

[@-Atmos1]

Both sound Great but I prefer Martin sound

[@phyfts]

Older strings on the hummingbird?

[@danylenerblasdamian739]

provando puras joyas nomas

[@micktmusic]

I have a Hummingbird modern classic 2013. I'll be honest, when I first bought it, it sounded amazing. But now, its sounds 'dead'. I took it to get a set up and the action is now lower but strings buzz. Can't get it sounding right for me and will probably look to move it on soon.

[@simpleone1989]

Did you keep it in a humidity controlled environment? Maybe drying or swelling of the top could've changed the tone over the years. It's unusual for a guitar to sound worse after many years. In fact they should sound better. Another issue could be too low of an action and a low string break angle. But if you find that everything seems to be optimal, it could be your ears have grown accustomed to a different sound and maybe it's time to move on.

[@micktmusic]

@@simpleone1989 I have always looked after this guitar. The place I took it is very well respected and have carried out several set ups for me without any issue. It is especially when finger picking. There just doesn't feel any life in the strings. I've tried using different types too. Looking at trade in for a jumbo I think.

[@simpleone1989]

@@micktmusic good luck! Hope you find what you're looking for.

[@scottstambaugh8473]

Sounds like a loose brace, usually caused by lack of humidity. Sounds like a buzzing string, but is a buzzing brace. Can totally ruin the tone.

[@walterjr.steinert6054]

If you still have the Bird. Loosen strings and then give truss rod a 1/4 turn and if that doesn’t help try another 1/4 turn (counter clockwise). Should rid string buzzing.

[@pigwings]

Hummingbird, hands down.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

If you want a Gibson that's also bold and loud you gotta get a Advanced Jumbo. They will walk all over a D28 lol. Hummingbird is sweet but the volume is to low for me

[@maxwellfan55]

Good comment. The Hummingbird although amazing, will not easily cut through an acoustic session.

[@MrLunchHour2]

I choose Martin over Gibson everyday

[@karenrattray5232]

🍎 and 🍊. Need one of each. 👍

[@obelros1948]

Kedua gitar sma bagus😇, tapi saya lebih memeilih Gibson baik dari segi tampilan dan suara yang dihasilkan. 👌

[@ChrisMerrill]

It's funny. Eyes closed, I prefer the Gibson in every instance. Personal preference, I know. But, damn. Gibson warmth is a thing.

[@JaymeSilverstein]

What kind of strings are on the hd28 please? I have an hd28 and mine is waaaay too boomy. This is the first video thats making me want to keep it!

[@simpleone1989]

D'Addarios phosphor bronze 12s. I switched to Elixirs now mainly for the extra longevity but I love the D'Addarios. Keep it!

[@JaymeSilverstein]

@@simpleone1989 Thank you so much!

[@JaymeSilverstein]

@@simpleone1989 the EJ1 strings?

[@simpleone1989]

@@JaymeSilverstein EJ16s. No worries! Good luck.

[@cmgill2gill135]

D-28 almost sounds like a 12 string at the end!

[@bobsegar1242]

What is the song you’re playing at 1:20-45ish

[@simpleone1989]

Elizabeth Cotten's freight train.

[@matthewcofield6251]

Martin is louder. The Gibson looks better. Martin has better tone. Gibson is more balanced. You could go back and forth all day.

[@chrisdebisonsgarage]

What was that second song called that you were fingerpicking around 1:30? Nice video man, I liked the Martin sound much better but the Gibson has cooler style.

[@simpleone1989]

That's 'freight train'.

[@bogarbill6331]

The Hummingbird all day long..

[@viper2148]

INHO the HB was the better strummer (so warm) and the HD-18 was the better fingerstyle guitar (so sparkly).

[@volklexplosiv]

what is the name of the last song that you play in this video?

[@simpleone1989]

I don't know haha. It's just some chord progression that Tony (previous Acoustic Letter) used to play in his demos.

[@volklexplosiv]

@@simpleone1989 right on. Thanks man. There is another guy from Alamo music who uses it too.

[@TheBoomtown4]

D28 kills it

[@kurtmackenzie7349]

The Hummingbird is alot warmer.

[@sandystrait3878]

Simon how does your Stewmac guitar stand up to these?

[@simpleone1989]

Totally different due to the size. It sounds closer to the bird because of the mahagony. I actually prefer it's sound compared to my OM-28.

[@hgbarrow]

is that a traditional hummingbird or a rosewood hummingbird

[@simpleone1989]

If by traditional you mean mahogany, then yes. The model is a modern classic.

[@enzodeltoro3392]

MartinThe Best !!

[@markstaggs7342]

I'd go with the gibson, but I like my Taylor's better then I do either one of these theres just something I love about taylor guitars and I do have Martin's my second choice would be a guild

[@pauldunne7013]

Fingerstyle the D28 by a mile

[@sugarlife485]

not the same woods One is rosewood the other,,,,,,oh...... what