Gibson J45 or Martin D18 - Which one do you prefer?

In this video I compare my Gibson J45 and my Martin D18. Let me know which sound you prefer in the comments below.
Skip to the sounds:
Gibson 1:11, 5:07
Martin 3:08, 4:41
Instagram: @worshipguitarsound
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[@dcvmv13]

Whenever I go into my local guitar store, out of all the different models in the room I always pick up a D18. I’ll just sit and play with it for an hour or two if I can. Then I go home to play on my D18.

[@richardgredwulf-cronley3858]

There really is something special about a d18... simple, classic, pure beauty and clarity. I love them so much I ordered a custom shop. GE bracing, adi top, sunburst finish... I call her Harvest Moon.

[@johnnygeejr500]

Do you like D. 18 's. ? 😻😻😻😻😻😻

[@NoUseForAName0626]

🤣😂😂😂👊🤘

[@hotlov72]

I'm sure the music store employees love that,

[@MrMd5555]

I don't always play other peoples instruments, but when I do I prefer your future d18 in a music store near you! Look for the one with the old dead strings on her! Like granddaddy used to say "Why put miles on mine when I can put miles on yours for free!"

[@sunjan216]

I think that I love the Gibson J45 guitar, I find the sounding of the cords very soothing, warm and very touching.

[@Zampan0]

If the Gibson was made more than 15 years ago it's a fine guitar, but after that, not as good, buy a Martin.

[@jeffw468]

@@Zampan0 IMO Gibson is currently making excellent guitars in Montana.

[@Tonetwisters]

Both are great guitars. It depends on what the purpose is. If you are playing Bluegrass or instrumentals, I think the D-18 is the guitar. If you are backing vocals, the Gibson has a nice boost in the 300-400hz range which provides a "hammock" so to speak, for the voices to nestle into, in that those frequencies support the human voice very well, without overpowering it. Back in the early '70s, Gibson made a set of HEAVY strings that sounded like a piano when newly installed, and mellowed down to a completely different, yet equally beautiful tonality after a week or two. Sure wish they were still making THAT set. So, strings make a big difference, too. That D-18 will get thicker and richer as it ages, yet will not lose its top end. It's 26 June 2019 for me; but Merry Jesus, no matter what the day!! Thanks for the demo and God bless!

[@Bwh-rm3py]

I have a J45 and a D35, I cant pick one over the other but there's something about that deep J45 sound that I just love.

[@jchase8223]

When I play my J45 I like it better than my D35. When I play my D35 I like it better than my J45.

[@freethinksman4393]

I like the Martin for songs that make me laugh and the Gibson for songs that make me cry. One of each, pls.

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Freethinksman this is probably the best comparison of Gibson vs Martin I’ve ever heard

[@BookClubDisaster]

That's not bad. D18's are gloriously happy sounding. I think a D28 can also apply to songs that make you cry as there's something slightly mournful about those rosewood overtones.

[@USNAVDC]

Nice....

[@edyue1]

Michael Anderson 😂 I have an 1981 HD-28 so I’m biased!

[@Roosterscoope]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 that's your dumbass opinion

[@jeffstanfield9408]

just got a new 18 j45 standard and it is so awesome! the video truly doesn't do it justice! The tone is so incredible! Martin sounds beautiful too, I just love guitars!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nate4472]

I love this guys attitude.

[@runnningonempty]

Over many years ..I have ended up selling my D18 And Purchasing a J45 and a D28.....Thanks for the awesome video.

[@TheLusaso]

Martin's sound SO smooth, but Gibson J-45's just touch the soul. I love them both

[@gibby6904]

Everybody needs 1 of each!

[@jimmy5634]

I agree and I do have both.

[@ps-bi2sr]

I know and love both models, but here I really appreciate your getting the most out of both....well done!

[@terrydavis8957]

That tone of that D18is so sweet it almost makes me cry. It’s so beautiful & there is no comparison.!

[@rogerd9150]

I agree Terry. The D-18 is my favorite in this comparison also.

[@gqnelly]

Both are superb instruments with totally different personalities. The Gibson is a bit darker and emotional. The finish is an extension of her sound...that beautiful tobacco burst. You can almost hear it with your eyes. The Martin is a bit more even tempered. She isn't flashy but she is reliable. She does everything really well. Which one? Thats a personal choice....and there isnt a wrong answer.

[@BeefheartLynch]

Gotta go with the Martin. Just sounds so much brighter and crisp. It just rings. I owned a D35 several years back, and to my ears it was the finest sound I've ever heard from any guitar. Unfortunately, 2008 happened and I was forced to sell it.

[@sooparticular]

had the 35 and hated it!!! too wishy washy

[@brettmcnaueal1951]

Both are great guitars in their own respects. Thank you for sharing this. God Bless.

[@dancrowley488]

Grandad's by a mile. What a great thing of his to have. Cheers

[@christhee68]

Both of those are on my bucket list. I've got one already (D-18) and it's awesome.

[@tomf429]

I play my D-18 daily. I bought it new in 1973 for $325. I had the neck reset and bridge re-glued a few years ago, about half was covered under the lifetime warranty. I bought my son a D-28 when he graduated from college. I told him to take it through life with him, like I did with my D-18. If you take care of them, they last forever and sound better with each passing year.

[@panchiquesada]

Hey Man!! Incredible! I have a D18 and a lot of years ago, had a Gibson J45!!! (around the 70´s) Great video!!! I love both guitars! ( It was great to hear again a J45!!) Best regards fron Argentina!!

[@dixie2141]

2 of my favorite guitars, Martin & Gibson, it just doesn't get any better, The D-18 the winner in a photo finish.

[@mcdee56]

Both great and great picking, thanks!

[@frankcline66]

I play bluegrass and have for over 40 years. I've owned 12 different Martins throughout that period of time. My last Martin was a hd28 I've had for 7 years, but when I walked in the music store 3 weeks ago they had a J45 setting on a stand. Just for the heck of it I picked it up. After playing it for an hour, lol, I traded my hd28 for the J45. I really wish I'd tried the J45 years ago.

[@jaapyoutube6563]

Your beautiful J-45 Custom sounds amazing, it has it all: that trademark bass, and bright treble in one guitar!

[@brothergoodfoot]

Ooh, this is the first video where I’ve preferred the D18. Such a hard decision. Thanks for the vid!

[@mugsypea]

Both iconic guitars that are the benchmark of all acoustics. I have both and couldn’t be happier!

[@clutchfloyd1716]

Both sound great. I own a Martin D18 so I am partial to the Martin sound, but that Gibson sounds awesome too! I would be happy with either one of those!

[@Trigenetic]

I do love my J45 standard. it just has a great warm sound. Took me a while testing and going back and forth but it got me the one i loved the most. The D18 sure sounds amazing here though, will give it a try!

[@paddyc8200]

That Gibson is one sweet sounding Guitar,absolutely love the tone from it, that one gets my vote .

[@WorshipGuitarSound]

Skip to the sounds: Gibson 1:11, 5:07 Martin 3:08, 4:41

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

You really play beautifully! That is one of the best sounding J-45s ever! And the D-18GE is one of my favorite guitars, but a perfect J-45 is just the best! Wish you would do a tutorial on what you played between 2:18 - 2:38, please?

[@jayman1338]

Great comparison! Martin took it home to me but I’d love to have either one of those two guitars. Amazing!

[@josephliptak]

You can't go wrong with either guitar so I think I need a J45 to go with my D18. Nice review of both great guitars!

[@jimmy5634]

Joseph Liptak Yes you do. I have both. Those who say the Martin wins are voicing a personal preference. My J45 has more bottom than his and it will out punch my D18 all day long. Two different guitars. Both are excellent instruments.

[@edyue1]

Michael Anderson haha agree I couldn’t have said it better 😂

[@mheberling5939]

Dang! That Martin D18 sounds so nice.

[@johnfarmer4099]

Nice video. It looks like the Martin won for all those who assume it was a vintage Martin, and a vintage Martin just naturally has to sound better, or their world will fall apart

[@steverok67]

Both sound very good. The D-18 seems to be more powerful, while the J-45 has more mystery and soul to my ears and eyes. Great playing !!

[@122Music1]

No preference. Each one had a gorgeous sound well deserving of being on stage or for recordings. Lucky guy U R.

[@mikelewis2707]

Both GREAT!!

[@ClaytonWillisMusic]

There's something in the low end I really love on the J45.

[@cb874]

WGS, good on you. Enjoy both.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks for the comparison. Looking to purchase either a J-35 or D-18. This was helpful. Blessings!

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Yup! Martin, all day every day! That D18 has a lovely open sound while the Gibson has a tighter dark sound.

[@patelrestilla7311]

Excellent comparison

[@franklin618]

Both!!! Amazing guitars

[@vespass225]

To be honest, when listening to the recorded sound of the two, to me the Gibson is the brighter more open sounding guitar! I do prefer the J45:s brilliant top end combined with it's steady and articulate bottom end. The D18 is nice, but tend to sound un-articulate and boomy in the bottom end which smears the overall impression I think.

[@Uzi_does_it76]

Love my J45, I’m thinking of picking up a D18. Thanks for the comparison

[@georgedavidla]

Your Martin has that wow 3D sound compared to the J45. I'm very impressed with it's big yet warm sound. Having said that, I have a J45 and a Hummingbird. When you played the J45, it gave me that sweet warm feeling like a hug from a friend from heaven.

I have both! 4 Gibson's & 10 Martin's! Love them for the different sounds. My Gibson's feel better to my hands due to their shorter scale length yet the Martin for being a Martin

[@ferox965]

Gibson for me. Thicker...darker...that is exactly what I look for.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I own a beautiful J-45 that I really love. It looks incredible and it sounds amazing. But to be fair, If I could afford the D-18 at the time (this was seven years ago and back then there was a €1200,- gap between the two guitars!) I'd probably have a D-18 right now. I'm a strummer and I use a pick, and for some reason (maybe the scale lenght?) the sound of the D-18 suits me better. Having said that, I'm perfectly happy with my J-45 and although there's a noticable difference between the J-45 and the D-18, they do have a lot of similarities as well. When I think of the perfect Martin sound for pick using strummers like myself, I think of a D-28. In my humble opinion, nothing beats the D-28. But then I hear a J-200....... Man, I wish I just stuck with electric guitars.

[@mr.hartman7502]

Great playing! Wow! I play a rosewood J45 because I like the short Gibson scale. To brighten the rosewood the sound-person usually changes the eq from the board, I’m thinking about getting the Baggs Venue DI.

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

TheJ45 is great. I always love playing them at a music store, I always find that they’re the best guitar that I’ve played that day, but I also am in love with the D-18, I bought one, and I don’t regret it. I think it sounds fantastic

[@adityapurwanegara8292]

need both!

[@johncahill3644]

I'm not sure what you mean by Gibson being "darker" in tone. To me it's brighter with more mid-range fullness. More bass and higher highs with the Martin. I think of the Martin being a great instrument and the Gibson being great for vocal accompaniment. For what it's worth, I've had a D18 and D28 and Hummingbird.

[@WorshipGuitarSound]

☝️ expert.

[@georgemorgan5906]

Love both!! I have a D18V. Love it and won’t be sold.

[@user-fd2ur9ze6t]

I prefer both of them

[@keithkaufman2999]

ty for sharing..... enjoyed your playing... I own Martin but am saving for a Gibby.... love their sound so much.... I am also thankful you are introducing our younger leaders to a QUALITY instrument..... so sad to see so many young guys with good talent playing on horrible cheap junk...... hopefully this will help them understand a good ax is worth it:) Blessings:)

[@abhisheknaik9937]

Gibson J45 sounds great but when you strummed that martin and the story it carries with it is just beautiful.

[@pfr94]

I've played a J45 for about 16 years now. It has been my #1 since I bought it. It is the only guitar I have ever owned that I knew the moment I picked it up I would never sell it. That said, I still want a Martin.

[@thatguy-zw3md]

I personally prefer the Martin, but they both sound amazing. Another amazing video, great content as always.

[@victoriacarter2324]

Great video! Thanks for showing these beautiful guitars. What is the song you’re playing at 2:20?

[@scaredypicker]

Ive wanted a Gibson J45 ever since I started playing 17 years ago... and I think this year I’ll finally pull the trigger

[@TheLusaso]

I've been in the same boat! By 2021 I'll come back and we can discuss how we both love it!

[@Roosterscoope]

You won't regret it

[@WorshipGuitarSound]

It’s my favorite acoustic I’ve ever owned, I hope you love it.

[@WS-bk7uu]

@@WorshipGuitarSound So you do prefer it to the D18? I think the J45 has a very sweet and distinct sound.

[@joshuasarabjit]

Amazing video, I’m dying to get a J45

[@Guitar19774]

Great Comparison! I have a J45 myself but I do like the Martin very much.

[@mcdee56]

both great

[@goswo]

After years of searching I ended up as a Gibson/Mahogny guy - also with a lot of high end Martins (rosewood) on my belt. Have to say that this Martin sounds truly amazing...

[@skaybaltimore]

First of all, thanks for the comparison. I have to say, at the outset, I fully expected to be wowed by the Martin, especially an older legacy D18. And, truth be told, I have a 65 year old J-45 that just came back from the luthier and is an amazing, iconic guitar. Oddly, I've always been drawn to Martins, mainly the D28, because it's rosewood, and I love the rich, lush sound of a D28. However, in this comparison, I honestly preferred the J45. It sounded fuller, clearer, and deeper. And I agree with Freethinksman...J45s are so mellow that depending on the song and the chords, if you're not careful, you'll find yourself crying. They have this deep soulful quality. And yet when I hear a D28, I find myself saying: "Yeah, the J45 is super mellow...but the D28 is how a guitar is supposed to sound". That's why folks who can afford it have more than 1 guitar. I have an inexpensive Yamaha FG830 solid spruce top/laminated rosewood back and sides that cost me $265. And it RINGS! At times it almost sounds like a 12 string. Full, lush, rich balanced sound. So that guitar satisfies my need for a rosewood guitar but doesn't break the bank. (Plus, in the back of my mind, I know I have the J45 locked away in the humidified room for special occasions.)

[@michaelaiello9525]

I have an 000-15SM 12 fret Martin that I adore… particularly for fingerpicking and open tunings it’s remarkable. I’d love to add a J-45 for standard tunings because it sounds articulate and more midrange(y) on comparison videos. The shorter scale might feel nice too, and they look killer in black!

[@victorcetta4854]

Both sound great.

[@Skrelnick222]

They’re both iconic instruments. The crazy thing about acoustic guitars is that each individual guitar is different. They are literally made out of a living thing, so they all kind of have their own soul in a way.

[@2GoldensTosa]

The D18 has a much sweeter top end for strumming and better articulation for finger picking. Great video. Thanks for sharing and God Bless!

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

This is the best comparison video highlighting what makes both guitars so great. The D18 more met my personal taste, but both guitars are 🔥.

[@gregorysmith7697]

Martin and Gibson are the best I can't knock on i love them both ! Happy fathers day my friend

[@gordgibson6654]

You're lucky to have both...bless your grandpa RIP

[@rakentrail]

Although they use the same basic woods the construction is much different. Martin (the choice of flat pickers and most bluegrass players) has a very firm back and sides and a very responsive top. Basically, the top is the speaker and the back and sides is the cabinet. This makes them a loud, bright, punchy guitar. The Gibson has a more delicate back and side set that work in conjunction with the top, both working together. That gives it that fuller, more rounded "Gibson" sound. Neither is better. They're both excellent guitars!

[@Jordenweiss]

Thanks for the great comparison! Would you mind sharing what strings you were using on both guitars? I’d be curious to hear what strings other players have enjoyed using on their Martin and Gibson guitars. My Martin D18 sounds really nice with Daddario nickel bronze! Thanks!

[@purpleheartscott8553]

Nice video and great playing. I haven’t been playing very long, maybe 4 or 5 years tops. I was given my j45 as a retirement present from my wife after a career in military. I love the Gibson j45, but I’m gonna get a Martin as I’m starting to mess around with Bluegrass. I’ll get a D18 for sure eventually but first I’m gonna get the Martin 00015 hog with slot head......is sweet. There are so many different sounding guitars and I love many of them. Just different sounds and costs. Out of curiosity, what strings do you use on your j45? I’m only experienced with the masterbuilt strings that came with it and since then been using ej17’s. Inexpensive and decent but I’d like to try some others in future. Have good day.

[@Thekokomoslim]

Hi there! I got a J45 custom mystic rosewood. Tried all kinds of strings, but the elixir 80/20 medium or light sounds best by far!

[@Mr.Nabil.Belhaj]

Both guitars sound amazing, each one has it own sound. Personally, I love how warm and rolled off the Gibson is at the top end, I'm a sucker for the J45

[@billdedrick1914]

Nice job on the Demo what year D18 is that? Adi top? Forward shifted bracing? What strings were you using on each?

[@paulw6126]

J45 for me but both excellent guitars. Great demo bro.

[@larryadams1873]

Both guitars are fantastic and iconic. Neither is better than the other...it’s not a contest. Really depends on the player and what type of tone he/she is going for. Strings and picks are also HUGE factors here. Changing brands and or the gauges will have massive impact on the tone as well as pick types and thickness. Changing string brands and gauge is something I do on occasion just to give my guitar a totally different flavor. I’d say you’re blessed to own both of these guitars.

[@pneumaticman5927]

Nice playing, brother. I’m trying to make that decision right now, so this was helpful. I love the J 45, but man it sure is hard to beat a Martin.

[@tomgreeves9248]

Great video. The main lesson I take away from it is that a really good guitar is worth the investment. The second lesson I take away is that clearly one would ideally have both guitars! My preference is for the Gibson as I think it goes better with (my) voice, but it’s not something one can debate as such - both are top notch and it’s a matter of personal taste and indeed perhaps mood. Condolences in regard to your grandfather.

[@squirepete]

I think there are times for each. My 54 J-45 Is so mellow and smooth where as my 0000-14 is so well toned and bright with a wonderful low end - it’s really preference!

[@gitarr24]

Could you please make a video about sounding right and cutting through in the mix? Thanks a lot

[@RonRivet]

I currently own and really like my 2012 Taylor Custom GS BTO that I use to lead worship with but I would really love to own a Martin D-18! Not sure what to do....In my opinion, the Martin in the video sounds smooth, balanced, projects well and is warm.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Nice comparison!! Before I owned OM-28 standard, I had owned two small body Gibson which are mahogany back/sides and made in middle 60's. I like Gibson looking, but I like Martin sound whether maho or rosewood or whatever. Good Martin guitar has wider range of frequency. Gibson has narrower range and feels like compression. Many thanks for super cool review and performance!!

[@supermarioxs1]

The j 45 sounds incredible! The d-18 does too but for some reason I prefer the j45 over the 18. I’d have both if I could but I already have a D-41 and I just got a J45 not long ago. The misses barely let me get the 45 ... 😂. I wanted some versatility a Martin Rosewood dread and Gibson Mahogany dread ... I truly love both !!! Great video, thanks for sharing.👍

[@philspecsofficial4540]

Great video man! It seems like the Martin would sounds more balanced. More perfect, but the Gibson got that awesome "smoky" sound. I guess you just have to have both of them :-))))))

[@simonframpton7090]

Both have excellent sounds ,depends what sounds you want for your purpose at the time

[@scottgibbs5903]

Thank you. You made up my mind. Martin it is.

[@TheJosh9150]

The D18 sounds amazing! No comparison it’s the clear winner.

[@jaredjones1801]

Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe that J-45 Custom has rosewood back and sides. Standards of course are mahogany b&s. Regardless, I love them all.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

And rose wood will change the sound. I however have a Brazilian rosewood and love it. But mahogany back sounds great too but it sounds just a bit different.

[@gregorycarpenter]

Both are lovely guitars. The J-45 seems to have more complexity to its sounds with a more compressed, focused, and haunting quality. While the D-18 is an excellent guitar there is something about its big openness that needs more focus.

[@WorshipGuitarSound]

Greg Carpenter great description! I am personally a fan of the J45. Thanks for stopping by.

[@slowpokemax]

I've already got a D16, D29 and a Taylor 510CE so yeah I guess I'll take the J45 now. They're all beautiful guitars to play.

[@rajbroh4334]

Rodney Tan ok i think im gonna do the same thing

[@nhm1069]

They're both great guitars & both sound nice. My D18 has sounded better every year - now it's over 20 years old.

[@jamesdykejr2980]

I really was amazed at the D 18;Martin tonal superiority. I love Gibson guitars but wow.

[@BSimpson19911]

j-45 way more punch, and occupies the mid-range with a beautiful dark character. love that up front and vocal quality. Martin seems to be scooped with lows and highs, not much in mid range. over all the martin has a shimmer to it, that works in stumming situations. at least to my ears. Enjoyed the Video! two Thumbs up!

[@stevewatkins5659]

Thanks for a very good comparison of these two iconic guitars. I hear people say you are either a Martin or a Gibson person and in my case certainly more the latter having three Gibsons to my one Martin I have a J185 and a Hummingbird both of which are great sounding guitars but there is something unique about the J45

[@haroldgamble9781]

I noticed “Custom” on the Gibson headstock. I thought that was put on J45’s with rosewood back and sides from about 2011 to about 2018 or so but not on the standard mahogany J45?

[@kurtmackenzie7349]

The j 45 sounds so good!

[@jeremyreed663]

Both sounds great! I prefer the Martin it has a more musical too end to me and seems to have more clarity. I think t would sound better in a mix.