J45 vs D18 Blindfold Test - Which Guitar Sounds Better??

[@danmaguire5067]

Did not peek, but was not trying to ID the guitars. It seem like Guitar 1 (the Gibson) had a bright crisp, "ringy" sound where each string could be heard clearly whereas Guitar 2 (the Martin) had a deeper more "mixed" sound a "richer" sound where the notes melded together into a common sound. That is my take.

[@thomasnettleton289]

Correctly id'd both. The J-45 projectes a bit fuller when strumming, but the D-18 has the pure musicality of a Martin playing single notes. If I was playing a rhythm gig, I'd take the J-45 with me. Solo gig I would take the D-18.

[@ztienapm]

Got them right as well but based on strumming only. Single note almost made me change my mind. Luck I guess

[@steveweiskopf2129]

Smart distinctions!

[@liamneslind5708]

The J45 straight up sounds better

[@briang768]

I was able to correctly guess the guitars. Thirty years ago I was a "Martin guy." Not only was I incredibly biased toward Martins and vociferously against Gibson, but I was a committed Rosewood back and sides for the tonewoods. Over the years my ears have led me toward the slope shouldered Gibson mahogany dreadnoughts like the J-35 and the J-45. I still appreciate the D-28s, HD-28, OMs, & 000's but it is interesting where one's ears will take you and how different other people's ears and tastes are.

[@chrisdcates]

I was martin all the way. Now my favorite is j45 or any slope shoulder or lg or l00

[@Ledzepfan88]

@@chrisdcates I love the Gibson l00 I'm not familiar playing wise with a j45 though I love the j35 I played once. What would you recommend to cover the most bases, for a first Gibson. I know you can play anything on any guitar but just practicing the blues and occasionally strumming some campfire songs would an L00 serve me well? I love the comfort of it it's not like I plan to wail on it Pete Townshend style hahaha

[@chrisdcates]

@@Ledzepfan88 yes l00 are great if on a budget got a l00 pro or whatever name they call the lower end models that are not standard. If you can afford a standard go for it. Best money you ever spent

[@atta1798]

I prefer the jumbo....grand ...Spruce n rosewood etc

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Same!

[@EC-sv1ns]

I own a J45 I guessed it right. It has a warmer tone on the low e and a strings and at the same time a brighter clarity on the high strings. The 18 sounds crisp and tight but i prefer the 45 by alot. Just a great sounding guitar. im very happy with it.

[@vespass225]

Agree 100% . Also owner of a J-45 Standard. Both fuller bottom, and sparklier, more shimmering top end

[@maxwellfan55]

I'm a Gibson guy, and identified each correctly. On the basis of this (taking into consideration Quinton's pick and string technique), sound wise I would choose the Martin, but prefer the look and feel of the Gibson which I would probably pick up and play more. Basically, I can't win!

[@jeffhayes605]

I think for me, the more my playing advanced the more I became a huge mahogany fan. I guess I appreciated the rosewood overtones covering up my mistakes and filling in the empty space. I love how clear and dry everything is on a mahogany guitar and the balance makes for some spring on the strumming. Same thing that over time I appreciate a good Gibson with red spruce and mahogany.

[@drewg3087]

You know what’s up!

[@jimmyonguitar1]

Recently played a D18 2020 limited edition, and a J45 standard (both were brand new), and I ended up buying the J45. It seemed to project more, and had a little more low end. I was pretty sure I wanted the Martin when I first walked into the shop (because I love my D16r), but the Gibson got me. Happy with my choice.

[@xetexuk12]

These two are possibly the most iconic available today, poss. the D-28 as well, great comparison!! Love them both.

[@Jam-m7m]

At 7:39 you can tell the Gibson is a White Label Standard and not a custom shop Red Label....one thing to take note of is all Gibson’s are now made with hide glue on the neck joints which as the guitar ages it’ll just keep getting louder and crisper and better sounding this is my experience with all Bozeman Montana Gibson

[@russfitzgerald]

I got it right - mostly because I picked up on the more prominent mid-range of the J-45 in the strumming. The Martin has more low end, with what feels to me like a scooped mid-range, but I've been playing the same J-45 for nearly 16 years, and my sense of mids vs. lows is suitably biased. I can appreciate the Martin as a very fine guitar, but the music I play and the way I play it just works better on a J-45.

[@donadolfo11]

I was first wrong. But then knowing and listening again, it became obvious which one was which one. Interesting effect... Never had thought that the difference between the two is so small. Probably much clearer when the handling plays a role, too. After all, I still would go with the D18.

[@maxallmark736]

I think that was a really good j-45 wow haven’t heard a Gibson that sounds that deep

[@trobmj1]

I guessed wrong. And I have an 18 with Adirondack top. They are close and both sound great.

[@svenklabunde]

Got it right. Maybe luck. Both are really similar, when you don’t look - the J45 sounded it little brighter to me, even the depths. Was fun!

[@thusithalakmal3384]

4:20

[@socksgratecheese]

What a great comparison! I thought the Gibson was slightly preferable because it was more balanced across the strings (against my expectations). If between the two specific samples, i'd choose the Gibson because I usually find them more comfortable.

[@drewg3087]

String balance is where the Gibson acoustic shines, also 17 degree headstock and 12” radius. Gibson are just warmer and the E chord just thumps.

[@ia5662]

I own the D-18 and it's my favorite sounding acoustic guitar, but the bright liveliness of the Gibson J-45 really surprised me. Had great single note definition.

[@hotwireman49]

What year is your Martin? I wanted one so badly and bought one in 2020 but I sent it back to the store because I didn't like the modified low oval neck. I forget when they changed it common probably when they started the re-imagined series, but it's too low profile for me. I like that old standard c-shaped profile.

[@ia5662]

@@hotwireman49 mine is a 2019 Standard model and it is the low oval a lot - to each their own of course, but it plays super easily for me.

[@tommcdonald1746]

I have a 97 D18 and really like it. I've played a few J45s and they are equally great guitars but not enough for me to sell my d18. But I could clearly hear the difference in this comparison. But if you compare two d18s or two j45s you'll also hear a difference. Aged wood vs new wood makes the biggest difference.

[@jeffknighton6599]

This was very helpful. I can definitely tell the difference. I am currently trying to decide between these two guitars, as to which is more appropriate to the way I play. I would say that the Martin is ‘punchier’, with each note standing in its own in a way that punches the ear with extra bass at the attack end of the note. The J45 has a brighter attack with the sustain having something like a compressed ‘growl’. This is true of the individual notes. When you chord/strum, it has a different effect on each as well. On the Martin, when a chord is struck the notes each hold their own in the low register and blend beautifully in the upper register. It creates a warmer low end that to my ear is not necessarily as ‘clean’, with each note refusing to succumb to the strength of the other notes. On the Gibson, the whole guitar seems to respond to chords differently than as described above. It’s almost like the guitar plays ‘mixer’ and balances them together and blends them ‘pre-projection’, so that they come out if the sound hole sounding exactly how they are going to sound in the room. So, the Martin platforms each note at full strength and let’s the room mix them into harmonious resonance, but the Gibson seems to blend the notes into a mixed product within the box, so that the strummed or comped chords come out of the guitar as a finished product. I did not cheat, and I definitely hear the difference and was able to pick it out blind. In conclusion I’d say the Martin is punchier and has a more ‘brute’ appeal, where the Gibson has more growl and blends the notes in a way that sounds more sophisticated, maybe ‘smoother’, almost like natural compression.

[@mcross681]

Best description yet.. We’ll said

[@paulmurphy9973]

Compression.Its why most strummed parts in recordings pick a Gibson.The more instrument focused it is it tends too go too the Martin world.(Generally speaking)

[@tlove9125]

I will be honest. I did not get it right. Love what you guys do! Great chemistry!!

[@westcoastrey3679]

Thanks for the cool video, I leaned to guitar #2, I didnt cheat. I played the video again and discovered it was the D18, both sound great, so either is a winner....

[@Atlanticmoonsnail]

I got it correct and the Martin has more bass. I actually got it. But, as an HD 28 guy (Rosewood), I think I like the slightly brighter tones of the J-45. Thanks.

[@carlweiderick]

Very different tones. The Martin has more bass and is somewhat muted. Both have great sound. I guessed correctly after hearing the first demos. I have Gibsons and Martin and love each for their individual characteristics. You can prefer one over the other but you can't fault either. Great instruments!

[@earlcaputi]

I think I would know by the way each guitar feels. My D-18 is a featherweight compared to my somewhat more substantial J-45. I love them both for their unique sound quality.

[@rickbrown4039]

Also the Gibson is a short scale . Would definitely feel different in the hands .

[@scottbangoarce4836]

I got it right but I have the advantage of owning one of each. However, my J45 is a Custom Rosewood which, of course, is a completely different animal. The fellas call the Gibson "The Grand Piano"; loud with more 'phumph'. The Martin (2015 standard D-18), is the 'Cannon', dryer and more cutting. I'm set for acoustic guitars. (Though I wouldn't mind a smaller 12-fret!)

[@martinsundland7614]

I have a J-45 and still got it bass-akwards! They are very similar and if you start screwing around with different strings - I'm sure you could make yourself crazy doing this.

[@jackleebron3907]

I got it right. The strum was tough but the single note stuff made it easy. The J-45 is a great guitar, but the D-18 is its own class.

[@fredsings1]

I am brand loyal to MARTIN(I own several) - rarely disappointed. In this comparison, however, I do prefer the 'crisp'; less boomy sound of the J45. Thank you guys, it was a treat to my ears.

[@Singinfeller]

I love Gibson's & Martin's and both had beautiful tone but the J-45 was to my ear the best sounding of all of them and superior to the Martin D-18. It rang out with more definition and more girth. I would also say the Taylor 314 would have been my second choice. Of course this is relative to each and every ear. Rock on guys...

[@TheGrasspond]

I didn't even try to get it right. But I did focus on which tone I liked better. It ended up being the martin. The martin has a little more growl, reverb whatever you want to call it. It sounded better to me. These challenges are great!!!

[@guitargreg51]

I picked the 45, with out looking as #1. #2 was the D-18. The D-18 has a more bassy sound to me BUT both are very close.

[@bryanwalters9574]

Got this one right. The single notes are more pronounced and harsher on the J45. The D18 has that Martin “all the strings blended together” sound.

[@mikant71]

blended together = muddy to me

[@phyfts]

I love these kind of videos! Please add some Guilds too (Martin hd28 vs Guild d55 maybe)

[@555patrickd]

I really enjoy the blindfold comparison tests. I would love to see some comparisons of budget ($300 to $700), middle($800 to $1500) and higher end Martins, Taylors and Gibsons. That is, comparing Martin to Martin, etc. It would also be fun to see some comparisons of similarly priced guitars from less well-known makers with these top brands.

[@petethompson3510]

I got it wrong as well! The Martin sounds like a j45 used to , if that makes sense. Both real nice and similar sounding though

[@sharantab1786]

Love these videos keep it up!

[@chrismccannIRL]

Both sound great... Martin sounds that little bit sweeter to my ears but it’s not by much

[@Dagger_323]

That's interesting. For me it's the complete opposite. Martin has that classic boomy, drier tone, tons of low mids and bass. The J-45 comparatively sounds noticeably sweeter and more balanced across all frequencies. Love 'em both but Gibsons always take the cake for me.

[@peachcurls]

I got it right! They both sound extremely similar with single notes as opposed to strumming. Strumming makes the differences more clear.

[@nickscholz9902]

My main guitar is a d-18 that I play everyday. I still had a hard time picking out the d-18, felt like a coin toss. I got it right though, mostly because the single note picking on the higher strings/higher frets really gives away the scale length.

[@mojobrando]

When you spend some time listeingn to really old martins and gibsons like 40's to 55's You can really start to recognize the diiferent tonal characteristics. Martins have a very controlled sound while gibson are kind of looser and jangly. Dont know if its because all the braces are falling out but that can be a really cool personality. Something about old gibsons with thin sounding notes but giant sounding bass overtones that is like the best thing ever.

[@jaredbassett1866]

In my experience the tusk bridge pins and saddle make the attack fuller and stronger witch is great but the negative effects is it makes them brighter. You can hear it in the vidio but that particular j45 is perfect for the materials used aperantly because it does both and sounds amazing!

[@titusalabat5173]

To me it's easy to tell the J45 from other guitars like Martin or Taylor. It usually doesn't have that typical strings chyme when you strum it. The sound of it is less from the strings but more from the guitar, if that makes sense. Its a whole sound as one instead of a separaration of sounds from individual strings that you can commonly hear especially from Taylor.

[@tapiolantennis2251]

Martin sounds drier, tighter, more bluegrass, more Neil Young... Gibson sounds sweeter. II was able to pick them out, both in the beginning and in the end of the video. No cheating.

[@christhee68]

I have a D-18 and it's the best-sounding and best-playing guitar I've ever laid hands on. That being said, I could not tell which was which in the video with my eyes closed. A J-45 is definitely on my bucket list. I wouldn't trade my D-18 for it though (but I probably would be willing to trade my Taylor 314ce (no offense to Taylor--it's a great guitar)).

[@roytube10]

Got it right when Quinton played, but missed when Paul played. Certain style of playing will out a guitar every time as well. I am just glad my wife didn’t see playing KZbin and not watching (face turned away and eyes closed) she would have me committed!

[@texhaines9957]

I liked guitar 1 more than #2. But guessed incorrectly. I OWN a J45 and a D-28. Glad I liked the one I own. Good video. What about a video that compares a 12 fret slotted head with a solid head?

[@danstevens1024]

I totally got it right. The thing I don’t like about the J-45 is the predominance of bass in it’s tonal spectrum. You can easily perceive and label it as “depth” if you are attracted to that type of sound.

[@danstevens1024]

Actually the opposite. I don’t consider an overwhelming amount of bass in the EQ depth. But it seems like Quentin does in this case.

[@tedwade6322]

I own both the J-45 and an HD28...I think that would have been a better comparison test. I can definitely tell the difference in the sound of each. And the build of the J-45 is more closely related to the HD28.

[@gingeoram]

I think the Gibson has a more open sound. Has clarity and full bass.

[@gzackerman]

I actually did keep my eyes closed and correctly identified the guitars. I have a Martin DCPA4R and my brother has a D18 that I have played. I actually really like the J45.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

The single-note playing towards the end definitely was where the difference lay for me. I guessed it right, but not sure if it was bc of my ear or the fact that I had a 50/50 chance of getting it right. J-45 is what sounded better to me. For my taste, Martins tend to be more muddled on the top end and I like a little more sparkle up there. Thanks for the comparison!

[@mpa1931]

I'm more of a strummer so I prefer the J45 but the D18 is best for lead parts and finger picking. Much more versatility with the Martin.

[@dondeese7167]

I took the blindfold test myself and got it right. I have a D-18MD and a D-21, so that may have helped me. Both the D-18 and the J-45 are winners in my book!

[@dondeese7167]

The J-45 does sound great, may have to get one of those too 😬

[@auramac]

@@dondeese7167 I hope/ I wish my J-45 sounds this good. Was considering a D18, D28, HD 28, OM28, CEO 7 for my next complimentary tool... tough to decide, tougher to check since I'm a lefty.

[@dondeese7167]

auramac cool. I’m a lefty too! I just got my D-18MD in June. I struggled hard trying to decide between the D-18 and the J-45. It’s always fun looking forward to the next guitar. So many good ones out there to choose from, even for us lefties. I’m leaning towards a 12 fret guitar for my next one, with me just getting the D-18, it’ll be a little while, but fun to look in the meantime. Happy picking

[@runnningonempty]

I have replaced my D18 with a J45 and I also own a D28...I got it wrong but I turned around before the single note..I LOVE ALL MARTINS AND GIBSONS!!

[@bartondoug975]

Here we are a year later and I tried it again (no recollection of which guitar was #1 or #2). I got it right again. Both sounded good. The slightly stronger bass in the Martin was the key. I will admit I am a Martin guy and Paul specs out some really great Custom Shop D-18's with adirondack tops. One followed me home from MT and it is probably the most versatile dreadnaught I own. It will never leave the herd.

[@paulnieman3151]

I got it right, and who knows if I'm lucky or good. What I heard was the Martin had strong mids, while the J45 was more balanced from to top. They are close enough that I think string selection could even switch the results. I, too, was always a Martin guy (68 D28), but Collings is made here and I wanted to support my local biz. Heard a CJ and was blown away by the smooth response bottom to top. Bill said it was inspired by the old Gibson Advanced Jumbo. I bought one of each and, while I had never had any use for big Gibsons, the round shoulders sound even better to my ears than my beloved Martins. Since Quinton is a long scale guy, I'd like to see a comparison of an HD-28 and an Advanced Jumbo, or the AJ with a J-45. Thank you guys for doing these comparisons. I have particularly enjoyed these last two.

[@dowaliby1]

I guessed correctly, but inly because I've been listening to/watching videos featuring one or both guitars all evening. Even before this video, I was very surprised to learn that the J 45 had surpassed the D 18 to my ear (and eyes as well). The Martin is certainly an excellent axe, but the J 45 just has more sparkle. liveliness and personalty, while the martin sounded kind of stiff and sterile by comparison. I think the J 45 is a far better looking guitar, as well. Just my opinion.

[@robertmizek3315]

Great video. Interesting test. I remember being a guest at CF Martin years ago and playing two D-28 Authentic prototypes. Both were built identically by the same person with hide glue. The necks were made from the same mahogany billet, and the Appalachian spruce tops were cut from the same billet as well. The only difference was that the backs and sides while both being Brazilian Rosewood, were taken from different trees and one set was flatsawn while the other was quartersawn. The difference in tone between the two was incredible and I and the other five guests had varying opinions about which one sounded better. Go figure!

[@DDuMond1]

I totally got that wrong! I was convinced they were the opposite, based on what I thought I heard earlier in the episode. When I re-wound it and watched, I've got to say I just loved the sound from the D18. One day....

[@kevinconville9258]

I didn't even guess because I just couldn't distinguish enough of a difference. I'm pretty much a dyed-in-the-wool Martin guy but that J45 sounds every bit as good, to me

[@soofitnsexy]

me too!!

[@michaelaiello9525]

I got the blindfolded test right. #1 Gibson #2 Martin. I’m a Martin guy. I wish to heck I had a J-45 or an LG-2 , but I don’t. I do currently have 3 Martins,… an 0-18T, a custom 0-17M and an 000-15SM. Even though none of these is a dreadnaught, all my Martins share that familiar chime , almost a harpsichord quality that my ear identifies as distinctly Martin. That crisp, dry, articulate punchy Gibson tone woos me for sure. Both are fantastic! Thanks

[@jimmycollette9209]

I did the same thing in person. I have a martin d-35 and hd-28 but wanted a mahogany. Side by side off the rack the j-45 blew the d-18 away. From the set up to the finish. My wife even chose the j-45 so now the martins have to share time with a gibson.

[@rzh3443]

I got it right. The low E on the Martin gives it away. It’s not about better; rather, it’s about what you want to play on it!

[@john15333]

I own both. They are amazing tools and I appreciate them equally. I've played so many of them over the years and in my opinion, the J45 is the better strummer in cowboy chord and middle neck chord runs. It's deep and full. It feels great to play with the shorter scale. It starts to sound tinny as you play up the neck all the way to the heel. It doesn't sound great with a capo beyond the 3rd or 4th fret. The D18 is better to play all the way up the neck. The longer scale helps with this. The neck is more comfortable for me to move quicker and play single notes. Using a capo sounds great everywhere. For my style of the playing, the D18 is the better all around instrument. If I'm just strumming while singing, I'll always choose the J45.

I've played guitar since 1979. Owned over a hundred brand new acoustic guitars. Martin, Gibson, Guild. etc....I've had Hoboken, Westerly, Tacoma and Oxnard made Guild D-40'S and 5 Gibson mahogany guitars through these past 44 years. I closed my eyes as Quinton suggested. I heard his strumming and I guessed correctly!!! The Guild has a deeper bass note articulation compared to the Gibson. The J45 is no slouch of course but I can tell that higher Gibson mahogany sound! Great sound test!

[@stevetrauger8037]

i got it right away but honestly i dint think i would. I like the dark martin tone. never played a gibson but to me it sounded like a sweeter tone (more melodic?) idk just my impression

[@mhw6160]

I got it right and didn’t cheat (honest!). There is a treble zing to the J45 that the D18 doesn’t have. Also the D18 I think, sounds more refined. I have an Epiphone version of a J45 and the sound whilst not the same has a similar signature to the Gibson. If you could do some expensive versus less expensive comparisons that would be cool.

[@alejdr]

Hi. Would you recommend buying the Epiphone? Does it worth the money?

[@titusalabat5173]

@@alejdr If you can save for a Gibson J-45. Wait for it and save. Its a lifetime instrument, so why not invest on quality. Its the best guitar I have ever spent money on. And I own Martin and Taylor. Even now when I open up the case and play, it's just awe inspiring. Not only does it sound great,it looks gorgeous especially the sunburst. And if ever you're in desperate need of money sometime in the future, then it can be sold at almost the same price or even more because these guitars are timeless classics and the prices appreciates as they get old.

[@mhw6160]

@@alejdr I have never played a J45 (being honest) but my Epiphone AJ220VS is probably the best value I have ever had on a guitar. At around £129, put some Elixir strings on and it is a great player.

[@billtatro9857]

It all depends on the music you play and the sound you get from your guitar. Tried many Martins but it was a Gibson that warmed my heart. It really a personal choice. My bluegrass friends swear on Martin and my blues friends prefer Gibson. I say play what makes you feel musical.

[@alessandropepe1381]

Theres also the fact that the d18 comes with medium gauge strings and the 45 with light gauge. Also the gibson has the dreaded undersaddle pickup . I removed the electronics on mine and the sound improved immensly! I have owned the d18....now i have my j45 and will never be without it!

[@jordanwilliamson2683]

Wow, I guessed wrong. I honestly can't believe how much better the j45 sounded. Much more pronounced high end and clarity. I thought it was the Martin, for sure. Thanks for the vid

[@RandySchartiger]

the mic alone is possessed lol they both sound good but I can distinguish them blind folded, nothing like that gibson sound and martin has its own sound too. rock on guys! watch out for that magical moving mic :P

[@gavincarrollmusic7401]

Randy ya legend 🇨🇮

[@WolfCat5102]

Got it right. Surprisingly, lol. You guys rock. Love your videos

[@tomzelinsky688]

I got them wrong ... love both Martin and Gibson Great video idea

[@MrClixFlix]

Great video. Really had a hard time telling them apart until you played the single notes. For sure a difference. That doesn't mean one was better than the other, but that was when I could pick one out.

[@RogerThat902]

I missed it. I was sure the 2nd was the Gibson, but I missed it. Listening w/ my eyes I would have said I prefer the Gibson in that model, but just listening I preferred the Martin. Makes me feel pretty good as an owner of a couple of Martins at least :)

[@Mzzy1979]

This is mindblowing to me. I´m a 100% Gibson guy on electric guitars. J45 D18 I played em both and thought the D18 must be de best acoustic guitar modell on the planet. I came back to this video every couple of months when I completly forgotten what was 1 and 2.... To my ears the difference is barely recognizable. So I go with the Gibson again. Little cheaper, cooler looking, shorter scale length / easier to play and a pickup.

[@jaeyooncho2712]

18 growls by strumming and sounds clear note by finger picking. That is how I tell. ; ) that is Martin characteristics I think. 45 on the other hand sounds lush in bass by strumming and mellow tone by finger picking. I guess the difference comes from sustain. 18 might have a longer sustain.

[@soofitnsexy]

i agree...that longer scale length of the 18 has a thicker single note

[@exhalejackie]

I got it wrong. First strum on guitar 1, I thought, “ oh ya that’s the Martin” …….I found the 45 more well rounded , whereas the 18 mids were punchier…..

[@cr9822]

Thread is old but the comparison is still relevant. I have a J-45 and contemplating a D-18 so this was helpful. The J-45 sounded a tad better to me on this video as it had more clarity and sparkle while the D-18 sounded thicker and bassier, which I love but also sounded a bit more compressed when strumming. I think both would be great for vocal accompaniment. Both are wonderful guitars. I guessed wrong on the first part with strums and then guessed correctly on the single notes. As a strummer/singer, I guess I have the right guitar for me as I liked the strumming tone of the J-45 a bit more. Great video guys.

[@LindaLooUK]

I got it wrong as well and I preferred the J45 everso slightly.

[@jdstan9650]

Loved the video, I got them right...didn't think it was difficult to hear the difference. Please do more like this...include Guild, Eastman, Taylor, and Yamaha. Thanks.

[@sthengr]

I guessed wrong and I have an HD 28 and a Gibson CL-50. Love both of them.

[@brucek2946]

I did it honest (Reduced My Browser) .. I got it right .. I think the Very Slight difference is Scale Length.. Gibson strings sound less "stressed" in the lower ranges which adds a slight edge on the tonal warmth whereas the Martin Bursts with Energy when you make it SING in the upper notes ... It Lights Up with overtone on the higher frequencies... I LOVE BOTH Guitars !!

[@DK-md2pu]

Amazingly I guessed right and I did prefer the J45. I thought for sure I would pick the D18 as the better sounding to MY ear.

[@gregorycarpenter]

If you think of compression, decay, and focus you should be able to guess the J-45. These three things characterize its sound. This is what the J-45 is known for; it is very unique in this respect.The Martin D-18 has a very different tonal/sonic presentation. I love it, though! It's a true singers' guitar....maybe as good as it gets....

[@creationsix]

It would be helpful to know what strings you have on them and if they both have the same string type and gauge. As you know, strings make a dramatic difference. (Hopefully they do, as that would change everything if not.) Also, the microphone makes a big difference to as to the frequencies transmitted and overall sound. So if someone is using these videos to make a purchase decision, they need to know that, and really need to listen in person if possible. Thanks. I enjoy your videos!

[@michaelgonzalez7744]

I was nervous I would pick the Gibson but boy oh boy the Martin just didn’t let me down!

[@DirtRoadGroceryStore]

It was easy for me to tell because I've always had a strinyg preference for the Gibson sound. So I just picked the one I liked best and it was of course the Gibson.

[@federicoscquizzato8359]

I got that right all 3 times, martin has the "martin tone" and i can hear that here a lot.

[@johnrodgers6049]

The Gibson sounds louder and brighter. The Martin sounds more reserved

[@blitzinstripes3788]

Agree. Both are amazing and iconic guitars. Which is why I have decided I need them BOTH in my life. :-)

[@JLHill91]

All Martins are known for needing to open up. Once they do they blow a J45 away.

[@PatrickWillshire]

That was weird - I preferred the second guitar and was beginning to get disappointed because I’d ordered a D18 and thought #2 was the J45! Glad to be wrong this time! By the way , I felt #2 sounded fuller and richer in tone - more what I expect mahogany to sound like. Great exercise, fellas! Thanks.

[@SiggyMe]

I took the blindfold challenge and it was pretty easy. The first one was more dynamic and was one the Gibson with more rounded trebs, and two the Martin was more balanced with slightly brighter popping trebs.

[@AlbertZampino]

I played both back and forth a few times. Bought the Guild D-40. All have great tone. But saved $$$

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Dangit I got it wrong. That j45 sounds incredible

[@jonnyukeboxmusic9029]

I found it east to guess. As the Martin to me always have that distinctive suppressed treble. Both gems of guitars :)

[@miggybyte]

I’ve failed, surprisingly the Gibson had more articulation while the Martin had more bass. Thanks for letting us viewers take part it was fun!

[@beng808]

I couldn’t tell you which was which, but I definitely heard a difference, and guitar 2 was my favorite both times. The Martin sounded more open with more treble and bass and less midrange

[@ssmokinu]

I got it wrong and I have a d18! It has an adi top though, but these both sound great

[@Phorrest]

I got it right, but I was half guessing. I think that J-45 is atypically bright. I like both guitars and have an old (early 60s) J-50 as well as a CEO-7. To me the Martin's generally have more clarity and are a bit brighter, but Gibson's--and especially the J-45s and J-50s--have more thump (fundamental?). But, because of the wonderfulness of wood and construction no two guitars--even of the same make and model--sound exactly the same.

[@kcbluemoon]

Need one of each. I prefer the J45 sound but can see why some would go for the Martin.

[@Dabberontour]

Got it on the single notes! Yes honestly!! ♥️J45 Great test thanks