Mahogany Guitars - Hummingbird vs J-45 vs D-18 vs ?????

[@maxwellfan55]

Appreciate how the individual guitars here are played like most folks want to hear them played, without unnecessary lead runs, ego trips and noodling. These guitars above all are songsters, mahogany bluegrassers, and strummers. Quinton also shows nicely how a particular guitar inspires playing in a subtly different way.

[@NoUseForAName0626]

Man I totally agree!! I'm looking to purchase a new guitar just any day now so I've been watching a TON of acoustic videos.. I absolutely cannot stand it when I click on a "review video" and the guy only plays some lead licks as fast as he can and he barely (or if at all) strums the guitar so we can here the full tone of the guitar. Hahah. Drives me crazy!!! Lol 😂🤘

[@maxwellfan55]

@@NoUseForAName0626 Hey there (2 years on). Did you find your guitar, if so which one?

[@NoUseForAName0626]

@@maxwellfan55 Hello, good morning!! Yes, about 2 weeks after this video I did the unthinkable as a Gibson man. Lol I went outside the box and bought a brand new Martin D-35. Which is a phenomenal guitar all way around. But for whatever reason I just could not bond with that guitar I wanted to love it but I just couldn't if you know what I mean.. lol I gave it a year hoping my feeling would change cuz it was a great guitar. About a year ago I sold it and bought a 2012 Gibson advanced jumbo.. I couldn't be any happier with the AJ it could quite possibly be the best guitar I've ever owned!! I play her everyday. I'd still really love to get a hummingbird though. I just have always preferred a mahogany guitar. 🤘

[@maxwellfan55]

@@NoUseForAName0626 Hey thanks. Yes, the only way is to buy, try and keep for a while. One never ever really knows whether a guitar's a keeper at time of purchase, only time and lots of playing can decide, even then it's a hard choice thinking possible regrets later. I had an HD28 like that I later sold. Great you've bonded with the AJ, a sublime choice, I understand why you chose this guitar completely. I've always fancied a 45 but now stick with mainly cheaper guitars I can take out to pubs. Re Hummingbird. I had a limited edition TV 'Bird which I recently sold, it was an exceptional one, possibly the best. But mostly it stayed in the case. One has to remember at the end of the day these are square-shouldered mahog dreads with fancy pickguards, awesome strummers but not great pickers, certainly not as versatile or comfortable as your AJ. Birds are luxury guitars really, nice but.... I think you're better off with your AJ slope. Best regards brother and congrats.

[@derrickdoiron4421]

I wish he would just let Quinton play and talk instead of cutting him off all the damn time!

[@maxwellfan55]

Derrick It appears like that but actually they have limited time to make an impact demo'ing 4 guitars with viewers already on the click button. I think he's merely prompting Quinton, and that this question/answer thing they have going works so well. It certainly left me with a good idea of a mahogany comparison without getting bogged down.

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Agreed. Too much “Salesman-talk”, without value.

[@BookClubDisaster]

Exactly. He was about to offer his thoughts on the D18 vs. the Gibsons and he cut him off to spout gibberish.

[@oregonfloor5113]

BabyBoomerChannel deal 100%

[@Contact_Info]

@@BookClubDisaster hes the boss, he owns them and can do what he wants.

[@christianbelanger621]

Wanted a J-45 or a D-28 when i was looking for a good acoustic guitar, was never thinking about buying an Hummingbird... until I tried it.

[@marksc1929]

...yes ... same !

[@levis5230]

Is the sound or playability the reason?

[@kimoandrews5802]

32 ac For my ear, next to the D35 I thought the hummingbird (which I think looks very cool) sounded like a $200 Yamaha. The pick guard was pulling off of the guitar too... all of the high end guitars need a little set up... so I can’t say anything too bad about its playability.

[@TheGeorge22p]

Love guitars. They don't always love me back. When they do it sure feels good.

[@donadolfo11]

Paul, please don't rush it, giving the whole think a nervous character,. Let Quinton talk - he says so many important things. These videos are very interesting and instructive!

[@reneharrison1581]

instablaster...

[@mikenorman6697]

What is the Eastman model??

[@LPCustom3]

I love my "60's Historic Hummingbird" I bought from you guys at MV in 2006! It plays wonderful and sounds incredible, especially since it's been played a few thousand times. I also bought a 1963 Gibson J-50 from you guys the following year. Thanks!

[@craighill388]

I have a '63 J-50 as well, sweet sounding guitar that just rings with a sustain to die for.

[@theabster2853]

That J-45 Vintage. Wow.

[@travisniles6800]

I know, I cant remember ever hearing a better sounding guitar.

[@trollstjerne]

I like them all, but im impressed by the Eastman, it doesn't sound like half the price at all.

[@gutbucket260]

Had a slope shouldered Eastman and it was a great guitar. Adirondack top and dark sunburst. Stupidly traded it for a Strat that I no longer own. Miss the Eastman.

[@Averitt13]

What model is the Eastman ?

[@TheThinker39]

Enjoyable, thanks! And Quinton, I'm glad you mentioned putting grip tape on your pick. I tried it, and I like it! I hadn't even heard of grip tape.

[@edfulginiti8798]

Promised wifey I'd buy no more guitars. Got 4. BUT...that D 18...damn!

[@sdriza]

how many now?

[@shanebouton45]

I am a Martin guy through and through, but the Gibson wins this lineup hands down. That's why I bought a 2019 J45 today. The tone combined with it being $1000 less that retail made it a no-brainer. I didn't even mind the hour long drive each way to pick it up!

[@Blkojo]

I am also a Martin guy but a good J-45 is as equal as anything.

[@jimmycollette9209]

I have two martins a hd-28 and d-35 but I also have a Gibson j-45. It was the last guitar I bought. It gets played more than the two martins all together . They all are great guitars and I would be happy with either. I love the shorter scale length of the Gibson j-45.

[@shred5]

My favorite mahogany guitars are either the Gibson Hummingbird or Guild D35 or D40. I do like the Martin D18 depending on what I'm playing, but if I'm not playing somewhere where I'm picking hard they sound a little dead.

[@bryantsloan2179]

Got a Martin OM28 MD a month ago...why am I looking at dreads now...🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@endoffate5475]

It never ends.....Sorry.

[@maxwellfan55]

@@endoffate5475 Yea, haha, true. The search goes on, it's endless and expensive for the discerning instrumentalist. Songwriters don't care so much.

[@capohd28]

Lol. I got a 62 000-18 a month ago, and just picked up a 44 D-18. It never ends....

[@maxwellfan55]

@@capohd28 Hmm.Part of the love of guitars. It's wonderful! Hows the D-18?

[@capohd28]

@@maxwellfan55 Love it! It’s a cannon. It’s been retopped with a very tight grain Adirondack top, but it’s as good as any wartime Martin I’ve played. Just a bit more affordable, LOL. One thing that’s interesting is how thin the original mahogany back is. The whole guitar vibrates including the neck when you play it. It has the ebony truss rod, and makes me wonder if that is part of it. You can feel the neck vibrate when you play it, like no guitar I’ve owned before.

[@dixie2141]

Great show love Gibson's and Martins and I think they are the best 2 Guitars Company's period. I'd go with the D-18 but the Hummingbird or J-45 would not hurt my feelings would love to have them all.

[@xetexuk12]

"Charlie Brown's teacher' made me chuckle, but seriously Paul gets some poor rap sometimes, he's ok, a good guy, and imo provides a good sound board for Q's excellent playing. He is also trying to promote the shop, remember that guys. Another great review!

[@davidlackey4873]

shuddup

[@PhillProbst]

My first "good" guitar was an early '60's J-45. The burst pattern was like the one in this vid but the color was cherry sunburst, just like the Hummingbird in this vid.

[@edwardmclaughlin7935]

Watched a few of these just recently and loving the chord sequences. It would be a great idea to just put some simple tabs in the notes to let us have a go ourselves.

[@brucecall1595]

Huge difference when you got out the eastman. Not close tone wise. D18 top. Tie 4 2nd.

[@MP-gj8lk]

I'd like to hear the Guild D40 Traditional

[@jimmy5634]

Got a D18 and a J45. They're both awesome

[@guitarman0166]

jimmy5634 I want both but I can only afford one at the moment, which one would you recommend first?

[@soofitnsexy]

@@guitarman0166 45!!

[@ericcross7863]

Well.....you guys are doing a fantastic job,thanks!

[@snuffyballparks6501]

My son has a 2001 Martin D-18 GE. He LOVES it. Super tone with that special Martin bass whump.

[@alicankarakaya2770]

What color is that Hummingbird? It’s beautiful!

[@travisgoodman9633]

So how does the Gibson J-45 compare to a Martin CEO-7? I know that Martin has a smaller body shape if im not mistaken? I currently have a CS J-45 in Ebony and a Gibson J185ce. The J185 was my first big guitar purchase back when i was 18 about 17 years ago. I picked up my J45 about 1.5 years ago and since I have been honestly playing the J45 daily and when I pick up the J185 and play it just doesnt seem to sit with me like it once did. So, i was eyeing a Martin CEO-7, maybe thinking of selling my J185 to help fund it. Just wanted to get your thoughts on that guitar. Thanks!

[@jimmy5634]

Buy a 000-18 instead. Much better than a CEO 7

[@adriannasanchez468]

I absolutely recommend the CEO7. I was very close to picking one up, I like it so much I got the Dreadnaught version of it instead. D18ge custom shop. Ooo18 might sound Better right away but the Adirondack top on the ceo7 will develope into a very vintage and huge sounding guitar in time. Ceo7 blows my mind how sweet it is. In person they sound like a resonator guitar almost, it's amazing.

[@travisgoodman9633]

@@adriannasanchez468 Thanks for input, yeah i love my CS Gibson J45, and wanted a different body size/style/sound. Ive been eyeing the CEO-7; prob will try and sell my J185 for some cash.

[@rhuttonaa247]

The hummingbird is my favorite guitar!

[@maxwellfan55]

The Hummingbird played on this demo came across very well from our side of the mic, like royalty over the other "subjects"!

[@jaredwood5973]

Do an iconic rosewood showdown.

[@51Dss]

I would like to see a blind comparison of a spruce/sapele vs a spruce/mahogany guitars. Also have to say I agree with Quinton when he spoke about the Gibson sound vs the Martin in this vid. I own a Gibson J45 studio and every time I play it I am glad I bought it instead the Martin D18. Saved myself a LOT of money and got the better sounding guitar -to my ear anyway.

[@keithbertschin1213]

Hummingbird just sounds so whole, j45 bit jangly. I want the hummingbird but not sure about the red

[@markharwood7573]

The red always put me off. A few days ago I saw the Standard in a Vintage Burst, pretty much like the J-45 here, and now I own one. I think they do a plain model too.

[@ronaitken8318]

What was the last guitar?

[@TheAcousticLetter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKrPiKFrZtaJbrc

[@DJWRailroad]

Well, that explains a lot. Watch the vids, check the inventory and ... out of stock. On the other hand, helps me to avoid the nasty impulse buying habit ; -)

[@Terribleguitarist89]

My three "pinnacle" guitars I've always wanted to sit and try. I've had some knock off "lawsuit" era clones of each but way over due to try the real deal models.

[@leesanna7835]

Guild D-40?

[@GeoffNSmith-bs8rg]

Interested in the Eastman but you didn't talk much about it or describe it.

[@McCambira]

D-18 Is The best

[@bartondoug975]

Great demo guys! Glad you put the Eastman in there. Great acoustic guitars for the $. I bought my son the E-10D in 2010, Just happened to pull it out of the case last night to refresh the humidifier and reminded myself of how good it sounds (and plays). Now, that does not change me from being a "Martin guy". I appreciate the thoughts and sounds you guys provide through Acoustic Letter.

[@Benwaldner3298]

Do a blueridge br-180 review

[@bullseye11b]

Nice video. Hope you guys review some Ibanez acoustics.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

I think the word yall were looking for on the Eastman is "Homage". Awesome review fellas!

[@arthurmabeejr8752]

I have a Cordoba C-10 LH Luthier that is mahogany and it sounds comparable to the Martin D-18. I paid a pretty penny for my Cordoba which is a classical "Nylon String", it was custom built for my style and being left handed.

[@martinkleinman2522]

I have a hummingbird standard and love it. it is a nice match with my voice, when I sing & play and annoy the neighbors. But after I got an Eastman 305 mandolin, I'm very intrigued by that company and have my eye on their jumbo six string guitar/maple -- as a budget alternative to the J200, which is now way out of my price range, even used. Anyone have experience playing that Eastman jumbo? There are none around here to road test.

[@maxwellfan55]

Martin k. I've not heard of the Eastman maple jumbo before but you have got me interested. I do own a Gibson SJ200 which is amazing, but like you, I am intrigued and impressed with an Eastman equivalent which is bound to sound very different, like the Taylor 618e does in comparison. Maple and big body size seems to work well. Wise to buy one of their highly rated mandolins. Good move.

[@BookClubDisaster]

I sold my J200 a couple of years ago. Dumbest decision I ever made as they are now totally unaffordable. I bought it brand new for $3K in maybe 2011. Why can't we bring back those prices, Gibson?

[@sg5104]

I am maybe a bit narrow minded but the aesthetic of gibson guitars are somehow off for me.

[@beef88]

Your videos are great

[@Zed.90]

Talk talk talk talk talk .... PLAY !!!

[@stellingbanjodude]

I just don’t like the looks of a slope shouldered guitar. The Martin std Dreadnought shape is just beautiful.

[@roytube10]

great video. could watch hours of this! would be neat to see the sapele and the other 'hog substitutes compare to the real deal too.

[@rickcar94]

Hands down D-18.

[@steveallen2105]

Is it fair to compare the Hummingbird to the J45? I’m not an expert on acoustic guitars, personally studying the J45vsDr18..leaning heavy towards to J45 but isn’t the hummingbird way out of both their price range?

Muy bueno , traigan la guitarra a la Argentina

[@artprince9163]

Uh,which Eastman?

[@jaredwood5973]

Probably E1ss or E10ss

[@picanha694]

Martin sounds very country.

[@marksc1929]

..I always say .. back porchy

[@BookClubDisaster]

It's because he played bluegrass when he picked it up. He could have played Radiohead on it and it would have sounded pretty much like Radiohead.

[@WoodworkerDan]

Does anyone know the model number of the Eastman?

[@miikemartin72983]

E10SS/V

[@adamfstewart81]

I just feel like that Hummingbird needs vintage style tuners...

[@JosephusDalrymple]

Which Eastman is that?

[@TheAcousticLetter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKrPiKFrZtaJbrc

[@pgiuliano7]

Great job but to much yapping between playing can’t catch the difference that well but I think the vintage Gibson has my vote

[@danceking40]

How about the seagull s6 mahogany deluxe

[@daddio307]

They don't carry that brand. They only review what they sell.

[@gregorycarpenter]

I had the Seagull S6 mahogany. Good guitar in its own way, but in a much lower league...

[@st3lnik]

All the mojo, all the character is in that J45. Speaks for itself! Now let a Guild in that comparison & then we are talkin.

[@LeeLester1]

Stelios Nikolidakis Exactly how about a D40 it’d definitely stand up to any of these guitars!

[@onelchannel9504]

The first one for me so amazing sound Guitar Love it❤️🇵🇭

[@deborahmcalister3936]

"imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", Oscar Wilde

[@localguy8]

I’m still a rosewood fan

[@Frederic-O-en-Europe]

Gibson rules! Dunno, I think Martin guitars sound really good. B U T, I love my J-45 and Hummingbird more than any Martins.

[@fewhite5126]

I own a D18 but if trade it for that J45 in a second

[@scjoe7]

Little less talking, little more playing. Let the guitars speak for themselves.

[@earlspearl2933]

A good rule for playing your guitar is never put it in its case . the top can crack when you pull it out . this happened to me . the humidity is not the same in the room as in the case .

[@WS-bk7uu]

I don't put mine in the case because I live in the tropics and it's even more humid in the case. I tested it with a hygrometer and it didn't move from between 70-80% humidity.

[@524coconut]

😂no

[@rinzan28]

You’re not listening to me again🤣🤣🤣

[@PotPoet]

While they were saying about the Martin, "this iconic guitar theme", the closed captioning was reading "this colonic guitar theme"! What in the world are deaf people going to think about this?! Closed captioning needs to be upgraded.

[@alexgasiewski4970]

Cheap talk. When you're young turning a cheap guitar upside down don't matter, but at the price of guitars now it matters. Being left handed at this day and age sucks, but then again Taylor had mine ready in a couple weeks, where at 16 in the early 70's I waited 9 months for a 3 piece maple body badly made piece of junk that I was stuck with. If there's any left handed shop's out there let us know .

[@TheAcousticLetter]

We have a large stock of left-handed guitars. musicvilla.com/search?type=product%2Carticle%2Cpage&q=lefty

[@rrrrdavid1]

To all the whiners. You could always go to a music store and try them yourselves so you could hear them in person. Tired of cry babies complaining about videos

[@MrAlmostcm]

Wow this was painful to watch... no chemistry between the two on this one.

[@johnnyennis9864]

Seriously, you talked too much. Not enough playing to hear the differences.

[@bozopennywize]

Hummingbird.... don't fly away

[@EJ4u]

Martin is the best

[@redbed1604]

All talk, no action! Byr

[@williamnichols6253]

It's very telling that for all the merit of all those guitars, the Martin was the one that really made him want to keep playing.

[@MikeHolliman]

That lick at 5:44 tho.......

[@bc4923]

Gibson J-45 sounds sweet as well as the D18. Torn I'd buy the J45 for the tiebreak as Martin guitars are admittedly endlessly bland and boring looking. And when they offer an amber finish they charge $1000 more.

[@sabineundchristianschreier8360]

Eastman sounds great!

[@AndreaOngaro]

Sabine und Christian Schreier #2outside totally agree!

[@sabineundchristianschreier8360]

By the Way, Eastman ... We play a Eastman OctaveMandoline, a good quality. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpqceaJpobd_o80

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

The issue with Eastman is inconsistent quality. I’ve had a couple - one had the nut cut wrong, so the high “e” kept slipping off the fret edge.

[@userer4579]

Too much yappin' and too little pickin'

[@mmatthewias280]

Less talking more playing.

[@DJWRailroad]

Worth watching again, just for the laughs ... "mhaaa...mhaaa...mhaaa...mhaaa"

[@BARKINGattheMOON100]

What's with that guy, incapable of finishing a Fucking sentence.😂🤣😂

[@andrewferraiuolo9869]

Martin. I want to like the Gibsons, but just don’t.

[@AsweFight]

Mr. Mustache

[@tater8]

If you're going to be in a hurry all the time, Paul, just don't do these videos, lol or get someone else to do them.

[@mattvanlandingham8034]

Not a very informative comparison.

[@Inskyismom]

Nothing beats the j-45

[@marksc1929]

... except the Hummingbird and my Guild DM25

[@G_Demolished]

@@marksc1929 And the d18.

[@jmdittrich]

Funny, no Taylor 517 Hmmmm.

[@donumar8653]

J45....

[@johnsteinert1794]

Maybe a little less talk, a little more strumming.

[@banjo1434]

We hardly heard the guitars at all. Pointless video.

[@SevanStick]

Horrible! Stop talking guys. 😩

[@Liquormans]

Why talk ?