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

[@vvalendo]

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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@runnningonempty]

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

[@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.

[@soofitnsexy]

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

[@gibby6904]

Everybody needs 1 of each!

[@jimmy5634]

I agree and I do have both.

[@TheLusaso]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@dancrowley488]

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

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@dixie2141]

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

[@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.

[@brettmcnaueal1951]

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

[@jaapyoutube6563]

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

[@mugsypea]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@WorshipGuitarSound]

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

[@paddyc8200]

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

[@122Music1]

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

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

[@christhee68]

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

[@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.

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@mfallen4277]

D18's generally have more clarity in both the highs, and especially the booming bottom end. There's a reason bluegrass players go for the D18/28, those root-5 patterns in the bass register are very clear and accompany the higher notes in the chord quite well. Single note/melodic/comping clarity is fantastic, so they dominate bluegrass and similar styles for this reason. J45/Hummingbirds are mid machines and are the go-to for delta, acoustic and folk blues. Sound great in alt/open tunings, and with a slightly higher action are about as good with a slide as you'll find outside of going to a resonator. They are such different animals that their similarities stop and start with being dreads and having the same tone woods. Its really like comparing a 000 or parlor with a jumbo... Both are great at what they do and are pretty much irreplaceable, but not interchangeable.

[@ClaytonWillisMusic]

I found more depth in the J45.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@ps-bi2sr]

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

[@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!!

[@brothergoodfoot]

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

[@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.

[@TomPaul57]

I have a J-45 and a D-42. I love them both. Very different sounding and I think the J-45 is more of a rock n roll guitar and the Martin is more bluegrassy or folk. If I had to choose one of yours it would be the D-18.

[@john15333]

The Gibson says "Custom" and has some cool tuners on it. Is is standard otherwise? Regular bracing, Sitka, and Mahogany?

[@jasinow]

It seems the martin has the edge, but when you relisten the gibby is just so much more pleasant.

[@neduplama912]

Yes felt same way Surprised

[@jimiguitar100]

exactly

[@mheberling5939]

Dang! That Martin D18 sounds so nice.

[@jasinow]

They both are great. I feel the martin has the more perfect sound, But funnily for me it’s the Gibson . It just has beauty in its chaos,. A bit like a Picaso painting continually drawing you into its story. There seems to be a new delicate edge to its sound everytime you listen. Maybe that’s why so many singer songwriters gravitate to it. As it really can lead a story. I have both and love them. But when I’m feeling moody and wanna shut my eyes, I grab the Gibson.

[@dontdoit6986]

Yeah there’s an edge and a confidence in the gibson. Hard to place into words

[@thatguy-zw3md]

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

[@ferox965]

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

[@jonathonrich8061]

Your grandpa's Martin sounds the best between the two. Not to say all Martin's sound better than all Gibson's. Every individual guitar is different. That's the fun of it.

[@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

[@abhisheknaik9937]

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

[@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.)

[@srpastorjohn]

You all need to understand that the Gibson is a new guitar that hasn’t began to open up. The Martin is older and the wood has had time to open up and it has been played more so sure it’s gonna sound fuller and more rounded. If he were playing my 1954 Gibson it would be a completely different story. Don’t get me wrong I have a Martin a Gibson and 2 Taylor’s and I love them all. Let’s just take all factors into consideration

[@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?

[@ธัญญารัตน์เจริญศิริ-ฤ8ษ]

I prefer both of them

[@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?

[@ClaytonWillisMusic]

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

[@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!

[@liberalsrmentallyflawed3611]

I have a Hummingbird Original, Southern Jumbo Original, J45 Standard. All sound great. I purchased a D18 Standard, natural finish.. and liked it so good. I bought a D18 with the 1933 Ambertone finish. Put a pick up in one. And use the other for just acoustic. The D18 is an awesome guitar. The Gibsons never leave their case now...

[@jayman1338]

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

[@ccarlos29]

Hello, thank you for sharing these beautiful guitars. Which one feels more comfortable and lighter (ergonomic) for strumming? And are the masts the same or is one thinner? greetings and congratulations.

[@ronhammar1154]

I have bought and sold lots of acoustic guitars and I was always looking for one that sounded as good as a Martin and I came close with of all things a Yamaha F G 75 ( folk size guitar with a laminated top) from 1960 ? I kept looking until I found one that did sound as good as a Martin and it was a Martin D 18 ( 1994). I will NEVER sell it. That Gibson is a fine guitar as well and I would probably buy one if the price was right of course but in my mind the Martins are the best guitars ever made and that is why so many copies where made to Martin specs. Thanks for the video.

[@ronhammar1154]

One more thing. I put a bone nut and saddle on the Yamaha FG 75 and that is what I believe made such a big difference.

[@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

[@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

[@Uzi_does_it76]

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

[@johnivanp]

I think I prefer the Martin. That Gibson sounds like it needs to open up some more. I suspect the Martin has had way more play time.

[@AnonymousNP]

Agreed, give it about 10-15 yrs . Thats why "vintage" guitars are in a higher demand.

[@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

[@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.

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

I prefer the J45 over the D18, buuuuut.... it took me over a year to decide between the D18GE Golden Era and the J45. I got a Southern Jumbo that has has hand scalloped X-Bracing and is a little bit louder and brighter than a Standard J45 and still want a J45 and a D18GE :-P

[@nhm1069]

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

[@steevee1945]

I had a D-18 in the 1960s and I hated it. I did not understand the tonal differences between the Martin models then. Bright, loud. I tried everything to mellow it out (various string gauges, padding inside the box, etc.) - nothing worked. It did not mix well with the other guitars (Gibson Hummingbird, and J45) in our folk group. I managed to sell it and got a Epiphone AJ-100 (or equivalent back then), which I loved. Your miking is very kind to both guitars, making the J45 sound more balanced - highs vs lows, while making the D-18 sound more balanced and mellow.

[@larryadams1873]

The D18 has more sparkles and overtones. It covers more of the harmonic spectrum. The Gibson’s sloped shoulders always seem to add a certain punch the tone. The Gibson is darker but in a good way. Really depends on the player and the context they’re playing in as to which one to pick. I’m a Martin guy at heart but I’d be happy to give the Gibson a new home.

[@falcongunner33]

I've had pretty limited experience with Gibson acoustics but every Martin I've ever tried really sets itself apart from the other brands, at all price ranges. Not to say the Taylor's and Takamines don't sound great, they're just missing a little something.

[@chrism.4600]

I like guitars period. Music is in my soul, However with that being said, The Martin has more of the down home folk/country sound, The Gibson has more of modern country sound. But it’s always up to the buyer and what he/she likes.

[@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 🔥.

[@levijones3005]

I own a 1958 Gibson j-45 and a 1967 Martin D-35 both are great guitars. The 35 is way heavier than the older Gibson. Both are great guitars, but playing that Gibson is really fun and easy it was my dad's.

[@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!

[@marike1100]

If you play Bluegrass, the Martin is an easy choice. For most other genres, the J45 is hard to beat. Warm, and the top end not to bright, there is a reason the workhorse J45 is one of the most widely recorded guitars in history. It sounds superb, and to my ears, better than the D18 here.

[@SpezlvomAnneNr1]

I was dreaming to get a Martin D18 for years also had an eye on a J45. When i finally got the money went to a shop and played it. The D18 Sounded fantastic. Tried a J45 too which was really weak but it had a PU. Insecure I went home without a guitar. Then because of dollar exchange both guitars gone up about 500€. I was pissed. Then a big music store had a Christmas action with wine red J45´s. Wich was about 1000€ cheaper than a D18 back then. So I bought one. And my J45 sounds amazing. Never regret it. I love it. I completely stoped looking at other guitars. But why I'm watching your video right now.

[@giahuy3270]

SpezlvomAnneNr1 maybe one is not enough haha. I never played j45 before so i dont know how great it is, but yeah i have 2 Martin and i really love them, they like best buddies for me, love them since day 1. But yeah i think that both martin and gibson have their own voice, so it’s really hard to say that which one is better

[@jgalentine]

Wine red j45 is awesome and hard to find! Love my tri burst 45.

[@SpezlvomAnneNr1]

@@jgalentine kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y37LeqB7Z92Na5Y if you wanna see it :-)

[@gregorysmith7697]

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

[@Hannah-fh9sm]

Wow- great comparison. J-45 looks relatively new, has got a darker, resonant bass tone character. The mid range notes are muffled, will probably open up with age. The D-18's reportedly an inheritance and looks older. It's got a lot more depth of sound, overtones, and a nice shimmer to the trebles. I've noticed that in general, Gibsons have a different string action feel vs Martins. It's like the Gib frets are higher/wider (?), so chords and single notes almost seem to float, and make contact with the fretboard very differently. Martin's feel dead-on fretting wise, so you can feel the string and fretboard when doing slurs, pull offs, and hammer-ons. Both guitars are iconic, just depends what you're looking for. My two cents, thanks...

[@pamhurt7126]

The Gibson does it for me,the J45 sounds great

[@mairenared]

Back in 2012 I decided to treat myself to a good acoustic guitar and tried several models including a D28, a D18, a Hummingbird and a J45. I the end I bought the J45 as I thought it had a more balanced sound. Obviously, the age of a guitar can make a difference to its sound as the wood dries out over the years and becomes more resonant. I would wager that you D18 is older than your J45. Also the body shape will make a difference (round-shouldered v square-shouldered). I'd be very interested to know what strings you use (make, model and gauge). That too can influence the sound. Either way they both sound great.

[@cb874]

WGS, good on you. Enjoy both.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

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

[@philovance1940]

I’ve playing a Gibson J-45 professionally for 17 years. I want a Martin D-18. The thing is my Gibson is a nice compliment to my two band mate’s Martin guitars. The Gibson adds a nice warmth and bottom end. I still want one.

[@paulw6126]

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

[@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:)

[@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.

[@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!

[@jimsteele2072]

That Martin sounds Fantastic. The Gibsons good but needs to mature before you should side by side these two.

[@TheJosh9150]

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

[@TheDwarfInvasion]

Great mix-ready sound straight from the mic. Usually I like j45 better but I think the EQ of the d18 seems to fit better with this micing setup.

[@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.

[@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.

[@tedwade6322]

I've got one of each brand of these guitars - my Gibson is the J45, but my Martin is the HD28. For singing and playing rhythm music I must prefer the Martin, although for some reason the Gibson is actually easier for me to play. The Martin has a deeper, more bass sound to it while the Gibson sound is brighter, so the Martin is better suited for my type of music.

[@planetchang]

The Gibson is easier to play probably because the scale length is shorter, making the strings more slack. Just like how most gibson electrics feel looser than Fenders.

[@gordgibson6654]

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

[@EdwinGuzmanRD]

D-18 better overall and so clear in the notes; J45 excellent for singing, melt perfectly with the voice. Wish could have both

[@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...

[@acevent5759]

I find that the only time I like a Martin over the Gibson is when we get to the Martin D-35. That’s when Martin takes the j45 down and I love both. I think I’m gonna go with a Martin D 35 Johnny Cash signature if I can find one!

[@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.