Martin VS Gibson. Which has better tone?
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2023
- A comparison between a Martin D-28 Standard with EIR and Sitka spruce
VS
A Gibson Songwriter with EIR and Sitka spruce
2 Completly different dreds with the same tone wood.
which do you prefer ?
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Firstly, I enjoyed your demo and the joy you have playing them.
They are both wonderful guitars. When I was much younger, back in the 80's and 90's, I was firmly in the Martin camp and I absolutely shunned Gibsons. Ironically in the early 2000's, my guitar journey and my ears led me to an appreciation to Gibson slope shouldered mahogany guitars. Several years ago as I neared sixty I purchased a J-35, and that is the one for me. I just am no longer attracted to rosewood type woods for backs and sides. Mahogany, maple, walnut, koa, myrtlewood, etc. backs and sides please my ears more than rosewoods, cocobolo etc.
A piece of advice is to just enjoy both of them. Comparison tends to suck the joy out of everything.
Awesome
Great chops!
Appreciate it!
I love a good Martin but that songwriter just sounds amazing to my ears. Your one hell of a player man. I'm always looking forward to your posts. I watch Shawn Brock as well. He's an amazing player and a seems to be a true country gentleman. We seem to watch a lot of the same musicians and I absolutely believe that were in the golden age of luthiery. There's so many great builders these days. I appreciate what you do and really enjoy listening to you play. I try to steal some of your licks but I've got a lot of work to do. Cheers brother.. J.P.
I appreciate you jp. Thanks for watching my brother 🙏
You just made my morning!
I've always dreamed of a Martin D-45 as the reward for a life's worth of accomplishments...But that Gibson Songwriter sounds unbelievable.
In this comparison, the Gibson stole the show...In my opinion of course.
Thank you! I agree!
The Martin for me. Just so much richer and smoother to my ears. Great playing.
Thanks so much 🙏
Yeah, I’ve always been kind of a Gibson guy, i’ve owned two les Pauls A tribute, which was OK and a 50s standard! That one was great, but the neck was super thick.
Anyways, I’ve always loved Gibson, I was going to buy a Gibson acoustic, played one, and went home with Martin, so I think there’s something magical about some of the Martin dreads. That’s just me though
Both are wonderful but if I had to pick one, it would be the Gibson. Not only does it have a full and punchy sound but it is absolutely beautiful! A true art piece
Me too!
Gibson Hummingbird Studio with Rosewood back & sides is also very close to the D-28. I played them both at Chicago Music Exchange earlier this year. My dad ended up getting the Gibson actually. Between the 2 guitars I played I like the way the Martin felt & played for me, but the Gibson sound was insanely gorgeous. I have always liked the look of the Songwriter too.
Cool. I agree
Both nice in their own ways.. and your playing is soooo good. Naturaly born guitarist 😊
I really appreciate it. That made my day!
@@thecanadianflatpicker ❤️ brothers in arms
Great comparison, for me the Gibson is louder and slightly brighter. Martins slightly stronger in the mids and would be my pick (I am biased though!) Very nice playing you really pull tone from these instruments
I agree. Thanks so much
Your playing style inspires me a lot
I play in a country band and have recently taken up the position of lead guitarist.
My role is to play the themes and solos of the songs.
I'd like to buy a guitar more suited to my playing style for this band.
I'm hesitating between a martin D-28 and a gibson songwriter
Which one would you recommend for my current position?
Thank you so much for your video
Incredible playing! It’s a tough choice. Could you recommend a guitar book that would show me how to play like you do? Thanks!
I appreciate that. I love my new yamha fg800j and it's only a cheap one
hi from nyc! what strings and string gauge are u using...great playing and its a tie for me!!! and Im a huge Martin guy
This is light Guage PB d'addario uncoated. Appreciate it. The martin is killer I had to buy it
I thought the Gibson was a bit brighter and can I say tended to sound a bit 'tinny' (to me) while that Martin was totally perfect across the range (though I've always wanted a Gibson 🤔).
Yes for sure the gibson was a bright tone. The gibson needs to be warmed up for a while before it's true sound blooms
Both guitars are great. My experience with most martins is they usually have high actions. I have two martins and had the action lowered on both. They are great now. A d-35 and hd-28. I bought a new j-45 in 2020 and it required no setup. I think we all need both. Could i get a discount?
I hear you there
I've played Martin's for a while, but until recently, I never realized how stiff they played, probably because I no longer have the hand strength. I now played a j-45 standard, and it's not only easier to fret, but the volume and tone really work for me. The gibson j-45 standard is the best I have found for singing.
For sure brother
You could switch to a shorter scale length Martin, as in a 000-28.
@viper2148 j-45 is a short scale. I've owned a 000-28 ec, but the volume difference between it and a dreadnought is very noticeable.
I have a Songwriter sunburst and it sounds amazing and sustains like a grand piano!
Awesome. Love to hear it. Mine is very dry and very old sounding
Martin sounds and looks amazing. The overtones are stuning ❤
This. This is why I have both a Gibson and a Martin! My Martin is a bit different than most, it’s the GPCPA 4. Smaller body. Solid Sitka spruce is top and solid mahogany back and sides.
My Gibson is J45 cutaway.
Both with mine, and in this video I’ve noticed the Martin to have a more balanced and rounded sound. Great balance between warm and bright. The strings and notes blend well together.
Gibsons have a GREAT midrange punch. Each string responds almost one at a time even when strumming chords. Theres a “chime” to it.
When plugged in, my Martin sits perfectly in the mix. My Gibson CUTS through the mix even EQ’ed flat. It’s really rich.
Привет из России 👋
Классное сравнение , очень редко встречающееся в интернете ,хотя это очень близкие по материалам ,и цене инструменты . У меня тоже songwriter custom 2012 года .По звуку мне очень нравится ,но не было возможности сравнить в лоб с Мартином ,но мне думается ,что он как минимум ,не хуже 😁
Thank you for watching!
Great comparison. I currently have an OM28 and a Songwriter. Best of both worlds.
Now you have played both for a while, are you still on the fence?
I really am!!!
@thecanadianflatpicker I ended up caving in and selling the SW last week. Bought my friends D28 🙈 I loved the SW the D28 just had the edge in the end for volume, fullness and I preffered that sound for strumming for me. Was a very hard decision.
Checked the price on Songwriter Deluxe at Sweetwater. Gibson $1000.00 plus cheaper.
Plus it has the big fret markers which I love to navigate on the neck!
Both sound great!
Both great guitars
I think the Song Writer has the advantage. Something about it is a hair better sounding to my ears. I’m kind of biased as I’m a Gibson guy but have had lots of Martins as well. Gibson acoustics are always my go to.
The Songwriter is killer
The Gibson certainly looks fancier with the rosette and fret board inlays but if you go with the satin finish on the Martin you can save about $400. I own an HD28 and a Hummingbird and like them both but really like the VTS finishes on the Martins. I would like to get my hands on a 00-18GE VTS. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching 🙏
I see that most here are Gibson fans, I am too but I have both. I have a 1973 sj deluxe, a 1965 ft45 epiphone (Kalamazoo Gibson plant) 1979 Martin d41,1995 Martin d16tr. Ihave had 4 Martins but these are the only acoustic Gibsons I have owned,I have had a couple Gibson electrics. I don't think a good Martin can be beat on sound,thats just my the opinion of my ears. Having said that...their necks are not made for big old wairn out hands and fingers like mine! My Gibson sj is so much easier to play and the sound is too notch but maybe a step back but it is mahogany back and sides where my Martins are both rosewood. If I could Frankenstein a Gibson neck onto a HD 28 or HD 35 I would be on cloud 9. This was a very good comparison video and the player coud make a dime store plastic guitar sound good .
I agree nothing beats a good martin. Thanks for your input.
I have always loved the resonance of the Martin Dreadnought guitars but like the cosmetic inlays of the Gibson Dreadnoughts. You're right, there's not much difference in the tone between them.
I recently purchased the new D28 Reimagined, same as your Martin in this demo. Spent hours comparing it to a Gibson J45 Standard, and also a Martin D18 Standard. D18 was not setup very well. Action was way too high. Loved the J45, but dream guitar has been a D28, and it sounded so good. Shawn Brock is incredible. Ok, in this demo, the D28 sounds better, at least to my ears. Gibson Songwriter produces a thinner sound and brighter. Wish I could flatpick like you!
You'll get there . Thanks for watching
Martin sounds a bit stiff to me - think the Gibby suits your style very nicely. Nice video, great playing.
Thanks for listening
Seriously the Gibson kicks ass, OH but of course the Martin too bee the Standard 😮 just get both😅😊❤ Thanks
Both great guitars! Not much difference between the two, but the Martin seemed to be more "open" and was a bit more balanced. The Gibson seemed a little brighter.
Very true
My thoughts exactly. They both sound great, the same fundamental, but the Martin sounded more opened up and the Gibson just a little bit stiffer.
Thank you for comparing the Songwriter Deluxe to both the Martin D-28 & the J-45.
The J-45 had the classic sound, but the Songwriter is punchy & fits well with a singing voice.
The D-28 , though a bit dark, had some great harmonic overtones, but the Songwriter had a brighter top end, better intonation, and better harmonics when in Drop-D.
The longer scale and wider neck takes a little getting used to, but when you add it all up together I would choose the Gibson Songwriter blindfolded for its overall qualities. (best of both worlds.)
I agree, the Gibson Songwriter is "the modern-day Martin" and you should see my sick & gaudy Deluxe EC Vintage Custom Shop model...but even more, hear how it sounds. It never sounds "ugly" when you bang a hard chord. It just gets tight and punchy.
Thanks again.
These comparison videos from a competent & knowledgeable player make all the difference to those who need to make a choice...and many choices are made based upon such comparisons.
I agree and appreciate your input
These both sound great with YOU playing them, but I definitely choose the Martin.
Thanks so much. Nothing like a Martin
Gibson is slightly louder. Martin has slightly more pleasing overtones. Via RUclips.
Agreed
Both are fantastic! It wiuld be the Gibson for me! Tomorrow, well who knows?
I hear you there
Both lovely. The Martin has a richer, fuller, more robust tone. My $0.02
I think I like the Gibson better. The Martin is very characteristic of Martin's, the voicing and blend of notes of the chords... but I think I hear the Gibson and it has a delicate, sweet sparkle that is so pleasant.
Well you for sure play awesome,,,Gibson touch higher in tone..
I love them both
Thanks so much 🙏
I have a “special 16” Martin Rosewood dreadnought, my dad has a Gibson hummingbird.
Regardless of the price difference, I don’t think the Gibson’s really much better, but it’s different. I am open-minded towards both, I’m not biased towards each brand** (i’ve never really been a Martin guy, I just bought mine because it was so good)
Both are great for different reasons, the Martin sounds better as an instrument in my opinion, and it plays better. The Gibson sounds almost muddy by comparison, and dull. The sound is less complex, and there’s less sustain. When I play both back-to-back, I immediately prefer the Martin in about every regard, except there’s one thing that the hummingbird does really well…
warmth. The tone is so warm and beautiful. It’s not super loud, it doesn’t project super well, but it is subtle, beautiful, and really pleasing to listen to. You can fall asleep while listening to it, and it’s really great to sing with because it doesn’t compete with your voice.
They’re both great for different reasons, and I can understand why people would like both.
Having grown up with my father, always playing the Gibson, I’ve learned to love and appreciate Gibson, but I think i’m more into Martin. And that surprises me to say that, but I think they’re just undeniably good when you get into their high-end American stuff.
IMO it's more about what kinda music someone performs or prefers in this shootout vs actual superiority.
I'm a Gibson fan who tends to refer to Martin as "Guild with trash bags in the soundhole"...but the twangy quack of a Martin is basically Bluegrass 101.
Gibsons work for flat picking but I find they're usually a fingerpicker's cannon. It brings out more of the sweet, blurry warmth reminiscent of a decent tube radio.
I liked the Gibson more 👍🏻
Gibson with the double parallel inlays and the widow’s peak near sound hole is the bomb..
Maybe Martin sounds better I dunno. Both are top notch.
It’s hard to tell with rosewood guitars when you’re not in the room. Recordings don’t usually do them justice. I usually prefer Martins (I play a D18), and I think I’d give this one the edge but only a slight one. If I could take home any Gibson it would be one of those 1936 Advanced Jumbo reissues. They’re monster guitars. $5500 though. 😢
I completely agree
I have a D-28 and a songwriter. They are close in the way they sound. They both are made of the same tone woods. The D-28 may have a touch more power when you dig into it. The intonation on my songwriter is almost perfect. Intonation on the songwriter is better than the Martin. I like them both, but I enjoy my songwriter more than the D-28. Having said that, I’ve had my songwriter for round about 20 years so it is well played in and my Martin is only 2-3 years old. But, if you had told me to pick one and I had to get rid of the other, I’m keeping the songwriter.
Linger scale length always wins for my ears. It’s the pleasing attack and plosives.
These are both 25.5
Love both, but the Gibby actually had more depth to me ears. Gibson has a fantastic midrange in all models
You could make any guitar sound amazing first and foremost. I could only dream of playing as well as you.
Both guitars are truly wonderful. For me though, I preferred the warm sound of the Gibson. It sounds more complex and has more balance overall to my ears. The Martin is wonderful in its own right. It is very meaty and crisp which I think more bluegrassy style players would gravitate towards. Its midrange is just more punchy… so the Gibson has a more buttery tone that I personally prefer.
I really appreciate your input. Playing how I do is just patience and practice. I would love to hear how you play. Thanks again
The martin has more body and fullness while the Gibson is brighter but sounds really responsive . that Martin just sounds creamy and has the full sound to me it would be the Martin. Both great sounding guitars
You are such a good player!!! Both of these guitars are nice, I would probably go with the Martin. It sounds better to me through the video, but they’re really both great.
Only because I fell in love with Martins years ago, a custom shop HD-28 is my darling guitar. That said, there is nothing wrong with your Gibson, I just don't own one.
Hds are killer
Depends on the song you are recording. Why compare?
Just for fun
Both wonderful guitars, but if I to choose just one it would be the Martin.
Love the Martin
The Gibson for me. Sounds warmer, a rounder sound, and not "uptight" or stiff sounding like the Martin.
I sold my 2020 reimagined D35 martin a year ago. I just like the gibson sound better. The martins are deep bass and the gibson is better for someone sings.
I agree!
Why not share some contact information for people to learn from you?
Martin does it again .
Based on this recording, which I'm 100% positive is different than what it sounded like when you were there in the room, the D-28 was the more impressive guitar. More everything. The Gibson sounded wonderful, but tame by comparison, more coffee house, if that makes sense. The D-28 just exploded to life. That's my observation, anyway.
little more volume midrange from the Martin, Gibson sounds more balanced and has a little sweeter tone to
I agree
To my ears, although both sound great, the Gibson sounded a bit “thinner” and with a bit more treble.
Martins just…….sound like Martins. They’re classics.
Gibson Songwriter
Yes!
The Gibson had a more “clear” tone. Sounded better to my ears.
Gibson on this comparison.
I couldn't agree more
With your playing level, I guess you could make any low end guitar sound good! Having said that, I find both guitars sounding great. I guess price would be the determening factor here. That and trying them to see which one feels right. Thanks for the great video!
I appreciate that 🙏 thanks for watching
I found the Gibson had a richer sound than the Martin to my ears. I have played a variety of Gibsons and Martins over time, and originally, I was a Gibson fan. Nowadays, I just gravitate toward whichever instrument pleases me regardless of brand.
Yes!!
Don’t pick one, keep both 😊
To my ears the Martin just edges out the Gibson. In other words I like the sound of the Martin more.
Love rhe martin
If you can't choose between the tones, go for the pretty one. Gibson always wins that.
Always prefer the Martin aesthetic personally
Always Martin D-28 no one comes close to
Hmmmm try Taylor around the same price or lower :)
Gibson Songbird wants to be a Martin...but fails. You are better off w a Hummingbird.
Oh yeah… the Gibson hands down sounds better. Only Martin fanboys will probably say otherwise.
Gibson copied the Martin dreadnought years ago.. that should tell you everything. 😊
Martin started making a slope shouldered guitar with sunburst finish just a few years ago.. hmmmm ;)
Martins usually win out.
It didn’t tho…
@@mikechivy That's what 'usually' means.
Martin is better than Gibbon