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.
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.
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 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
@@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
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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…..
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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
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!)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 RUclips and not watching (face turned away and eyes closed) she would have me committed!
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)).
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!
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...
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!!!
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.
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.
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
I don't have to worry about a blindfold as I really am blind. Paul and Quinton never said which guitar was which. I guessed the second guitar was the d18 was I correct? Both guitars did sound very good. I do own a d18, so maybe I shouldn't have trouble. However, Paul and Quinton do play different then I do. Playing that very hard style of playingwhere it sounds kind of like they slam the strings a little is hard for me to judge. I liked the second part of the video which was some notes and a bit softer. Thanks for letting me know which guitar is which for real.
Hi Joshua - Please forgive that oversight on our part, and I hope this reply is accessible - guitar 1 was the j 45 and guitar 2 was the d 18. Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks Quinton. I did guess wright after all. My first very expensive guitar I ever played ,at a guitar center was a Gibson j45. I thought it sounded nice. However, when I went to a local music store and played a d18 with sunburst finish, I knew that I had to have that guitar. I just played an E chord and that was it. I did hear a couple good guitar players who worked at the store also play it which was also very cool. Keep up the good work.
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.
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.
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....
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 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.
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
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.
I like the brightness of the J-45. Seems fuller than the Martin. Can you compare some of your vintage pieces to moderns? I always feel the vintage stuff just has a better feel and unique tone. But maybe my eyes deceive me. I have tried many modern acoustics but have a hard time beating my ‘47 J-50
I got it wrong! I thought the J-45 would have greater depth and so I chose guitar #2 as the J-45. The Martin actually has much more depth. Crazy how a blindfold can change our views.
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.
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.
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 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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Figured guitar 2 was the Martin only on the last single note flat picking. I knew for sure then. I have a D18, pretty distinctive sound flat picked.First 3 plays I had them wrong way around.
In the UK, the D18 is almost twice the price of the J45, and I don't hear that price difference in this vid. I thought the D18 was #2, so I will check back now.
@@kk-px7lu On my last visit to Guitar Guitar locally, the D18 was £2650, and the J45 was £1495. Perhaps I should take another look next time, to check like for like. Thanks for the reply.
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.
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!
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.
Difference for me personally was quite clear minus the pressure of getting it right. My instincts led me to realize the martin is muddy and flabby in the bass region. And has a somewhat buzzy characteristic in the mid high
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.
Had it right but it was a 50\50.. The strumming made me feel strongly that the first was a J45, but the single notes part was pretty similar and I wasn't as sure....
I got lucky once. I have a gibson southern jumbo but still thy both sound the same on my phone.
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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!
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.
Got them both, not at home ofc, just correct quess. J-45 on first take sounded better but D-18 was better on the second run. So it’s J-45 for strumming and Martin for picking. What if I want both in a single guitar?
I got the guitars right ,but it was harder than I thought it would be . The J45 was a lot brighter that it would be , but then if you compare two D18s there might be a difference , did they have the same strings on the J45 and the D18 , anyway I would not refuse either . Can you do a comparison of the same guitars With different strings , medium, light or extra light if you have already done that sorry I haven’t seen it. Dickiemint.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Got them right as well but based on strumming only. Single note almost made me change my mind. Luck I guess
Smart distinctions!
The J45 straight up sounds better
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.
I was martin all the way. Now my favorite is j45 or any slope shoulder or lg or l00
@@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
@@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
I prefer the jumbo....grand ...Spruce n rosewood etc
Same!
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.
Agree 100% . Also owner of a J-45 Standard. Both fuller bottom, and sparklier, more shimmering top end
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!
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.
You know what’s up!
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
These two are possibly the most iconic available today, poss. the D-28 as well, great comparison!!
Love them both.
I love these kind of videos! Please add some Guilds too (Martin hd28 vs Guild d55 maybe)
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
I think that was a really good j-45 wow haven’t heard a Gibson that sounds that deep
I guessed wrong. And I have an 18 with Adirondack top. They are close and both sound great.
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!
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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…..
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.
I will be honest. I did not get it right. Love what you guys do! Great chemistry!!
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.
blended together = muddy to me
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
Also the Gibson is a short scale . Would definitely feel different in the hands .
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.
Best description yet.. We’ll said
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)
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.
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
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!)
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.
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!
Love these videos keep it up!
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.
I think the Gibson has a more open sound. Has clarity and full bass.
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.
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!
The Gibson sounds louder and brighter. The Martin sounds more reserved
Agree. Both are amazing and iconic guitars. Which is why I have decided I need them BOTH in my life. :-)
All Martins are known for needing to open up. Once they do they blow a J45 away.
Both sound great... Martin sounds that little bit sweeter to my ears but it’s not by much
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.
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.
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 RUclips and not watching (face turned away and eyes closed) she would have me committed!
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)).
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.
We know the D18 is Mahogany back and sides. What is the material back and sides on the J-45??? The material is critical to sound.
This is a standard J-45....Mahogany and Spruce just like the D-18. That is why we chose these 2 guitars for the comparison.
@@TheAcousticLetter There is a defiantly distinctly different sound. The J-45 to sounds clearer / brighter. I prefer that sound more than the D-18
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!
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...
I have played significant amount of J45 ... I have never played one like this on the video ... stunning ...what J45 that was ? vintage or Pro ???
Standard J-45
Practice practice
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!!!
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.
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.
You should tell us the model year of each guitar, the weight of each guitar in ounces, and the strings on each.
Dangit I got it wrong. That j45 sounds incredible
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
Randy ya legend 🇨🇮
I got it wrong....btw the J45 sounds better
same with me.
Same
Yep
Yep. Same
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!
I don't have to worry about a blindfold as I really am blind. Paul and Quinton never said which guitar was which. I guessed the second guitar was the d18 was I correct? Both guitars did sound very good. I do own a d18, so maybe I shouldn't have trouble. However, Paul and Quinton do play different then I do. Playing that very hard style of playingwhere it sounds kind of like they slam the strings a little is hard for me to judge. I liked the second part of the video which was some notes and a bit softer. Thanks for letting me know which guitar is which for real.
Hi Joshua - Please forgive that oversight on our part, and I hope this reply is accessible - guitar 1 was the j 45 and guitar 2 was the d 18. Thanks for the feedback!
Thanks Quinton. I did guess wright after all. My first very expensive guitar I ever played ,at a guitar center was a Gibson j45. I thought it sounded nice. However, when I went to a local music store and played a d18 with sunburst finish, I knew that I had to have that guitar. I just played an E chord and that was it. I did hear a couple good guitar players who worked at the store also play it which was also very cool. Keep up the good work.
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.
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.
I didn't look and i'm guessing that guitar #2 is the martin d18.
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....
Got it right. Surprisingly, lol.
You guys rock. Love your videos
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!!
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!
The J-45 does sound great, may have to get one of those too 😬
@@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.
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
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.
I like the brightness of the J-45. Seems fuller than the Martin. Can you compare some of your vintage pieces to moderns? I always feel the vintage stuff just has a better feel and unique tone. But maybe my eyes deceive me. I have tried many modern acoustics but have a hard time beating my ‘47 J-50
I got it wrong as well and I preferred the J45 everso slightly.
I got it wrong! I thought the J-45 would have greater depth and so I chose guitar #2 as the J-45. The Martin actually has much more depth. Crazy how a blindfold can change our views.
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.
I got it wrong and I have a d18! It has an adi top though, but these both sound great
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.
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.
I got that right all 3 times, martin has the "martin tone" and i can hear that here a lot.
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.
Hi. Would you recommend buying the Epiphone? Does it worth the money?
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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.
I got it right - but then, I do have a D18 myself - but they are quite similar
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.
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!
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.
If your ears are that bad that you can’t hear a difference, then save yourself a load of cash and buy that $399.00 special on eBay.
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.
Figured guitar 2 was the Martin only on the last single note flat picking. I knew for sure then. I have a D18, pretty distinctive sound flat picked.First 3 plays I had them wrong way around.
In the UK, the D18 is almost twice the price of the J45, and I don't hear that price difference in this vid. I thought the D18 was #2, so I will check back now.
D18 and J45 are about the same cost for standard models.
@@kk-px7lu
On my last visit to Guitar Guitar locally, the D18 was £2650, and the J45 was £1495. Perhaps I should take another look next time, to check like for like.
Thanks for the reply.
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.
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!
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.
Difference for me personally was quite clear minus the pressure of getting it right. My instincts led me to realize the martin is muddy and flabby in the bass region. And has a somewhat buzzy characteristic in the mid high
It would be cool to do an A/B test with the D18 vs. the Eastman dread with spruce/mahogany. That would shake some folks up, I bet.
I got it right! They both sound extremely similar with single notes as opposed to strumming. Strumming makes the differences more clear.
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.
i agree...that longer scale length of the 18 has a thicker single note
Had it right but it was a 50\50.. The strumming made me feel strongly that the first was a J45, but the single notes part was pretty similar and I wasn't as sure....
I got lucky once. I have a gibson southern jumbo but still thy both sound the same on my phone.
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!
What year Martin was that ? Is it the reim
It's a brand new (2020) D-18.
I guessed wrong and I have an HD 28 and a Gibson CL-50. Love both of them.
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.
Got them both, not at home ofc, just correct quess. J-45 on first take sounded better but D-18 was better on the second run. So it’s J-45 for strumming and Martin for picking. What if I want both in a single guitar?
I got the guitars right ,but it was harder than I thought it would be . The J45 was a lot brighter that it would be , but then if you compare two D18s there might be a difference , did they have the same strings on the J45 and the D18 , anyway I would not refuse either . Can you do a comparison of the same guitars With different strings , medium, light or extra light if you have already done that sorry I haven’t seen it. Dickiemint.
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.
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!