Martin D45V vs Gibson J45

budcolglazier · #1 11-05-2012, 02:45 PM

i'm considering purchasing a martin D45V. i'm currently playing Gibson J45 - 1960 vintage. anyone have the opportunity to play both of these to compare sound?

bobby b · #2 11-05-2012, 02:58 PM

Have not done a direct comparison, but I would think each would have its own distinct sound.
If the Martin is available locally then just bring your J45 along and compare away....

Remember, what somebody else may hear is not necessarily going to be what you hear.

PTC Bernie · #3 11-05-2012, 07:33 PM

Completely different guitars and sounds. I've owned a 60's J45 and played many a D45. If the D45 fits your playing style, add it to your stable. There's no such thing as too many guitars.

Surreal McCoy · #4 11-05-2012, 08:16 PM

AS loved as the J-45 is, it is not in the same ballpark as the D-45v.

The D-45 is the flagship dred of the Martin line and lists for $1o,ooo.oo
The J-45 isn't a dred, isn't their top of the line, has a different scale length and doesn't list for ten grand - (although yours is vintage and worth some bucks)

If you're comfortable with the J-45 you may find the D-45v uncomfortably large, very loud with a bigger bass register and the abalone inlays can blind you.

I'd definitely go for it!

Good luck!!

bohemian · #5 11-05-2012, 08:29 PM

The D-45 isn't in the same ballpark as the J-45

The J-45 is a work horse

the D-45 is a show horse

I'd keep the J-45.

rosewoood · #6 11-05-2012, 08:45 PM

If you are keeping your J45 go for it .The D-45V is a wonderful instrument.
But the two guitars are entirely different in feel, sound ,looks,projection,playability,scale length, nut width , neck shape,wood used,etc....With both you will own two icons of the acoustic guitar world.
I think you would regret selling the Gibson if that is your intension.(not sure as you don't really say ).

Gizmot · #7 11-05-2012, 11:13 PM

The J-45 has never been in the same league as any Martin dreadnought sonically. There are lots of my neighbors here in Nashville that like Gibson acoustics but I don't like their sound or playability.

Gibsonstrummer · #8 11-05-2012, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmot

The J-45 has never been in the same league as any Martin dreadnought sonically. There are lots of my neighbors here in Nashville that like Gibson acoustics but I don't like their sound or playability.

Now there's a biased opinion I'd take that with a grain of salt.
I had a d41 great guitar but rosewood was not for me. Also a j45 is a dread? If not what would it be?

bobby b · #9 11-05-2012, 11:49 PM

Each has its own sonic footprint. Each has earned its own status as an iconic guitar. This whole 'not in the same league' bs is getting tired

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmot

The J-45 has never been in the same league as any Martin dreadnought sonically. There are lots of my neighbors here in Nashville that like Gibson acoustics but I don't like their sound or playability.

sfden1 · #10 11-06-2012, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobby b

Each has its own sonic footprint. Each has earned its own status as an iconic guitar. This whole 'not in the same league' bs is getting tired

Agreed. Different strokes, different folks.

trvlr · #11 11-06-2012, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobby b

Remember, what somebody else may hear is not necessarily going to be what you hear.

+1

Two guys walk into a guitar shop. 1st guy picks up a guitars and says man, no good. Next guy picks up same guitar and says, wow, man this guitar is sweet.

ukejon · #12 11-06-2012, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Each has its own sonic footprint. Each has earned its own status as an iconic guitar. This whole 'not in the same league' bs is getting tired

Indeed. D45 vs J45 comparison is like saying apples are better than bananas....(which they are but I wouldn't say it in public).

rmyAddison · #13 11-06-2012, 08:22 AM

A D-45 "V" is a D-45 on steroids and a few grand more...

That being said it doesn't mean anyone will prefer it over another great guitar, and Martins and Gibsons are very different.

Both new I would take the 45V, but a 50 year old J-45 I would have to at least listen too and let my ears decide...............

B Chas · #14 11-06-2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gizmot

The J-45 has never been in the same league as any Martin dreadnought sonically. There are lots of my neighbors here in Nashville that like Gibson acoustics but I don't like their sound or playability.

Do you really dislike Gibson acoustics or just prefer others?

Augustwest2012 · #15 11-06-2012, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Surreal McCoy

The J-45 isn't a dred

Not trying to be argumentative, but the J45 is a dred! It's a slope shoulder dreadnought! FWIW, the D-45V is a holy grail guitar, and I don't think anything Gibson makes could hold a candle to it, the D-45V will blow them all away.