Which guitar do you like more... Martin D-28 or Gibson J-45?
 

I'm considering purchasing another guitar and I've always been interested in the Martin D-28 and Gibson J-45 Standard. I know they are totally different from each other and sound different.

If you have experience with these guitars or own them, which would you choose and why?

I already own a Taylor 814ce which has Indian Rosewood back and sides, so I'm not sure if the rosewood D-28 would be too similar to what I already have?

My budget is around $3000.

Thank you!

J-45 for me. Short scale mahogany B/S and very versatile.

J-45 all the way for me. Short scale and mahogany b/s. Not to mention buckets of mojo.

I've never played a D-28 that did much for me. Obviously, many good folk love their D-28s.

I’ve owned both. Actually, several of both...but that’s another story. :D Like you say, apples and oranges. Both are iconic. For good reason. After being all-in rosewood for years I’ve migrated to hog. Just love the warmth and clear note separation. Throw in short scale and the Gibson “thump” and the J-45 comes out on top for me. If you go with the J-45 play before you pay if at all possible. The D-28s I’ve owned were all pretty similar. But the three J-45s I’ve cycled through all had their own special voices...only one of which I liked

I own both...but the J-45 is actually a Kopp K-35. You don't have to choose one over the other. Buy one now and buy the other later. So now all you gotta figure out is which one you wanna buy first?:D

I've owned both. They are both great guitars but my personal choice is a D-28.

Maybe I should just buy both!!:D:D

I've owned both and these days the short scale is a godsend for my old hands.

Actually if you decide to go used and increase your budget a little you could very well end up with one of each😉

You might find a D-18 to be the sweet spot in-between the two.

Good point! I didn't consider a D-18. I does sound like a good mix between the two being that it has hog b/s.

Definitely both. Always good to have a Martin AND a Gibson in the house...

But- if I could only have one of these two offerings- it would be the J45.

Best

madhat.

Just sayin'?:D You can add the D-18 later...it's the perfect "Trifecta"!

No one has ever confused a D-28 with a 814ce.

I have to advise you to eventually get both the D-28 and J-45 :)

The neck would be the deciding factor for me - I don't really care for the current Martin width and profile.

I wish they made a new D28 with a narrower nut and a fuller carve without having to pay Authentic prices. They discontinued the HD28v which was the closest thing.

I guess a J45 rosewood would be a good compromise!