I went looking for a Martin D-28 but bought a Gibson

[tubetone74]

Nice guitar! I think everyone should own at least one J45. It's got a sound that is so useful, particulary is a band or singer/solo setting.

[ollaimh]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Congratulations. I'm not going to get into the whole Martin vs. Gibson debate - I own one of each - but sometimes you can surprise yourself by preferring something that you didn't even go looking for.

Have fun with it.


Wade Hampton Miller

that is the debate that it is easy to go back and forth on. i've taken both sides at different times, and none. but i hope you get great music and fun from your new guitar

[woodbox]

I'm a life long Martin guy.

But I've joyously played my superb Gibson J45 Standard for many years now.
And recently have had a lot of fun playing it back to back with my newly acquired Martin D18 Standard.

Martin D18 Standard
Gibson J45 Standard

One of them is fabulous while the other is even better!
I just can't decide which is which.

Congrats to the OP.

[TBman]

Congrats! It wouldn't hurt to own both a J-45 and a D-28, btw.

[jwellsy]

I've been looking for a 2017 Martin D35, but the If I ran into a Gibson J35 I might be swayed. They have a very similar sound , but the Gibson is less money.

[Imbler]

Originally Posted by Shadowfox

Awesome guitar! Also just a fine print with the GC card, if you miss a payment they charge interest on everything (even the paid months)

Oh, I remember that trick from my early poverty years 40 years ago. I'm surprised it is still around. Still a good deal, of course, if you've got the discipline to never forget a payment date,

[bryantjudoman]

You have the exact same story as me lol. I Was testing out many d-28's, Hd-28's, basically any martins I could find. Just couldn't pull the trigger on any of them. Then picked up a j-45 just as a curiosity (I don't like the aesthetics of the slope) And BAM! hit me like a brick! I just love my j-45. However since then I have found that certain iterations of martin d-35's REALLY tickle my fancy as well.

[$ongWriter]

I own a few Gibby's...BUT...I can honestly count on one hand the "newer" Gibsons that did anything for me....but...those....were/are great guitars....3 of them were from the custom shop. (one was a Custom J-35, one was a custom Koa back and sides Advance Jumbo...and one was some kind of signature model....can't remember which one...ALSO....I have played the NEW and improved D-28 and the HD-28..and of course the D-18.....to me Martin is really knocking it out of the park on these....just my 2 cents...enjoy the new guitar..

[Steadfastly]

I like how you struck the first chord and knew it was what you were looking for. I've had that happen once. When it's right, it's right.

[RILEY31]

Oh, I can deffinatlly see a D28 or D18 in my near future.If I can just find the right one.

[JakeStone]

Congrats on that beautiful J-45.

It's so nice when you find "the one" and know it!

Enjoy!

PS.. Check out some John Pearse PB strings... Mine really came alive with them.

[RILEY31]

Thanks for the string tip JakeStone I'll get some.

[CaptRedbeard]

I agree with Steadfastly in that when you hear it, regardless of what is on the headstock, you will know. Happened to me recently and have not regretted it.

[rockabilly69]

I personally have found that I identify more with a J45 myself. They are my favorite guitar to gig with. I own a few nice Martins and Gibsons, but when I sing while playing, my voice sits right in the pocket of the J45 tone.

Here's mine...

custom shop 50's reissue


1964 (with new bridge as I wasn't happy with the ceramic saddle adjustable bridge)

[tippy5]

I played my two J45's today for 2 plus hours and a strat for an hour. My Martin is lonely.