Which guitar do you like more... Martin D-28 or Gibson J-45? - Page 2

egordon99 · #16 01-20-2021, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeisen93

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?

Except for both having sikta tops and EIR B&S, those two guitars are completely different in feel/construction/tone/vibe/etc....

You really just need to go out and play these instruments yourself to decide.

paulzoom · #17 01-20-2021, 08:14 PM

My vote would be for a J45 Rosewood.

woodbox · #18 01-20-2021, 08:32 PM

First off, let me point out what a wonderful problem you have!

Second, let me state that I am a self-proclaimed “Martin Guy”.
My first guitar was a Martin (still have it) and I’ve owned dozens of them over the last 50 years, including a D28, an HD28, and a D18.

Third, I’ve owned only 2 Gibson acoustics- J15 and J45 (with a natural top incidentally).

Now, to answer the OP question, if I were to buy any of them back,
it would be the J45 without hesitation or reservation.

And remember, I’m a lifelong Martin player.
But there’s something about a J45 that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Of course, having them all is the perfect answer, and I did, for awhile.
But it came time to pass them on.
And the J45 was the last to go.

Bridgepin · #19 01-20-2021, 08:50 PM

If possible having one of each would be the way to go...there both great guitars

I have only one regret in my guitar purchasing life and that is I let the best sounding J 45 I have played pass by...... Long story.

Jack852 · #20 01-20-2021, 08:56 PM

I have a J-45 and an HD-28. They both sound great, but different. I pick up the Gibson 90% of the time though. I find the short scale more comfortable to play.

brencat · #21 01-20-2021, 10:21 PM

The D-28 if you are a flatpicker.

The J-45 for everything else. (It's not a great flatpicker)

AuthenticRick · #22 01-20-2021, 10:28 PM

Mine are a D-28 Marquis and a J-45 Standard. My favorite is whichever I happen to be playing at any given moment.

I have to agree, . . . need both!

jspe · #23 01-20-2021, 11:00 PM

I own both.
Yep, the J45....
It looks, feels, and sounds 100 years old.
BTW (a recommendation) get rid of the head-snaps-off Sherman tank on the headstock, and get some nice light Klusen style or open back tuners.

Emil · #24 01-21-2021, 01:02 AM

Both are great but im more into the Martin tone.
It does everything i need!

Mike McLenison · #25 01-21-2021, 01:07 AM

Love both, but D-28 wins for my taste.

Cool555 · #26 01-21-2021, 01:15 AM

My vote would be the J-45. But if you can find a J-45 with koa b/s, that would be even better.

dyna · #27 01-21-2021, 02:08 AM

I love the Martin D-28, I had a 2015 model with the "old" oval neck which I much prefer to the new slimmer ones.
I am not a fan of 1 11/16" nut but on this guitar it just felt natural, not cramped. This might depend on the neck profile.

But I dream about a J-45... Just the right appointments for a singer-songwriter.
The Martin is sometimes to much of a "full orchestra" sound for me.
To bad I don´t dare buying a Gibson online. I have seen to many with bad QC.

Scotso · #28 01-21-2021, 04:01 AM

Depends on what you play.
Depends on your style of play
Depends on the comfort of each guitar a bit
Depends on preferred tone

Nick84 · #29 01-21-2021, 04:20 AM

I’d pick the J-45 but Thats because my playing style and what I would use the guitar for. is a used J-45 and used D-28 achievable?

Proclaimer888 · #30 01-21-2021, 05:43 AM

Do you go to Bars or Barns?? Owned both and loved both for very different reasons. I always felt comfortable with the J45 and the D28 was a bit intimidating if that makes sense. The J45 was light and loose and the D28 was tight and solid. I currently own a J29 which is a kinda hybrid model and enjoy it immensely. I wish I had your problem!!