Martin vs. Gibson: The Definitive Comparison will attempt to compare two of the oldest and most iconic American guitar makers. It may not be easy, but after doing some research and I found that this was a fairly close matchup.
After the Martin vs. Taylor episode, some of you suggested I do this Martin vs. Gibson episode. Well, I heard you loud and clear! That’s why this entire episode is dedicated to pitting these two American guitar makers against each other.
I’ll be judging the two companies on seven different categories — seven rounds of battling it out. I’ll evaluate the companies on history, sustainability, manufacturing, model offerings, innovation, artist rosters, and custom shops.
As always, you can catch Acoustic Tuesday at 10 am every Tuesday in these four places:
- Acoustic Life YouTube channel
- We Play Every Day Facebook Community
- Get show notes emailed directly to your inbox.
- Listen to audio-only below or in iTunes
Show Notes
https://youtu.be/ee_XQ0Ajcbw – Orville Gibson History
https://youtu.be/JBciGjAfyc8 – Gibson Acoustic Factory Tour
https://youtu.be/VRd2qmeKiog – Martin Factory/Chris Martin
https://youtu.be/8bLWyvih60E – Martin Guitars Custom Shop
https://youtu.be/JRTWMH1T0zI – 939 History Piece
https://youtu.be/fnwcluW6VnE – X brace history (Madame De Goni)
https://youtu.be/JRIoyJ4oenw – Martin Environment/B corp
https://youtu.be/eygeIWNuqqE – Reimagined 28 series
https://youtu.be/sypFkMoqGNk – The Martin Archives story
This is all education for me. I can’t decide on the history thingy.
agree so far tony….
Sustainability….Agree
wrto history, I would have liked to have heard some of the Gibson myths. I am a Guild/Taylor/Martin fan but may get a Gibson after this session. btw. I got my first real guitar (Guild D-50) at Zap Music on Fullerton Ave in Chi-town.
Manufacturing…I believe at least in Memphis, Gibson does public factory tours. My wife and I were there 17 years ago when her father was posthumously given an award at the Elvis fan club movie awards. He played Cookie in GI Blues. We tried to take a factory tour of the Gibson plant but the building had been damaged in a recent wind storm, so they were not doing tours at that time.
Martin vs. Gibson: I say a Tie. 6/6 You didn’t mention Gibson’s Custom inlay in the Custom Category. They do beautiful work on their Epiphone guitars. Some are art and instrument in one package.
If quality control were one of your categories, Gibson would lose even more (which they do). I have always loved Gibson Acoustics. I wanted a J45 for a long time. Last year I was finally able to buy a premium guitar. I looked at several J45s, and I could not find even one of them that should have been permitted to leave their factory. Glue that was never cleaned off. Tool marks. Tuning machines that were installed so badly that you could see how crooked they were from across a high school gym. The J45 was not the only models that were that way. It was across the line. I was, and still am, disappointed with Gibson. They should sell the company to someone that will make them high quality again, or just shut it down before they embarrass themselves any further.
I bought a Martin D28 instead. It’s perfect, and I love it!
Looking at the Rock category, Martin has a claim to first place – Kurt Cobain’s 1959 Martin D-18 for $6 million a few days ago.
Not to mention the Beatles, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell…etc, etc. I think Tony was just feeling sorry for Gibson, and gave ‘em one.
Agree. Also with history. Martin has records of just about everything they ever bought to put into their guitars, how can that be a tie with Gibson.
I’m with you, Chris. And what about Eric Clapton, Dylan, Crosby Stills Nash Young, and on and on.
Martin Acoustics
I have not been to the Gibson factory in Bozeman, but my nephew tried to and informed me they only give tours to dealers and special musicians and guests. However, you can go almost all days of the week that Martin is open and take a tour of the factory followed by a visit to the Martin Model Jam room and pls a large variety of awesome Martin guitars. Now that is a classic organization. I have a beautiful Gibson HP-665 W that is incredible but my Martin D-20 M sounds much sweeter. Advantage Martin.
Dream Guitar:
Martin 000-42 Marquis, but with VTS top, modern performance neck, and old high grade Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. I can then die a happier man. Currently have a Martin ’66 D-28, ’69 0-16NY, 2018 D-42, 2018 00-28 Reimagined, 2018 Lowden S-32, ’86 Taylor 712, ’75 Guild F-512. Need a 000 short scale to round out the herd. It will have to remain a dream. Don’t have $12K or more to have Martin build me one. Will have to suffice with one of the few Marquis out there somewhere if I can ever find one. Spoon Phillips’ review of the model was the best review I’ve ever seen for any guitar. The Adi top 1/4″ FORWARD SHIFTED scalloped braces is as good as it gets!
Martin
Really interesting subject. Gibson of course, a power house and overall in terms of all types of guitar manufacturing, has to be the winner with only Fender as a contender. Saying that, for me- just my view – Martin is the manufacturer’s manufacturer, the player’s player when it comes to acoustic guitars. Also, I found interesting, I am from the UK and Martin has more mystique and legend than Gibson by many miles but, maybe, this is because I think Gibson is a family name. My mother & father never heard of Martin… I love both companies dearly. I love Fender electric guitars also, however, there isn’t a discussion here about Fender being in the running on acoustic manufacturing possibly for the right reasons.
Dream Guitar is Martin OOO-18 pre-1967. Had one years ago, a 1966, and its tone was incredibly beautiful. Had to sell it. Want another one!
Agreed. Clearly Martins. One of the things not really dealt with very much in the “fight”, besides all the particulars, was tone. Acknowledging that that is a somewhat subjective thing, Martin is still the clear winner hands down IMO. Yes, Gibsons have wonderful punchy tone, but when considering seriously deep, other-worldly, mysterious, head-roomy harmonics and overtones of the heart Martin again is by far superior. They take one to places paradisiacal, whereas Gibsons… not so much. That said, I would still like to one day own an old Hummingbird and J-200, because, why not…?
Martin, as I have 3 of them after comparing with similar Gibson models…1966 D18, 2018 HD28 from the custom shop, 1935 00043😁. I had a J200 for a while but sold it.
Martin, I have a d-28, played my buddies 1950 J45a lot, it’s nice, my grandmothers 1934 Matin d-45 sold for $25,000.00 back in the 90’s, beautiful guitar.
Martin!
I have discovered that Acoustic Tuesday is a great opportunity to learn cool information and at the same time noodle some practice of difficult previous lessons. WIN-WIN!!
Good call, both Martin & Gibson are crucial from a historic perspective.
Tony, I think you were too kind to Gibson and moved too quickly in the blues and rock categories. You need to look at the scope of artist over time. I vote for Martin.
Excellent guitar content today. Both Martin and Gibson are stellar instrument makers, but based on today’s evaluation criteria I’d have to agree that Martin wins.
Tone, I’m a recent TAC member. I had a second-hand guitar years ago that was pretty broken down and I don’t recall if I ever saw the brand name on it. I bought it from a friend who played it really well. I thought I could, too, but I’d never played guitar before. This was before the internet, so I didn’t have any encouragement and I didn’t take lessons because I had a family to raise. That guitar is long gone. Fast forward to about three years ago and skipping the details, I now live alone. I decided to treat myself to a guitar with the intent to learn to play it. I know that Martin is an iconic brand, so I did some online research and went to a Guitar Center near me to try a Martin 000-15M. The only thing I remembered was a few chords from “Down by the River” by Neil Young and the guitar sounded good, so I ordered one and bought a beginner guitar book on Amazon. After a few months, my Martin sat in its case in the closet. Fast forward to two months ago. Your Tuesday videos renewed my interest in my guitar and I joined the TAC. I’ve been playing off and on again since then, but your Martin vs Gibson has renewed my desire to play, so I’m going back to your website to continue your online lessons. My goal now is to regain the callouses on my fretting hand and never let them go away. Thanks for validating my Martin purchase.
Martin! Tony I agree with you scoring… except for the Rock & Roll category. I dig the 000-28 that Clapton plays “unplugged” and the 00-18 Steve Howe plays on the Yes recordings. (both long before they came out with their signature models). Thanks for a great show!
Martin – history it has a tangible link
Martin – sustainability (Gibson started their conscious road last year), Martin for new 20 yrs. what this part did not tell us is the sustainability factors from set up to this point.
Interesting show Tony, have always wondered about Martin vs. Gibson! I feel better versed in the two and can speak from a more informed level! Keep your Guitar Geek on!
Martin seems to be more principled and gets the nod for me as a result.
My humming bird that I have owned since 73 and not able to find out defitivly if it is a 71 or 72 ,the neck is great for feel but the neck is vulnerable at the head it has been broken twice .n0w I also have a sigma that I like the playability and sound the neck a bit on the thick side
Artist Roster: folk would have Martin win hands down. Rock and Roll, think of CSN & Y all playing Martins, although Stills occasionally played a Gibson. I`d say Martin wins this category.
As far as the dream guitar…I always wanted one of the old Gibson Hummingbirds…the ones that were named that was written on the inside below the sound hole. I got to try one out once that was a gift for a friend from his wife. I’ve been in love with those ever since.
Gibson
After playing a Cortez JG6700, that I bought new in the early 1970’s, I finally bought a Martin DC-15ME a couple of years ago. Of course I love them both for different reasons but I have a certain amount of pride and pleasure playing my Martin. By the way, thanks for all the great lessons. I’m really enjoying them and I’m learning a lot.
without Gibson………….no Everly Brothers
Fun show, but….I would like to investigate more directly on the guitars: sound, price points, looks, comfort, action, sustain, resonance
Stuff like that.
Iam not a great guitarist, however, you could play 50 gibsons or martins all the same models, and one will stand out for you . It will just feel good and right.It will play and sound better to you than the others. I have played an original Martin from when they were “hand made ” that was a beautififul guitar. I guess from my point of view, It does’t matter the name or make, if it feels good and plays well to you then that is the guitar for you!
Ps My wife says the same thing about golf clubs!
Tony I agree the match up is close. But i think Martin should win alone just for keeping the Martin family name and a Martin family member in there for all these years. Thanx great show, Guy B.
Any time you try to compare Gibson and Martin, it gets interesting. They are just very different companies, with different corporate motivations. I know where Martin comes from. Gibson is part of a corporate conglomerate, but they still manage to turn out great instruments. I have an L-00 which I absolutely love. I live little over an hour from Nazareth, so I have been there a number of times. The people are wonderful and you feel their passion for the product. I’ve only been through Bozeman, (Skiing), but would love to spend some time there. In the end, I think it all comes down to the guitar that SPEAKS TO YOU, wherever it came from. After all, your’e playing for you (and/or your friends), and not them.
I would choose Gibson / Epiphone as the winner. I’ve been a player and worked in music stores several decades and it seems that Gibson has always had a bigger variety of models to choose from. It has also provided the most unique appointments. The main factor in a comparison, as always, is sound of course, and I’ve wanted to buy a Martin but every time I try them, even the high end models, they always have a muted tone, as opposed to just about any Gibson or Epiphone which have more presence and rich tone, to my ears. All that being said, I think Epiphone Masterbilt should be the Ultimate Champion for being as good as they are and the only one of the three that is reasonably priced.
First, I would never have the guts to do what you just did. Second, I will never say anything bad about Gibson, like intermittent quality control. I love the J-45, and the Hummingbird, but acoustically, that is all I will give them. To me, Martin wins this contest. As always, YMMV. My dream guitar is that Hannant you reviewed a bit ago. Will never happen, but you asked for a dream, not a goal.
what about keith’s 00 12 fret?
Tony: I enjoyed your analysis of Gibson vs Martin and have to agree with your overall picks, though I feel in pure historical factors Martin would be the winner there also. However, another category that defines guitars is style and celebrity-ship. Sparkle in the show room window, sort of the cowboy in the saddle image, and I think Gibson wins out in that category hands down. I always enjoy your shows. Thank you.
I’ve always been a Gibson fan, having played, taught and performed for many years. Having heard so much about Martin, I decided to visit my local music store and try out the Martin.. I can honestly say I was not impressed by the instrument. I can’t pinpoint any feature, maybe I’m just stuck on Gibson. Price would be a major factor.
My lack of knowledge of these two amazing acoustic guitar manufacturers is embarrassing. However, thanks to you Tony I’m becoming more aware and informed. The history of acoustic guitars is very rich and fascinating. Thanks once more for opening anther door along my guitar journey.
Martin, Martin, Martin, Martin, Martin, Martin, Martin.
yes, yes, yes
with all the ties, seems silly to say that Martin’s PR on tours are more for manufacturing than Gibson’s not having them. Used to work for a beer company, and the tours for Coors, Miller and Budweiser don’t mean a d**n thing about the quality of the product, or the manufacturing process. Should have been a Gibson win, if not another d**n tie.
Good comparison of Martin and Gibson but in the Rock category you could have mentioned Clapton and his unplugged Martins. I love Keith but I’d put Eric on top as a player.
I like both brands, but I prefer Martin a little more. You can see that in my collection.
Martin D-45 Commemorative 1796-1996 (1996), Martin D-28 Authentic 1931 (2013), Martin D-18 Standard (2019), Martin 000-45 Custom 12 fret (1996), Martin J12-15 (2000), Gibson SJ-200 Standard VS (2015), Gibson Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary black (1978).
Two years ago I had the opportunity to exchange a few words with Christian Martin at a meet and greet in the Netherlands at TFOA. When he found out that I was collecting Martin guitars, he told me that he was collecting Porsche 911 sports cars and had 3 pieces. Funny thing: The American CEO is collecting german sports cars and the german guitar geek is collecting American Martin Guitars … Greetings from Germany to all the other Guitar geeks in the world…
I just love what I’m learning here.
I’m left feeling pretty undecided meaning the best solution might be to get some scheduled commitments done and buy my right to get into this, and then maybe add a Gibson to the Martin I already have once I actually learn to play guitar properly here.
I grew up playing folk music on Gibsons & Epiphones).. and lusting after Martins. That being said, they both make fine guitars. I think you shortchanged Gibson on innovation (archtop, truss-rod, pickup) and models. There’s no such thing as a Martin jazz guitar, and their nylon-string crossover did not impress. But in traditional flat-top guitars – and especially for bluegrass – Martin is THE ONE.
A side-track from our current discussion (Martin v. Gibson); Question for Tony: Have you ever seen The Office, and if so do you know what brand of guitar Ed Helms is playing on the show? Internet pics all show him playing a Gibson J-45, but the guitar I’ve seen him play has a natural top and very cool-but-understated headstock. But unfortunately, even on an OLED TV, I cannot make out the name written there. I know this question is a stretch, “but I thought… what the hell.”
Agree on category 1. Apples to Oranges. Both have their own unique and interesting history’s.
When I was in My twenties now in my late sixties I had the privilege of owning a Martin and a Gibson Hummingbird I liked playing both for different reasons can I say one was better than the other the answer is no BUT as we speak I have ordered a Epephone Hummingbird and it will be relived in the next two days I currently play an Art & Lutherie Americana through a Marshall AS50D amp witch sound great. but being honest I can’t wait to play the Hummingbird. And yes Im still playing and sort of singing at the grand age of 68 and if I’m still around next year I’ll be singing the “Summer of 69” ps that was a great video you put up Best Regards Thomas McEwan Scotland UK
yes i agree with you!
I have been noodling for years (many) and have played various acoustics. I purchased a D40NT Guild back in 72′ for my birthday that year (22nd) just to get under the skin of my girlfriend at the time. Lol. Since then I have purchased many guitars that I either sold or gave to someone because I was moving off-grid in the very humid Andes of N.Peru.
I brought a Martin HD35, My Guild D40NT, a Cordoba Flamenco built in Spain and a Tacoma that was a gift from my wife.
The HD35 began coming apart between the heal and body within 6 months. I gave it to a friend who took it back to Phoenix and gave it to a luther there that said it was coming apart because of excess moisture. To be honest I found idy a little dull in tone and didn’t care for the neck. That is just me, big hands – short fingers.
My Guild has been back to Guild in Westerly, RI – once because that same girlfriend used it for a trampoline just before leaving for a new reality somewhere in LA. Then again to have the nut changed. Great company. But, the neck started twisting so I sent it to a luther in Calif and got it back to only have it twist again. I found the truss rod broken when it returned 6 months later. Today it is a beautiful mess.
My go to guitar, the Tacoma was stolen one evening.
I purchased a Taylor GS Mini 2 years ago while visiting my daughter in Vegas. I fell deeply in love with it. Then in Dec 2018 my wife told me she wanted to buy me a new guitar. Cool! (Right) I asked her what she wanted to buy me and was told that was up to me. Digging deeper I asked for a $$ limit and she said it was up to me.
I took delivery of a Taylor K14ce in April last year.
It is far above any acoustic I have ever doodled on
and true to all advertising I have read. It by far my favorite. I have others also (I think I still have them) that rarely gets played.
I may not be a full blown Taylor fan because I have only played the GS and The K14ce.
My vote goes to the guitar that fits, plays well, and floats my boat. I recorded a tune in a studio in Seattle in 2003 with the HD35 and another guitar that I took with me (Guild F 1512) A 3rd was used and we ended up using an older cheap Ibanez instead of the engineers Gibson Bluebird on some of the back-up work. I left the recording engineer the 12 string for part of his efforts on the tune.
It does not matter what it is or who builds it, if you like it – wear the frets down. I have been honored to play many. But still like my Taylor K14ce more than any I have ever played.
Thanks Tony for being you!
I totallay agree…
Tony what an amazing show. This was my very first Acoustic Tuesday show, and I have to say being a djr-10E guitar owner was pleased with the outcome. But I have to say the Gibson historic and modern guitar collections sounds like they will be producing some interesting stuff. This was a great learning experience for me being a newbie. Can’t wait to see your collection and hear about the stories. Totally hooked on Acoustic Tuesday CHEERS from Canada.
Both brands have been doing magnificent instruments. It’s really hard to say which one is better. I like the D28 as well as the J45, both iconic. But I have an hunble critique to both: they should offer different neck width for the models. I like the 1 11/16 with a slim profile….good luck to find one on these boutique guitars. By the way, great video!
I ordered a Martin Special Grand Performance Cutaway Performing Artist Style Ovangkol Acoustic Electric. It was a piece of junk, totally unplayable as delivered. I took it to the Martin warranty station and they were able to make it “playable”, but made me pay for it! Also, as good as they could make it, it still did not conform to the quality that I expected from Martin. I returned it for a refund. Very disappointing experience
I haven’t played any guitar made of Ovangkol that I thought was worth the time or money it took to manufacture it. Every Martin, and Taylor, made of Ovangkol was not even in the same league as the same models that were made from Rosewood. Taylor claims that Ovangkol is a decent substitute for Rosewood, but it is not even close. I understand them looking for more sustainable tone woods for the future of acoustic guitar manufacturing, but there is no way that Ovangkol can be substituted for Rosewood. The same thing goes for Sapele sounding like Mahogany: Not even close. I have played many Sapele acoustics and I have yet to find one that I even like. I prefer Martin over Taylor, by a large margin, but Taylor has done some very good work with Koa. Rosewood and Mahogany remain the best tone woods for acoustic guitars in general, so it might be that Ovangkol is one the reasons that the Martin you played was so “unlikeable”.
Well I think Gibson comes closer to achieving the high bar and undeniable excellence of Martin guitars, much closer than B league Taylor guitars (to even compare Taylor with Martin was laughable – like comparing a basic trim Ford or Chevy with a BMW or Mercedes Benz!). Try as you may to deny it Martin guitars are the cream of the crop and blow all other manufacturers away.
Went on a Martin Guitar tour about 2 years ago. It was very good and the tour guide was a retired Martin employee, so he knew all the ins and outs. The tour was excellent and I was very surprised at the lack of automation and the emphasis on hands on. They also have a Martin Model Jam room with a wide selection of guitars that you can just pick up and play. Of course, you have to be good enough to do that as other folks are present – I am not there yet (: There is also a great Martin Guitar Museum attached to the visitor area that was well worth going through. That particular day, the area where the wood first enters the factory for initial processing was not accessible to the tours, so will have to go back.
I must take exception with your choice of Keith Richard as you choice for the iconic acoustic rock and roller. A masterful player to be sure but most of his work was on an electric. How could you overlook the King of rock and roll himself…. Elvis Presley? Elvis played both Gibsons and Martins but mostly martins in the early years.
I own two Gibson electrics but have only played Gibson acoustics in stores and was never impressed enough to buy one. I own several Martins and several Taylors all of which I believe are superior to any Gibson I have played. My most recent purchase is a Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe. It has assumed the #1 position in my Guitarsenal… amazing tone, clarity, balance and responsiveness. Martin has hit a home run with this model!
Ah, Tony, we knew you were a “Martin Guy” from the outset… and your comparison topics were carefully crafted to conclude that Martin’s the winner. But it’s really apples and oranges, isn’t it? Had an SJ200 or the Epiphone Masterbilt Archtops even shown up in your analysis it would have gone a long way towards covering your preconceptions, but alas! Not there!
I do love Martins, and in their rather narrow area of superiority they are the best. But, in the broader category of acoustic guitars of all sorts, and especially acoustic instruments… My vote’s for Gibson 🙂
Hi Tony,just saw 148 and 149.wonderful.i love both,Gibson and martin.i would love to own,a santa Cruz and a martin.i think they are beautiful.thanks alot.i would love the Robert Johnson book.i just might buy it.i love my books.see you at 150.thank you😷😁👍🎸
The main difference for me is that a Martin always sounds fantastic when someone else is playing it, while Gibsons sound better when I am playing them. I’ve tried hard to love Martin, but for some reason that “Martin consistency” basically means I consistently put them down rather fast, while the famed “Gibson inconsistency” means I always manage to find one I bond with.
On a more technical level, when strumming I feel that throaty Gibson mid range helps my melody lines cut through, with the overall tone being more complex than a guitar that is simply bright (Taylor, Godin etc) which will also do the same thing. I also prefer the feel of the shorter scale, though IMO it doesnt work quite so well with a capo.