Martin D28 Vs Gibson Hummingbird [Difference & Which is better]

Two iconic Acoustic guitars, such as the Martin D28 and Gibson Hummingbird, are among the most popular models. Each has been used by some of the world’s most legendary musicians, from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan to the Grateful Dead. These guitars are renowned for their excellent sound quality & incredible playability, but they also differ in several ways.

We’ll compare the differences between the Martin D28 and the Gibson Hummingbird, including their construction, sound quality, tonal qualities, build, price & playability. So that you can choose an acoustic guitar that is right for you, which of these guitars is the finest overall?

Comparison Table:

Difference Between Martin D28 Vs Gibson Hummingbird:

1) Sound –

The overall sound of an acoustic guitar is primarily determined by its size, construction, strings, and neck. When comparing the Martin d28 and the Gibson Hummingbird, the Martin d28 is known for its extensive, bold & warm sound. The Hummingbird has a bright, articulate tone that is powerful and clear.

The Martin d28 has a longer scale length, and its strings have a deeper, richer sound due to their outstanding musical note. The Hummingbird has a shorter scale length, which gives its strings a brighter, more open tone. These types of guitars have distinct sound qualities & they each have their own unique characteristics that make them great for different styles of music.

2) Tonal –

These acoustic guitars are renowned for their sound quality, tone, and string action. The Martin D28 has features that give it an edge over the Gibson Hummingbird. For instance, the Martin D28 has a wider neck, giving it a fuller sound. The Martin D28 uses a different type of string, called tonal strings, which are more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.

The Martin D28 has a larger body, providing greater resonance and a fuller sound. These features mean that the Martin D28 can give you better overall sound quality than the Gibson Hummingbird.

3) Playability –

When it comes to playability, both types of the guitar have their pros & cons. The Martin d28 has a slim neck & low action, making it easy to play, even for small hands. Its strings are also slightly lighter, allowing quicker, more precise picking.

The Gibson Hummingbird has a much thicker neck, making it challenging to play for those with smaller hands. The heavier strings may make it easier for some beginners. The guitar that is more playable for you will depend on your own hand size & playing style preferences.

4) Visual –

On visuals, the Martin D28 and Gibson Hummingbird are different. The Martin D28 is known for its distinct herringbone pattern on the back and sides, while the Gibson Hummingbird has a more traditional look with a two-piece back and just a single top binding. The Martin D28 has a much more modern neck shape than the Gibson Hummingbird’s vintage-style neck.

5) Construction –

One of the defining differences between the Martin D28 and Gibson Hummingbird is their construction. The Martin D28 has a dreadnought body with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides.

The Gibson Hummingbird has a square-shouldered body with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back & sides. This difference in body shape affects the sound quality and tone of the two acoustic guitars.

The Martin D28 has a bright sound with more projection, while the Gibson Hummingbird has a warmer sound with less projection. Both guitars have a 25.4″ scale length and a traditional dreadnought neck shape, but the Gibson Hummingbird has a slightly narrower 1.68″ nut width.

6) Neck & Body –

For acoustic guitar, the neck and body play a significant role. The neck of the Martin D28 is made of solid mahogany, while the Gibson Hummingbird is made of mahogany with a maple center stripe. As a result, the Martin D28 has a warmer and fuller sound, while the Gibson Hummingbird has a brighter & more vibrant sound.

The Martin D28 has a dovetail neck joint, which gives it more sustain & resonance, whereas the Gibson Hummingbird has a mortise-and-tenon neck joint, which gives it more stability. The neck profile of the Martin D28 is also slightly thinner, which makes it easier to play.

7) Durability –

When it comes to durability, both the Martin D28 and Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitars are excellent choices. Both guitars feature solid construction with a sturdy build, which makes them perfect for long-term use.

The Martin D28 has a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard, while the Gibson Hummingbird has a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. These guitars have a solid construction & durable string system, ensuring they will last for years.

8) Price –

One of the most important differences between the Martin D28 & the Gibson Hummingbird is the price. The Martin D28 is the more expensive of the two and is typically priced at a few hundred dollars more than the Hummingbird. The Hummingbird is more affordable for beginner & intermediate players and is still an excellent choice for an acoustic guitar.

Pros and Cons of Gibson Hummingbird & Martin D28 –

The Martin D28 and Gibson Hummingbird are iconic models that countless professionals and hobbyists use. While both instruments are known for their impressive sound quality & tone, each has pros and cons that should be considered.

The D28 is also heavier than other guitars, which can be a disadvantage if a musician needs to travel frequently. Its rosewood and the spruce combination produces powerful bass and bright treble, as with the Martin D28. Its neck is also quite comfortable, making it easy to perform.

The Gibson Hummingbird is often cited for its versatility, thanks to its pick-ups. It also has a slimmer neck than the D28, making it ideal for smaller hands. The Hummingbird’s strings are also thinner, which some guitarists prefer. Its sound can be harsher than the Martin D28, and it can be more expensive.

Read also: Martin D16 Vs D18: Difference & Which is Better?

So, Which is Better Performing?

While the Martin D28 has a fuller sound, the Gibson Hummingbird has a brighter and crisper sound. The Martin D28 is better suited for fingerstyle playing, while the Gibson Hummingbird is better suited for strumming. Both guitars have a great tone in terms of sound quality, but the Martin D28 has more depth and complexity and is better suited for jazz and folk playing.

The Martin D28 vs Gibson Hummingbird are both excellent guitars with much to offer. Gibson’s Hummingbird is a vintage-style instrument with a powerful and full sound, while the Martin D28 has a rich, balanced tone. Both guitars offer superior performance in different styles of music, and the decision of which one to choose at last comes down to personal preference.

FAQs –

Question 1: Which guitar is closest to Martin D-28?

Answer: The Martin D-45 is the guitar closest to the Martin D-28.

Question 2: Why is the Martin D-28 so popular?

Answer: The Martin D-28 is a famous acoustic guitar due to its iconic tone and quality craftsmanship. It is a classic model that has been used in various genres of music, including folk, rock, country, and blues. Its thoughtful design and the combination of tonewoods used to construct it make it a unique and sought-after guitar.

Question: Which is better, D-28 or D-35?

Answer: It depends on personal preference and the sound you want. The D-28 has a more traditional, warm sound, while the D-35 offers more volume and clarity.

Question: Is Martin D-28 good for fingerpicking?

Answer: Yes, the Martin D-28 is an excellent choice for fingerpicking. It is known for producing a clear, bright tone, and its responsive, versatile design is well-suited for fingerstyle playing.

Question: Is Gibson better than Martin?

Answer: It is a matter of personal preference. Guitarists prefer different guitars brands, and both Gibson and Martin make excellent instruments.

Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Perry Garner