Martin D28 v Guild 2019 D 55

[geoguy]

I would describe the D-55 as having a more complex, chimey, piano-like sound, compared to the Martin's deeper voice.

FWIW, these guys describe the D-55 as sounding "bigger", more like a jumbo, compared to the classic Martin D-28 tone:

 

[Guildedagain]

What, people fighting over guitars?

I had a decent D28. A 1972. Didn't do much for me til the strings went dead and I kept em that way for years, much to the chagrin of visitors who need new strings.

Truth be told I never heard that much difference in the Martin from even a Art & Lutherie dread that I still have.

Some guitars, in a particular a really beat up Yamaki that came my way sounded dangerously better than the Martin, which did get new strings just to check and make sure what it sounded like at best.

I sold the Martin local on CL for pretty good dough at the time, bought a '73 D35 and it was much more inspirational than the Martin. I never wrote a single thing I can remember on the Martin, the Guild had a whole repertoire just waiting in it.

It's one of those guitars that make you headbang when you play.

Also, the Martin was too precious to take to rowdy parties where kids try to jump on you or smack your guitar, and the Guild was not.

Not a fair apples to apples comparison but selling the Martin, I could buy three Guilds with the money, and did.

 

[davismanLV]

Here's the thing. People are always gonna compare brands and models. Always. Whether it's productive or not is immaterial. People like comparing. And asking opinions. See, I always remember going into GC and seeing two identical Martin D-42's side by side. Consecutive serial numbers even! So the one I grabbed first, without using terms to describe it, sounded like GOD's guitar! OMG!! I've never before or since heard a guitar like that. Angels sang and choirs rejoiced!! Amazing!! So I grabbed the sister guitar and strummed it. And again. And again. I checked to make sure there was not a towel stuffed inside, nope. The guitar was awful, especially by comparison. So, at this point in time if I played that first D-42 alongside the nicest D55 you can find, I'd probably for sure take the Martin. However, if it was the second D-42 I'm sure I'd take the D55. So comparisons are just that, one guitar to another ONE guitar. Keep that in mind.

Also, as above, people are gonna compare and ask opinions. They do, all the time. To me, "Which strings should I..." posts are a waste of time. So I just avoid them. Easy enough. Let people have their fun, without me trying to rain on their parade and be a Negative Nancy. So, yeah.... if you have nothing to contribute on topic beside topic bashing, then skip to the next thread and let the posters romp freely in their ignorance.

Right??

p.s. - thanks @geoguy for posting a helpful audio file that should assist in the comparison!!

 

[General Dreedle]

I would describe the D-55 as having a more complex, chimey, piano-like sound, compared to the Martin's deeper voice.

FWIW, these guys describe the D-55 as sounding "bigger", more like a jumbo, compared to the classic Martin D-28 tone:

Thank you very much for this it was very helpful. And I apologize to anyone who was obviously irritated by the question.

 

[RBSinTo]

Thank you very much for this it was very helpful. And I apologize to anyone who was obviously irritated by the question.

I certainly wasn't irritated, but I can't speak for anyone else.
I simply think these comparison questions are a waste of time, because only you can truly understand the voice differences between instruments. No verbal description anyone else offers can adequately explain them to you.
RBSinTo.

 

[eljayski]

General D., YOU have nothing to apologize for . . .

 

[Br1ck]

EQ curve. Do you like flat (Guild) or scooped(Martin)? Then do you like this particular guitar over that particular guitar. The last time I tried a back to back, I thought the New Hartford D 55 was better than any Martin I tried, but the D 16 adi was very desirable.

Comparing my D 35 Custom to most D 35s, you'd think it was two different models. Mine is much more dry. So the swing between eras can with Martins, be dramatic. The D 55s I've played seemed much more alike than different, but they have been spaced apart time wise.

I think a Martin D 28 will always be a blue grass axe of choice. The D 55, like my Guild D 35, a better all rounder. I do think a D 55 is a very under rated guitar.

 

[RBSinTo]

General D., YOU have nothing to apologize for . . .

Neither does anyone else.
RBSinTo

 

[GAD]

Enough. I’ll leave it to the mods if they want to unlock this, but the lack of civility is disturbing.

 

[chazmo]

Neither does anyone else.
RBSinTo

RBSinTo,

If you think a thread or whatever is a waste of time, how about you don't post in it? I think it's your behavior in this thread that's questionable. Please refrain from that negativity here on the site and follow my suggestions in the FAQ: https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index...nouncement-from-the-moderators-of-ltg.209108/

Take that to heart, please. -- Charlie (Moderator)