I know, a question about Acoustic guitars...but I've trusted the information here, and I'm sure there is no lack of opinions (or facts?) on this topic.

Recently, I played a 12-string Martin. The neck had a great feel and the sound was big and strong. However...two things were clearly not right...the grain on the body was way too smooth, and the price was way too low.

Check it out:

http://www.martinguitar.com/index.php?o ... 46:d12x1ae

So...yes...the neck is all Martin, and the top is regulation Sitka spruce...but the back and sides only look like mahogany...really made of a High Pressure Laminate. Something about preserving our exotic hardwood forests...for more expensive guitars?

I'm not so concerned about resale value...but more about if it will be around in 20 years? 5 years?

Is the neck really up to the caliber of other Martins, or did they take some shortcuts there too?

My climate is not extreme...but still...is this just a problem waiting to happen? Does anyone have anything close to longish-term reliability on HPL for guitars?

My gut says no...but it is so...so...obtainable...

???

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1967 Epiphone Madrid EC-30
1975 Fender Stratocaster
1981 Rickenbacker 360
2002 BC Rich Bich
2007 Fender Standard Stratocaster
2012 Taylor GA3-12
2012 Squier Telecaster
2017 Les Paul Kit


"Make every song you sing your favorite tune."

I have struggled with this in the past as well. I have a Dean V-Wing that has HPL construction, and FWIW, It's 5 yrs old now and seems to be holding it together quite well...

I have had this guitar for about a year and a half now and I love it. My first and only Martin and I didn't find out it was HPL until after I had played and chosen it. Felt great, sounded great, priced great....the fact that it was HPL didn't deter me one bit, and I've never regretted it.

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Donnmac

'09 American Deluxe Strat Sunburst Rosewood
'63 Les Paul Jr SG body
'80's Fender F 15 Acoustic
'09 Larrivee D 03RE
'09 Squier Affinity J Bass
'10 Martin D12X1AE
'66 Traynor YGM1 (tube)
'08 Traynor TRM30
'11 G-DEC 30 Blues
'09 Fender Rumble 15

Thanks for the real-user experience report.

I've read some mostly good things regarding construction...epoxy/paper rather than glue/wood...so it should last...

Gonna play it some more and compare with others...and...wait for the next GC $100 coupon...

_________________
1967 Epiphone Madrid EC-30
1975 Fender Stratocaster
1981 Rickenbacker 360
2002 BC Rich Bich
2007 Fender Standard Stratocaster
2012 Taylor GA3-12
2012 Squier Telecaster
2017 Les Paul Kit


"Make every song you sing your favorite tune."