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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/399096
Patrick1962 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 03:05:14
I have been thinking about upgrading my guitar. I have a Fender all black acoustic. Saw that Martin had made a Johnny Cash replica a while back..anyone familiar with that model? Saw that its made of HPL (high pressure laminate) have no idea what that is...is it basically just junk?
Texasbanjo - Posted - 08/28/2024: 04:35:54
Actually, those laminate guitars sound pretty good. I've played one and was rather surprised at the sound. I nearly bought one but at that time the budget just wouldn't let me.
Years later I finally bought one and although you can tell the difference in sound between a regular all wood Martin and the laminate, it still sounds pretty good.
I hope you find some music store that carries them so you can play and listen to the sound. You might be pleasantly surprised and then again, you might not like the sound. It's a personal preference.
rcc56 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 07:55:06
HPL is Martin's code word for Formica.
I don't recommend buying any HPL model-- if it ever needs repairs, there will be problems.
Martin has made other Johnny Cash models that were of a considerably better grade.
Patrick1962 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 17:51:32
HPL is formica?? as in kitchen countertop formica? The Fender I have is a CD-60 dreadnought with a spruce top and mahogany sides and back with a walnut fretboard..think I will stick with that until I can afford a Martin D-18 or 28..IF I am ever able to afford that..LOL
rcc56 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 22:21:31
"HPL is formica?"
Yes, for all practical purposes, although Martin has used it with a variety of different outer layers that you might not see in a kitchen.
While I appreciate Martin's attempts to use materials that are an alternative to our finite and shrinking wood resources, I don't consider their HPL instruments to be a great idea. I've had a couple of these instruments on the workbench because of failed glue joints that couldn't stand the constant 150+ lbs. of tension present on a guitar strung to pitch. Glue joints on non-porous materials just don't hold up reliably under high tension.
Some years ago, I tore my hair out trying to find a glue to use for a bridge that had come loose on one of these guitars. I didn't have too much trust in the glue that Martin recommended; and couldn't find it without ordering a quart of it, which would have cost over $100. So that was out. Martin had said that epoxies wouldn't work, so I couldn't use it either. After some research and a few hours of running around trying to find something that would work, I finally found some good quality two-part CA glue at Ace Hardware that was specifically formulated for plastics and appeared to be more or less similar to what Martin used. I had reservations, so I added a couple of bolts behind the bridge pins for added strength, crossed my fingers, and told the customer that if it didn't hold, he'd have to send it back to Martin.
A few weeks later, I was visiting Jim Grainger's shop [an old time repairman with decades of experience]. I spotted a similar model Martin with two bolts added in the same way I had done, waiting to be picked up by the owner. I said to Jim, "Oh, you did the same thing I did. Do you think it'll hold?" He shrugged his shoulders, and replied with a grin,"I don't know."
So no, I don't recommend Martin's HPL ["high pressure laminate"] guitars. A Guild import, Eastman, or other reasonably well built import in the same price range would be a safer bet.
Edited by - rcc56 on 08/28/2024 22:39:25
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