Martin OXK Questions??

Help?

I understand that 'HPL' stands for 'High Pressure Laminate.'

Does that mean:

Sliced/glued wood similar to plywood (or paneling), or

Pressed/glued sawdust like pressboard?

And, of course, I'm referring to the Martin OXK. My U.A.S. really, really, wants to know. Nice player, but I would appreciate the distinction from anyone who knows...

Thanks!!

Scott

First off, here is my review of it
http://ukeeku.com/2010/07/06/martin-oxk-full-review/
The HPL is plastic layers. the wood you see is a high Def print. it would fool most people.

Ukeeku,

Thanks! I'm familiar with the uke, I've played one.....what Martin calls 'Stratabond' is actually very common in the firearm world. Laminate hardwood rifle stocks are more stable (in varying weather and temperatures) and tend to provide more accuracy-they've been around for decades. It's exactly the same composition as the neck. (But it is heavier than 'real' wood.)

The whole 'HPL' terminology is not necessarily misleading, but confusing. I understood the wood was actually 'print' on the outside, but I wasn't sure if it was pressed sawdust or layers. You helped a lot.

Anyway, I guess I'm falling of the wagon and getting one. I live in the driest state in America, humidity at my house yesterday was 7%.

Thanks again!