Martin's High Pressure Laminate is created with wood fiber and natural resins to provide a strong, stable, and affordable structure that is very good at reflecting and amplifying soundwaves produced by a guitar soundboard. Martins made with HPL back and sides have a distinct, pretty ring, and plenty of bass response. Those made with solid wood tops have more tonal variation and individual character that improves with age, as well as increased volume. Those made with an HPL top do not project as loudly and have as simpler, yet pleasing tone.

Environmentally friendly, HPL is impervious to fluctuations in weather and humidity. Martins made with it are often beautiful to look upon, as they are adorned with photographic reproductions of primo tonewood from Martin's world-famous stash, which would cost additional thousands of dollars if you wanted to have an upscale guitar made from the actual wood.