Best Dreadnought Guitars With HPL Sides in 2026

Here are the top Dreadnought style guitars with HPL sides. HPL is a man-made, resistant material made to sound like wood. It's a high-pressure laminate made from multiple layers of paper or fabric that are impregnated with resin and then fused together under high pressure and heat.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. Martin D-X2E 12 String

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Martin D-X2E 12 String
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
Playability 64
Sound 81
Build quality 71
Value for money 81
Overall Score 72

What our users think

  • Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
  • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
  • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
  • Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
  • Neck profile shape: C (4 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (3 votes)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
  • From Martin's 2015 X series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 12 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • HPL back
  • HPL sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Select Hardwood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
  • Select Hardwood bridge
  • Acoustic Low Profile Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show Overview
  • From Martin's 2015 X series
  • Made in Mexico
  • 12 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • HPL back
  • HPL sides
  • Select Hardwood neck
  • Select Hardwood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
  • Select Hardwood bridge
  • Acoustic Low Profile Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show All Specs
Martin D-X2E 12 String Specifications
Martin D-X2E 12 String
General
Brand: Martin
Year: 2015
Configuration: N/A
Strings: 12
Made in: Mexico
Series: X
Colors: Natural
Left-Handed Version: Yes
Body
Type: Hollowbody
Body Material: Solid Spruce
Sides Material: HPL
Back Material: HPL
Bridge: Select Hardwood
Neck
Neck Joint: Set
Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
Fretboard: Select Hardwood
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Decoration: Mother-of-Pearl Pattern Style 28
Scale Size: 25.4"
Shape: Acoustic Low Profile
Frets: 20 Medium
Fretboard Radius: 16"
Nut: Corian
Nut Width: 47.6mm (1.875'')
Electronics
Pickups: Fishman MX (Preamp / Active)
Hardware
Strap Lock: No
Hardware Color: Chrome
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin D-X2E 12 String
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Mexico
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • Low-Quality Material Saddle
  • Laminated Side Wood
  • Laminated Back Wood
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

All Prices

    2. Martin DC-X2E

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    Martin DC-X2E
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 64
    Sound 81
    Build quality 71
    Value for money 81
    Overall Score 72

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
    • From Martin's 2016 X series
    • Made in Mexico
    • 6 strings
    • 25.4"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • HPL back
    • HPL sides
    • Select Hardwood neck
    • Select Hardwood fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
    • Select Hardwood bridge
    • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show Overview
    • From Martin's 2016 X series
    • Made in Mexico
    • 6 strings
    • 25.4"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • HPL back
    • HPL sides
    • Select Hardwood neck
    • Select Hardwood fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
    • Select Hardwood bridge
    • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show All Specs
    Martin DC-X2E Specifications
    Martin DC-X2E
    General
    Brand: Martin
    Year: 2016
    Configuration: N/A
    Strings: 6
    Made in: Mexico
    Series: X
    Colors: Natural
    Left-Handed Version: Yes
    Body
    Type: Hollowbody
    Body Material: Solid Spruce
    Sides Material: HPL
    Back Material: HPL
    Bridge: Select Hardwood
    Neck
    Neck Joint: Set
    Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
    Fretboard: Select Hardwood
    Neck Material: Select Hardwood
    Decoration: Mother-of-Pearl Pattern Style 28
    Scale Size: 25.4"
    Shape: Acoustic Performing Artist
    Frets: 20 Medium
    Fretboard Radius: 16"
    Nut: Corian
    Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75'')
    Electronics
    Pickups: Fishman MX (Preamp / Active)
    Hardware
    Strap Lock: No
    Hardware Color: Chrome
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Martin DC-X2E
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in Mexico
    • No Expensive Woods
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • Low-Quality Material Saddle
    • Laminated Side Wood
    • Laminated Back Wood
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

      3. Martin D-X2E

      Compare
      Martin D-X2E
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
      Playability 64
      Sound 81
      Build quality 72
      Value for money 81
      Overall Score 72

      What our users think

      • Neck access to high frets: Normal (1 vote)
      • Fret edges: Slightly sharp (1 vote)
      • Tuning stability: Not bad (1 vote)
      • Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
      • Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
      • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
      • Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
      • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
      Own it? Share your opinion
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
      • From Martin's 2020 X series
      • Made in Mexico
      • 6 strings
      • 25.4"'' scale
      • 16" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Spruce top
      • HPL back
      • HPL sides
      • Select Hardwood neck
      • Katalox fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
      • Katalox bridge
      • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
      • Side-By-Side Comparison
      Show Overview
      • From Martin's 2020 X series
      • Made in Mexico
      • 6 strings
      • 25.4"'' scale
      • 16" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Spruce top
      • HPL back
      • HPL sides
      • Select Hardwood neck
      • Katalox fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
      • Katalox bridge
      • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
      • Side-By-Side Comparison
      Show All Specs
      Martin D-X2E Specifications
      Martin D-X2E
      General
      Brand: Martin
      Year: 2020
      Configuration: N/A
      Strings: 6
      Made in: Mexico
      Series: X
      Colors: Natural
      Left-Handed Version: Yes
      Body
      Type: Hollowbody
      Body Material: Solid Spruce
      Sides Material: HPL
      Back Material: HPL
      Bridge: Katalox
      Neck
      Neck Joint: Set
      Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
      Fretboard: Katalox
      Neck Material: Select Hardwood
      Decoration: Mother-of-Pearl Pattern Style 28
      Scale Size: 25.4"
      Shape: Acoustic Performing Artist
      Frets: 20 Medium
      Fretboard Radius: 16"
      Nut: Corian
      Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75'')
      Electronics
      Pickups: Fishman MX (Preamp / Active)
      Hardware
      Strap Lock: No
      Hardware Color: Chrome
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Martin D-X2E
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Solid Top Wood
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • No Locking Tuners
      • Made in Mexico
      • No Expensive Woods
      • No High-Quality Nut
      • Low-Quality Material Saddle
      • Laminated Side Wood
      • Laminated Back Wood
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

      All Prices

        4. Martin DX Johnny Cash

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        Martin DX Johnny Cash
        FIND IT ON:
        Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        Playability 64
        Sound 72
        Build quality 67
        Value for money 77
        Overall Score 68

        What our users think

        • Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
        • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
        • Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
        • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
        Own it? Share your opinion
        FIND IT ON:
        Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        • From Martin's 2019 Custom & Special Editions series
        • Made in Mexico
        • 6 strings
        • 25.4"'' scale
        • 16" Fretboard Radius
        • HPL top
        • HPL back
        • HPL sides
        • Black Birch Laminate neck
        • FSC Certified Richlite fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
        • FSC Certified Richlite bridge
        • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
        • Side-By-Side Comparison
        Show Overview
        • From Martin's 2019 Custom & Special Editions series
        • Made in Mexico
        • 6 strings
        • 25.4"'' scale
        • 16" Fretboard Radius
        • HPL top
        • HPL back
        • HPL sides
        • Black Birch Laminate neck
        • FSC Certified Richlite fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
        • FSC Certified Richlite bridge
        • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
        • Side-By-Side Comparison
        Show All Specs
        Martin DX Johnny Cash Specifications
        Martin DX Johnny Cash
        General
        Brand: Martin
        Year: 2019
        Configuration: N/A
        Strings: 6
        Made in: Mexico
        Series: Custom & Special Editions
        Colors: Black
        Left-Handed Version: Yes
        Body
        Type: Hollowbody
        Body Material: HPL
        Sides Material: HPL
        Back Material: HPL
        Bridge: FSC Certified Richlite
        Neck
        Neck Joint: Set
        Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
        Fretboard: FSC Certified Richlite
        Neck Material: Black Birch Laminate
        Decoration: White Plastic and Custom Ink Inlaid Stars and CASH Custom Ink
        Scale Size: 25.4"
        Shape: Acoustic Performing Artist
        Frets: 20 Medium
        Fretboard Radius: 16"
        Nut: Corian
        Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75'')
        Electronics
        Pickups: Fishman MX (Preamp / Active)
        Hardware
        Strap Lock: No
        Hardware Color: Chrome
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Martin DX Johnny Cash
        • Top Brand Pickups
        • Electronics
        • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
        • No Locking Tuners
        • Made in Mexico
        • No Expensive Woods
        • No High-Quality Nut
        • Low-Quality Material Saddle
        • Laminated Top Wood
        • Laminated Side Wood
        • Laminated Back Wood
        • No Compound Radius Fretboard
        • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
        • No Strap Lock

        All Prices

          5. Martin D-X1E

          Compare
          Martin D-X1E
          FIND IT ON:
          Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
          Playability 64
          Sound 72
          Build quality 67
          Value for money 77
          Overall Score 68

          What our users think

          • Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
          • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
          • Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
          • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
          Own it? Share your opinion
          FIND IT ON:
          Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
          • From Martin's 2019 X series
          • Made in Mexico
          • 6 strings
          • 25.4"'' scale
          • 16" Fretboard Radius
          • HPL top
          • HPL back
          • HPL sides
          • Natural Birch Laminate neck
          • FSC Certified Richlite fretboard
          • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
          • FSC Certified Richlite bridge
          • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
          • 20 Medium frets
          • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
          • Side-By-Side Comparison
          Show Overview
          • From Martin's 2019 X series
          • Made in Mexico
          • 6 strings
          • 25.4"'' scale
          • 16" Fretboard Radius
          • HPL top
          • HPL back
          • HPL sides
          • Natural Birch Laminate neck
          • FSC Certified Richlite fretboard
          • Bridge pickup: Fishman MX (Preamp/Active)
          • FSC Certified Richlite bridge
          • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
          • 20 Medium frets
          • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
          • Side-By-Side Comparison
          Show All Specs
          Martin D-X1E Specifications
          Martin D-X1E
          General
          Brand: Martin
          Year: 2019
          Configuration: N/A
          Strings: 6
          Made in: Mexico
          Series: X
          Colors: Natural
          Left-Handed Version: Yes
          Body
          Type: Hollowbody
          Body Material: HPL
          Sides Material: HPL
          Back Material: HPL
          Bridge: FSC Certified Richlite
          Neck
          Neck Joint: Set
          Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
          Fretboard: FSC Certified Richlite
          Neck Material: Natural Birch Laminate
          Decoration: Mother-of-Pearl Pattern Style 28
          Scale Size: 25.4"
          Shape: Acoustic Performing Artist
          Frets: 20 Medium
          Fretboard Radius: 16"
          Nut: Corian
          Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75'')
          Electronics
          Pickups: Fishman MX (Preamp / Active)
          Hardware
          Strap Lock: No
          Hardware Color: Chrome
          Strengths & Weaknesses
          Martin D-X1E
          • Top Brand Pickups
          • Electronics
          • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
          • No Locking Tuners
          • Made in Mexico
          • No Expensive Woods
          • No High-Quality Nut
          • Low-Quality Material Saddle
          • Laminated Top Wood
          • Laminated Side Wood
          • Laminated Back Wood
          • No Compound Radius Fretboard
          • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
          • No Strap Lock

          All Prices

            6. Martin DX WOODSTOCK 50th

            Compare
            Martin DX WOODSTOCK 50th
            FIND IT ON:
            Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
            Playability 64
            Sound 72
            Build quality 64
            Value for money 76
            Overall Score 67

            What our users think

            • Neck profile shape: C (7 votes)
            • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (6 votes)
            • Pickups noise: Noiseless (2 votes)
            • Pickups power: Slightly Hot (2 votes)
            Own it? Share your opinion
            FIND IT ON:
            Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
            • From Martin's 2019 Custom & Special Editions series
            • Made in Mexico
            • 6 strings
            • 25.4"'' scale
            • 16" Fretboard Radius
            • HPL top
            • HPL back
            • HPL sides
            • Rust Birch Laminate neck
            • FSC Certified Richlite fretboard
            • Bridge pickup: Fishman Sonitone (Preamp/Active)
            • FSC Certified Richlite bridge
            • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
            • 20 Medium frets
            • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
            • Side-By-Side Comparison
            Show Overview
            • From Martin's 2019 Custom & Special Editions series
            • Made in Mexico
            • 6 strings
            • 25.4"'' scale
            • 16" Fretboard Radius
            • HPL top
            • HPL back
            • HPL sides
            • Rust Birch Laminate neck
            • FSC Certified Richlite fretboard
            • Bridge pickup: Fishman Sonitone (Preamp/Active)
            • FSC Certified Richlite bridge
            • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
            • 20 Medium frets
            • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
            • Side-By-Side Comparison
            Show All Specs
            Martin DX WOODSTOCK 50th Specifications
            Martin DX WOODSTOCK 50th
            General
            Brand: Martin
            Year: 2019
            Configuration: N/A
            Strings: 6
            Made in: Mexico
            Series: Custom & Special Editions
            Colors: Natural
            Left-Handed Version: Yes
            Body
            Type: Hollowbody
            Body Material: HPL
            Sides Material: HPL
            Back Material: HPL
            Bridge: FSC Certified Richlite
            Neck
            Neck Joint: Set
            Tuners: Chrome Enclosed Gear
            Fretboard: FSC Certified Richlite
            Neck Material: Rust Birch Laminate
            Decoration: White Plastic Dots
            Scale Size: 25.4"
            Shape: Acoustic Performing Artist
            Frets: 20 Medium
            Fretboard Radius: 16"
            Nut: Corian
            Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75'')
            Electronics
            Pickups: Fishman Sonitone (Preamp / Active)
            Hardware
            Strap Lock: No
            Hardware Color: Chrome
            Strengths & Weaknesses
            Martin DX WOODSTOCK 50th
            • Top Brand Pickups
            • Electronics
            • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
            • No Locking Tuners
            • Made in Mexico
            • No Expensive Woods
            • No High-Quality Nut
            • Low-Quality Material Saddle
            • Laminated Top Wood
            • Laminated Side Wood
            • Laminated Back Wood
            • No Compound Radius Fretboard
            • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
            • No Strap Lock

            All Prices

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