Technically correct, so perhaps to keep everyone happy ( ) I'll refer to it as naturalised to the UK. "Acer pseudoplatanus", or "Great Maple" originated in Europe and isn't related to other Sycamores found elsewhere in the world (except perhaps to some of the Great Maples in Aisia). It is very commonly widespread in the UK (as it has been for many hundreds of years).

In fact, although thought to have been introduced by the Romans, It hasn't been widespread here up until several hundred years ago, perhaps a little earlier but whatever it's ancestry it shouldn't be compared with other species sharing the same name found outside of Europe as it is a different tree.

I agree with you though, it's very suited to speaker cabinetry. Durable and attractive, especially when contrasted with darker timbers. I rarely see it used in speaker cabinetry although Bird's Eye Maple is used by many manufacturers. I believe that is most commonly found in Sugar Maple and some Red Maples. The veneer I'm using is not a birds eye Maple though.

Wow..this seems to have turned into a timber blog!