Cole clark guitars

[B-dos]

So im about to bite the bullet and say goodbye (well more like 'see you later') to my beloved ibanez semi-acoustic which has served me well for the past 7-8 years.

im in the market for a new acoustic guitar and was thinking Maton although i was speaking to a mate last night who told me Cole Clark are the way to go.. ..

anyone played a cole clarke? what did you think?

or does anyone have any other suggestions or recommendations?

 

[carcharias]

I have played Matons ....although I don't own one.

They have the sweetest action of all . IMO.

If you have the cash I'd go Maton.

I saying that...they are both Aussie products which is good.

Play both......if you get either one of the upper market range I doubt you will regret it.

 

[B-dos]

cheers carc.

yeah ive played a few matons myself and agree on the action and the sound in general is also top notch. ive been hearing things about their general quality falling though and unless you buy their top of the range stuff (ie: $2500-3000 +) you may be getting sub quality.

im pretty sure the guys who make Cole Clark used to make Maton but left because they werent happy with their dropping standards..

 

[strewth_mate]

I got a Cole Clark for my 21st and to be honest I couldn't be more impressed. Very clean sound that isn't affected by how much you thrash it around, I figure it'll just improve as it matures.

Excellent customer service too by the sounds of it, looks like the owners love what they do. I haven't come across a bad review - obviously there are a lot of fanboys around for this brand but there's likely a good reason.

At the very least, if you happen across one in the store then give it a go. Just my opinion.

 

[mer74]

I don't own any Cole Clark, but I received this Martin Custom D Acoustic Guitar a couple days ago. This guitar has great sound like almost every martin. Besides it sounding great, it looks great too with beautiful rosewood back and sides. I like it very much.

 

[beave]

go the maton, I gigged for about 3years in an acoustic duet up here in townsville and I never had any dramas with my maton (3-4 gigs a week, outside, inside, it was subjected to varying temps and never missed a beat) and I only had a mid range $$$$ maton. I had an old 125EMC that I upgraded after a 3 months because she was getting a bit run down after being my 'b!tch" guitar for 6 years but I upgraded to a 325EMC and for the $2k mark with a case thrown in, it was pretty good value for money. I like the cole clarks but for mine I am not a fan of their tone or action (even their equalizer panel looks chepa and nasty).Taylors and Martins are also great guitars but you need to buy a $3-4k mark one that is equivalent of a $2k maton. Takamine also make a good guitar as well. My advice, play as many different types and see what you like, even try an Ovation, different but still not a bad guitar.

 

[bluesbreaker]

Go the Maton. Only guitar i've bought that was set up perfectly from the get go (including my American series Strat). beautiful action and rich sound, decent pickup, just about perfect.

 

[B-dos]

thanks everyone for the input.

ive played plenty of matons in my day also and i agree with people here that they are great guitars. as i said earlie,r ive been hearing stories of declining quality in their cheaper priced guitars (< $2500) while ive also heard Cole Clark guitars are sensational value for $$. Brad Clark worked with Maton for 11 years or something so definitely has the ability to make great guitars...

Im heading out on the weekend to check out some Cole Clarks and get a feel for them as ive never picked one up before.

 

[strewth_mate]

At the very least it doesn't sound like you can exactly go wrong with either. Both seem to offer guitars that should cost a fair bit more than they do and have good rep of their own; spoiled for choice...