Cole Clark TL2EC All Blackwood HSS

*Images posted show the actual guitar.

Continuing on their mission to create instruments for the modern touring musician, Melbourne’s Cole Clark Guitars proudly announce their ‘True Hybrid’ range. After noting the trend of players adding a second pickup to their guitars to blend an electric tone with their acoustic sound, the company launched a range of dual output acoustics with built in humbuckers in 2019. The popularity of those models lead the research and development team to dig deeper and the result is 3 new models that bridge the gap between acoustic and electric guitar. The True Hybrid models are a thinline comprising the world leading Cole Clark PG3 acoustic pickup and a second, independent output with the option of two humbuckers, three single coils, two humbuckers or a humbucker with two singles.

The goal was to create an instrument that is equal parts acoustic and electric with absolutely no compromise on the capabilities and tone of either. A large part of the amplified sound of an acoustic guitar is the use of phosphor bronze strings. This raised an issue. Electric magnetic pickups will only hear the nickel core of an acoustic guitar string, meaning the bottom four strings produce a lower volume than the top two strings. This occurs with other hybrid guitars. To combat this, Cole Clark’s resident electronics genius Paul Gale set about inventing a machine capable of altering the strength of each pole piece in a magnetic pickup to perfectly balance the sound for phosphor bronze strings. This new technology, with endless implications for what’s to come, took the mission from impossible to patent pending in the space of three years and the True Hybrid range is now available for converts and skeptics alike to try.

The True Hybrid models also utilize Finite Element Analysis, commonly used in structural engineering for the purpose of finding and solving potential structural or performance issues.

Features

• Premium Sustainable Construction: The Cole Clark True Hybrid Thinline Grand Auditorium Guitar boasts an all-solid timber construction with F.E.A internal bracing, ensuring optimal resonance and durability. AA grade Australian Blackwood is used for both the top and back/sides, highlighting the guitar's rich and balanced tonal characteristics while adhering to sustainable forestry practices.
• Advanced Electronics: Equipped with the Cole Clark PG3 acoustic pickup system, along with a Humbucker and two single-coil Cole Clark balanced magnetic pickups, this guitar offers a wide range of tonal possibilities. The separate outputs, tone, volume, and selector switches on the face provide flexibility in sound configuration:
  • Position 1: Neck single-coil
  • Position 2: Neck and center single-coils
  • Position 3: Center single-coil
  • Position 4: Center single-coil and bridge humbucker coil
  • Position 5: Humbucker in series (tone knob in) or parallel (tone knob out)
• Artistic Design Elements: Featuring solid timber binding, a She Oak bridge and fretboard, and Abalone dot inlays, the Cole Clark True Hybrid Thinline Grand Auditorium Guitar showcases meticulous craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. The 21-fret design offers extended range and versatility for both intricate melodies and dynamic chord progressions.
• Precision Hardware and Components: With Grover machine heads for precise tuning stability, a Graph Tech Tusq nut and saddle for enhanced string vibration transfer, and a comfortable 44mm nut width, this guitar ensures effortless playability across its 25.5” scale length and 12” radius fretboard.
• Complete Package: The Cole Clark True Hybrid Thinline Grand Auditorium Guitar includes a deluxe Cole Clark hard case in classic Tweed for secure transportation and storage. A Tortoise Shell pickguard is provided for optional installation, allowing customization to suit your personal style.

Specs