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Cole Clark Guitars Unplugged: A Deep Dive into Aussie Craftsmanship and Tone

Kevin Sergent
Posted: December 22, 2025
For players in the U.S. ready to experience these guitars firsthand, the knowledgeable team at The Vibe Store in Apollo Beach, FL provides a trusted connection to help guide your purchase.

Photo credit: Kevin Sergent

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GEAR TECH | GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE TAMPA, FL U.S.A.

Kevin Sergent

Kevin Sergent is a 7th generation Floridian who comes from a long line of musicians. Currently he can be found working under the Florida sun performing live music as a solo musician, giving lessons as a guitar instructor, and writing articles as a gear specialist and contributing editor for Guitar Thrills Magazine.

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The Cole Clark company is located in Bayswater, Melbourne, Australia, which is where the main manufacturing facility and headquarters is located. Cole Clark's main acoustic guitar models revolve around three body shapes—the big Fat Lady(dreadnought), the versatile Angel (grand concert), and the travel-sized Little Lady—across three core series (1, 2, 3), each offering increasing timber grades and decorations, alongside their newer, affordable Studio AN line, all of which are known for using mostly Australian native, sustainably sourced tone woods, and unique construction techniques.

Today, I have the distinct privilege of reviewing the FL2EC BLBL HUM with cutaway and hum bucker, made from Australian Blackwood. This particular model is highly praised for being a stage-ready acoustic-electric guitar, known for its unique 3-pickup system! (piezo, face sensor, mic) plus an integrated humbucker, boasting incredible amplified versatility with separate outputs for acoustic and electric tones. Players and reviewers alike enjoy the rich, balanced sound produced from it’s Australian Blackwood, as well as it’s playability, sustainable build, and how it is engineered for singer-songwriters who seek a dynamic, feedback-resistant live instrument that sounds natural plugged in. Many have found it to be a unique and formidable competitor to more traditional brands, especially for gigging musicians seeking both quality acoustic and electric tones simultaneously, as well as those using loopers. 

I have broken this review up into (3) categories - ‘Key Features & Benefits’, ‘What other players say’, and ‘Who is this model for?’ Let’s dive in!

Key Features & Benefits:

Performance-Ready: Designed to sound great live as well as resist feedback, making it a top choice for performing artists. The dual acoustic/electric capabilities make it ideal for gigging musicians who need a breadth of tone for various musical contexts, from acoustic sets to loop pedal craftsmanship.

Sound: The all-solid Blackwood construction provides a warm, clear, and resonant tone, while the electronics deliver natural, dynamic amplified sound, easily blending acoustic warmth with electric punch. 

Acoustic Tone: Unplugged, I found the guitar to have a dynamic and responsive tone, with an articulate, punchy midrange and good clarity which is a major plus.

Electronics: The star of this show is the integrated electronic system: a standard 3-way preamp (piezo/mic/sensor) plus a neck-mounted humbucker, each with its own volume/tone controls and output jack, allowing the musician to mix sounds or run them separately.

Playability: The Grand Auditorium body with a cutaway, comfortable C-shaped neck, and excellent setup straight from the factory makes it great for strumming, fingerpicking, and lead work. I personally found it comfortable and a pleasure to play for long periods due to its satin finish, comfortable neck profile, and smooth fretboard. The build quality is exceptional, with clean joints and precise fretwork. The guitar's construction, which includes internally carved tops and backs, is designed for volume and responsiveness.

Build & Sustainability: Made from sustainable Australian timbers (Blackwood, Queensland Maple neck), featuring timber binding and inlays, reflecting Cole Clark's eco-conscious approach.

What Other Players Say:

  • "Perfect for performing": It's built to shine live, not just in the studio, blending beautifully with vocals without overpowering them.
  • "Best of both worlds": The humbucker adds a unique electric dimension, letting you get classic rock/blues tones alongside the acoustic sound.
  • "Unique tone": Blackwood offers a distinct voice, often described as clear and focused, different from traditional rosewood or mahogany. 

Who is it for?

  • Singer-songwriters and performing musicians who need a versatile, robust acoustic-electric guitar.
  • Players looking for something beyond traditional tonewoods with a unique, natural amplified sound.
  • Those who appreciate sustainable materials and high-quality, performance-focused construction. This guitar feels super solid!
  • Target Audience: The FL2EC-HUM is considered a professional-grade instrument, particularly well-suited for the modern gigging musician, loop pedal enthusiasts, and studio users who need the best of both worlds - the versatile electric and acoustic sounds from a single guitar.

This review is designed to offer insights into the Cole Clark FL2EC-BLBL-HUM's praised amplified sound, distinctive acoustic tone, and comfortable playability. In summary, I have found the Cole Clark FL2EC-HUM to be an innovative, solid, well-built instrument that offers exceptional value and sonic flexibility for players seeking a high-performance acoustic-electric hybrid for live and in-studio applications.

Your next purchase

It is easy to purchase the Cole Clark FL2E-HUM. It is available for you to view in person or shipped to you online. The Vibe Music Store in Apollo Beach, Florida is one of a few specific retailers for Cole Clark guitars in Florida. In addition to the FL2EC-BLBL-HUM model, they also currently carry the FL2EC-BLBL and the the Studio AN1EC model. Come in for a test drive and see if this solid, versatile guitar would be a match for you!

The Vibe Music Store
6126 N US Highway 41
Apollo Beach, FL  33572
United States
+1 (813) 641-2016

In conclusion, the Cole Clark guitar line stands as a powerful example of what happens when uncompromising quality meets true craftsmanship. Built in Australia with a deep respect for tonewoods, innovation, and playability, these guitars deliver a level of consistency and character that serious players can feel the moment they pick one up. From studio sessions to live performances, Cole Clark instruments offer a refined yet dynamic playing experience that inspires creativity at every level.

For players in the U.S. ready to experience these guitars firsthand, the knowledgeable team at The Vibe Store in Apollo Beach, FL provides a trusted connection to help guide your purchase. Their hands-on expertise ensures you’ll find the right Cole Clark model to match your style and sound. With world-class build quality and a vibrant, responsive feel, a Cole Clark guitar isn’t just an instrument—it’s an invitation to explore, connect, and play with purpose.

PRS Standard 24 Review from Guitar Thrills Magazine Tampa, FL The World of Rock and Blues Magazine.

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