Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: US $1700
Submitted 05/22/2006
at 02:02pm
by Dan Czerwonka
Email: drc151 at excite<dot>com
Features
:10
2005 FL2AC - Fat Lady Acoustic Electric Cut-away Dreadnought made in Australia. Solid Bunya Top, Indian Rosewood Back and Sides, Queensland Maple neck (not the same as US Maple), Indian Rosewood Fretboard w/snowflake inlays, satin finish, dual-input pickups and active Cole Clark electronics, Silver Grover Tuners, Elixir Polyweb Light strings, Sunlite archtop case. I was going to get this model with a Blackwood or Queensland Maple back & sides (which is how most of them come), but the shop I bought from happened to have one FL2AC with Rosewood back & sides (one of the few they'd seen). Cole Clark's website says the Rosewood is a $200 upgrade, and it was so rare that I couldn't pass it up. It sounds simply amazing, and looks very unique.
Sound
:10
Incredibly crisp, clear, clean sound, but still warm. I am used to playing an Epiphone EJ-200CE (Cutaway acoustic-electric jumbo body) so the Cole Clark does have a different sound - far superior to my Epi. I really like the deep full bassey jumbo sound, but I noticed immediately that the Cole Clark is much louder and projects the sound siginificantly more. I just put new strings on the Epi last week, so I think I have made a fair comparison... It probably has something to do with the fact that the Epi is a laminate body, while the CC is an all-solid carved timber body, but that's just a guess. On a "feeling" level, the Cole Clark sound just seems much more precise and less soft than the Epi, probably due to the different body size/styles I'm guessing. Also, the finish is a thin satin finish, which probably helps with sound projection, letting the body resonate (whereas my Epi is a full high-gloss body, which probably muffles the sound resonance a bit).
Action, Fit, & Finish
:10
The guitar was set up perfectly when I received it. I bought it from the Folk Music Center in California (owned by Ben Harper's parents) and they set up the guitar when they received it, so I am not sure how well it was set up from the factory. The finish is perfect on the guitar as far as I can tell, except for one small ding on the back corner binding near where the body curves in (looks like somebody probably dinged it at the shop). The neck is only barely wider than the Epi/Gibson-style neck, and the action is set up a tad higher (but it is by no means "high") than my Epi - which is really nice b/c the frets don't buzz/ring at all (which tells me I just need to take my Epi in for a tune-up). As far as the fit and finish go - the workmanship is absolutely top notch. I have found no construction flaws and no finishing flaws in the guitar the neck mates perfectly to the body, and the 2-piece bookmatched back looks like one piece even if you get right up on it (it takes a magnifying glass to see any hint of the joint). The frets are finished incredibly well - very even, very smooth edges and corners. In contrast, my Epi has quite a few blemishes, but I suppose this is to be expected in the difference of a $1700 vs a $500 guitar... I heard varying reviews early on about Cole Clark, but it looks like those guys really make quality control a priority because this guitar is spot on.
Reliability/Durability
:10
This guitar seems like it will definitely withstand live playing - it's definitely lightweight, but feels rock-solid. The Grover tuners are a no brainer - should last the life of the guitar. The satin finish does seem a bit thin but certainly thick enough to do the job well, and it probably helps the sound project. I also prefer it over gloss, as satin does not reflect light/glare in a live setting. The strap buttons are solid and I like the fact that the pickup is separate from the strap button. Some people have said they wish that they would put one of those strap buttons in that has the pickup built into it, but let me tell you - I have the pickup built into the strap button of my Epi and it is a pain in my A$$ - the strap has to stretch around the bigger diameter button, and then it's so tight that the strap always ends up working the pickup/button loose. Take it from me - it's much better to keep the 2 separate and still looks very clean.
Customer Support
:No Opinion
Customer support is great as far as I can tell. I spoke with Brad Clark directly over email several times before purchasing and he answered all my questions promptly and I could tell he actually gave serious thought to my questions. As far as the shop I purchased from - Folk Music Center - they are THE best. I didn't have the ability to try in the store first, but nonetheless they had no problem with letting me purchase the guitar on a trial basis and agreeing to allow me to exchange (at my shipping expense) in the event I was unhappy with the guitar for any reason. I haven't had to deal with Cole Clark yet for ongoing support (knock on [rose]wood!), but I have no doubt the guys there will do whatever they can to fix the situation quickly and in the best manner possible.
Overall Rating
:10
I've been playing on and off for years, but most recently I've been playing just about every day for the last year and a half. I also own an American Fender Strat, a Peavey Eddie Van Halen, an Epiphone EJ-200CE and a great VOX amp. I play acoustic WAY more than electric these days and the Cole Clark is just awesome. I compared it to Taylors, Martins, Matons and Gibsons in the $2-3000 range, and the Cole Clark was so close if not a tad better sounding and finished that, for the price, it just blew them away. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I'd immediately buy another exactly the same, and one day when I can afford it, I will buy another for my backup axe.
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: Aus ($1500)
Submitted 04/11/2006
at 06:01pm
by Shayne
Features
:10
2005 model. Bendigo Australia. From a nice little local music shop called Musos Stuff. Solid back and sides (Queensland maple) and Bunya top with birdseyes throughout. Easy to operate eq and very nice blending slider to bring in the "face brace" natural woody tone. This has a thin lacquer finish (satin) which helps the guitar sound fatter than my other heavily coated Yamaha cpx 10. Case included.May i mention that i have only just brought this guitar.
Sound
:9
i play in a duo concentrating on the corporate sector and private market. I have played for 20 years this year from everything from country to heavy rock but as i have matured i have moved more towards the acoustic style of playing rather than electric. Straight through a volume pedal (George Dennis) and into a Mackie desk. Also competing with partner with a nice Maton 808 artist. Before i had the transparnet glassy sound of my Yamaha (which is great for the odd quiet gig)now i have a broad natural tone with every note present and more dynamics. Very full sound compared to other guitars that i have tried over a couple of years to decide fully on what better suited.Have tried Cole Clark's in 4 different shops and they were all consistantly good with great tone and actions. This one i decided on was lent over the weekend and used, very delicately, on a "nice" gig. First couple of songs was like being able to hear again. The crispness of the notes was amazing and my partner said "you gotta get it mate". After not a lot of thinking time i gave myself the green light. Would have preferred though to have the block inlays and probably ebony bridge and fretboard but didnt want to risk getting another one that didnt play or sound as good.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:8
Guitar set up was ok however after a good play in neck moved a bit. Only needs adjustment due to change of weather and shipping probably. Nice figuring on top and well put together back (3 peice). Bunya isnt as tightly grained as spruce but has a fatter tone and more throw (volume wise). Neck nice and natural with no heavy oil or lacquer that inhibits playability. Only flaw i could notice was where the neck met body under where the front straplock is had a rough join. Cant see it if you didnt really examine it. Also does not effect playability of the guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:9
After reading other reviews and knowing the background of these two at Cole Clark how could this not be a consistant product. Further the woods used and systems of assembly are a proven given. Hardware seems standard and finish although thin(satin) it is what i wanted. I had a nice Maton 325 from the early ninties but a knobhead guitar luthier damaged the top when extracting the feedback buster and glued it back together. Could never use the feedback buster again so had to sell it for the Yamaha. Now i have found the ideal replacement.I always have a backup (Yamaha now) or grab my partners machine.Have read the review from 1 highly critcal individual that gave all 2's and cut and pasted opinions. Maybe he should critically reflect on what he wants to say and give supportive information as to why these wont last the distance. I have seen cheaper and worse made products than the Cole Clark that last years. Why wouldn't these.
Customer Support
:No Opinion
Already dealt with company via email and they got back within a couple of days. This was over a weekend too. Gave me the input i needed. Havent had any repair probs because i have only had it a short time. 1 Yr warranty. I would say that it would be in their best interest to keep up their customer service standards to compete with Maton and other companies that may not have quality customer assurance. Remember bad news travels faster than good.
Overall Rating
:9
Been playing 20 yrs. Rock / Heavy Rock to light worship music and acoustic stuff. Grew up in eighties so there is a flavour of eighties and ninties in my playing. This was back when there were actual guitar solos and more than three chords played unlike some of the top forty crap of today. Own a 79 strat i picked up for a song, 80's jap Vester tele with Bill Lawrence pickups, Yamaha CPX 10 acoustic, Cole Clark now. Amp is a Peavey classic 30 with a 12 inch EV underneath. Use a Boss GT8 as well. Which is a good thing.I'd get another if it was stolen or lost. Love that it looks so normal/ natural with no bells and whistles. Head stock looks good and is different from other ideas that i have seen. Hate that it will dent or scratch easy due to satin finish. Who cares it is going to be a workhorse like the strat.Favorite feature is the face brace mic system that blends with electronics. Compared to a lot of acoustics ranging from $100 - $10,000 and found the Cole to be as comfortable, great to play and sounded excellent. Was looking at a Maton Australian model which is great but at $2700 a bit pricey for our family budget. Cole comes in at $1700 and compared to same Maton equivalent has all solid timbers and a mic setup. Bargain. Maton , in the lower price range , were great years ago but their latest dont thrill me like they used to. I worked in music retail for 7 years and saw the quality lower. However the $2000 plus models are a good thing.
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: $1000 (Aussie dollar)
Submitted 03/30/2006
at 04:36am
by Canaussie
Features
:9
Before I start, I just read a review on this site by someone who obviiously doesn't own a Cole Clark. His reviews were harsh, repeditive and unfounded. "Jury is out for 15 years". Dude, you'll be probably be dead in 15 years. I'll gladly buy your FL2 from you before then- if you actually own one.
My FL2: Qld MAple and Bunya top made in 2003, purchased in 2004 for $1000. I did a LOT of research before buying another acoustic (I own a Seagull at the moment). The technical things (for you guitar techs) which sold me in no particular order are:
- all solid timbers- not just the top
- instead of the neck bolted or glued to the body, the body is an integral part of the neck- just like violins have been made for hundreds of years. (this info may be on their website)
- the body is internally carved to remove as much timber as poss so the wood "sings". If you've looked inside one, you'll know what I mean.
- the head stock is absolutely gorgeous
- Grover tuners
- light weight
- polished fretboard/frets
- they even bothered puttin both strap pins on the guitar- thanks Cole Clark
Sound
:10
My musical style is basically rock- from Pete Townsend to Jack Johnson. It is a pretty versatile guitar. Quiet when I want peace and loud when I want to kill (metaphorically). The sound is clean, crisp and bright. Each note bellows- I can't be more pleased. The Elixer strings which came with it lasted almost a whole year before I decided to buy another set. I usually have to change every month or two depending.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:8
The top is two piece Bunya- bookmatched. The back is a flame maple- very cool.
The guitar had a fret buzz- the nut was cut too low on the D string. It got sent back to the factory and came back with a new nut, a pick guard and new strings! I love those guys!
Reliability/Durability
:10
Well the guitar is 3 years old now and looks, plays and sounds great. No degredation and has maybe even improved.
The finish is thin nitrocellulose. I can't complain about it because thin finishes allow the guitar to "sing" louder and is one of the reasons I chose the thing. Thick polymer coatings actually dampen the sound. If you want it pretty- get a high gloss. I think they offer it as an option now.
Customer Support
:10
As I mentioned, I love those guys!
Overall Rating
:9
I've been playing on and off for 20 years. I own a Les Paul, PRS Single-cut, PRS custom 22, Ibanez St-50, Seagull SM6, Fender 50s reissue Strat, Ibanez Artist hollow body converted to a 12 string, Yamaha 12 string, Johnson plywood crap (for camping and the beach). I just ordered a Cole Clark Mistress too.
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: 1175 (aus)
Submitted 02/14/2006
at 04:43am
by JOHNNO
Features
:9
Dreadnought,20 frets, solid top, Made in the land of OZ. Nuff said. In 20 years of playing I have never purchased a new guitar, till now!
The finish on this guitar is absolutely first rate. Not too sure why the Maton employee was allowed on this site to rubbish these guitars, except out of jealousy in losing fine cratmanship. The main thing that requires comment with these guitars is the Pickup. I am yet to hear a finer pickup in an acoustic/electric. To the the Maton boys ( of which I do own one ) dump the AP5 for this baby!
Sound
:10
The sound as with most acoustic/electrics does not come to the fore till its plugged in, and this is the closest thing to perfection I have ever heard. I play this thing mostly thru a very cheap Alto ELVIS 12MA powered wedge and have no problem filling small to average size rooms. I have never had a feedback issue, and love the sound with the mids/highs wound back. A very warm machine indeed.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:8
I picked this guitar up from the airport, took it straight from the case and was amazed to find it perfectly set up and in tune. The guitar contains a slight flaw in bookmatching of top, but less than 1mm. The smell of the timbers in this guitar, are something all of their own.
Reliability/Durability
:No Opinion
I have only gigged this particular guitar on a handful of occasions,so cannot comment. I have a mate who is ruthless with damaging guitars, who has had one for 2 years, and says its like the day he bought it! I do gig with it without a backup though.
Customer Support
:No Opinion
Never dealt with Cole Clark.
Overall Rating
:9
I shopped and shopped for an acoustic electric, and still cannot beleieve the value for money these guitars. The only guitar that got close (without surpassing) was a Taylor Thinline Custom ( which does has loads more sound variations ) But $5000? not this black duck. Very Very happy with this guitar and would certainly replace it with same should I be parted with it
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: $1899 (Australiann Dollars)
Submitted 12/08/2005
at 02:14am
by AussiePro
Features
:10
FL2AC
Australian Made, 2005
Dreadnought cutaway, dual input acoustic pick up (piezo & soundboard sensor combo) , 20 Frets, AA grade solid spruce top, solid Queensland maple back and sides, (that's right, ALL SOLID guitar), inlaid timber face edge and rosette, all timber binding, solid rosewood fingerboard and bridge, block inlays, 3 piece Queensland maple neck, grover chrome tuners, gloss finish.
Internally carved top and back, very sexy!
Case not included.
Sound
:10
Because of the dominant Queensland maple on this guitar, it produces a crisp, brighter sound than rosewood. It's bright, yet mellow... very pleasing. Strum it hard, and it becomes a powerful beast. It's everything I expected from an all solid guitar.
If you can overcome the slight imperfections (most of you won't notice, i'm fussy), and looking for an all solid guitar but don't really want to spend $2500 on an all solid Maton dreadnought, then this guitar is definately for you.
The fat lady sings, and sings beautifully...
Action, Fit, & Finish
:7
The action was a bit high from the factory, it was later re-adjusted at the shop.
Perfectly bookmatched top and back. Nice gloss finish.
It definately lacks in the build quality department when compared to Matons, not as well finished. Hopefully, Cole Clark will pick up in this department.
I also noticed there are inconsistencies in the same models, no 2 gutars are the same. If you want consistency and you know what you want, go for Matons.
If you want a Cole Clark, it's best not to order online or over the phone. You'll have to inspect one at the store, unless you order one to your own specs. Some will have 3 piece backs, some 2 piece backs, some will have blue, black, or silver logos on the headstock, some will have blackwood headstocks, some maple headstocks.... all same model, all the same price. See what I mean?
In this particular model, there are imperfections in the finish at the neck. Otherwise, an almost perfect guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:9
This guitar is made for the stage, sounds great, look awesome. It will certainly withstand live playing. The gloss finish looks like it will protect the guitar very well from sweat, light bumps... etc. Grover tuners will probably outlast the life of the guitar, they will probably still keep the string in tune after a hundred years.
Strap buttons are solidly screwed in.
Longetivity of Cole Clark guitars haven't been proven yet... but it looks like it will outlast any guitar out there. For those of you that don't already know, Cole Clark uses a "new" method of guitar construction. The guitar is built around the neck, like a violin. So if you think about it (longevity wise), there are quite a number of 50-100 year old playable violins!!
Depend on it? You bet!
Gig without a backup? I don't think anyone who have more than 1 guitar will gig without a backup. Sh#t can happen!
Customer Support
:8
Brad Clark always answers my questions promptly be email... always. Although, special orders can be a little slow.
Overall Rating
:9
I own several guitars, electrics and acoustics including a Maton EM325C. I purely bought this guitar because of the sound, and because it's all solid timber for under $2000. Very good value for money. A Maton all solid timber guitar costs about $2500.
I love the sound and looks of this guitar, and hate that it's not as well finished and consistent as Matons.
In terms of build and finish, Maton is still top dog.
In terms of value, you can't beat a Cole Clark. Even their bottom range FL1 (under $1000) are all solid timber construction. With Matons, you will have to go to their mid range ($2500+) for an all solid guitar. Can't beat that!
Watch out Maton!
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: $1400 (AUD)
Submitted 10/09/2005
at 10:06pm
by smevvie
Features
:9
Cole Clark Fat Lady FLA2, no cutaway with pickup, Solid Sitka Spruce Top with Blackwood Back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, satin finish, grover tuners etc. pretty much stock standard everything else
i would prefer normal dot inlays but the blocks are slowly growing on me. I like the feux tortoise shell pickguard ! Warning the guitar doesnt fit into a normal dreadnaught guitar case, its a bit "fatter" than most guitars as i found out the hard way :)
Sound
:10
i play mainly acoustic rock, classical, jazz and blues and the guitar suits all playing styles, you can belt the crap out of it, softly caress it and still sounds awesome. acoustically the guitar sounds loud, vibrant but sounds warm and toneful with the blackwood back and sides. Plug it in and you will be in heaven! the pick up blows the competition away, i love the fact dual input system can be blended together to achieve a unique gutsy sound. i dont like the exlir strings they come with, i'd get the daddario exp's as soon as these become dirty and old, although it sounds great the guitar can sound better
Action, Fit, & Finish
:9
action is a bit high which i will probably adjust when i get my first service. finish is superb, i love the flaming on the blackwood on my guitar! i've looked at this guitar for days and days and the detailing is awesome, i love the headstock. the only fault i found was the identification sticker is stuck on crooked, which i doubt will affect the sound quality
Reliability/Durability
:9
i've only had it for a few days, but it seems like it will last a lifetime. only thing with the satin finishes they tend to scuff up around the arm rests against it, but if you wipe it over everytime you play it should prevent this. i would buy a FLA1 for a backup if i had the money, but i'd just pack some batteries and spare strings and a few minutes backstage if anything happens
Customer Support
:No Opinion
never had to deal with cole clark direct, but everyone who has seems to like their support
Overall Rating
:10
i have been playing for 3 years, i have owned 2 matons (225, 325). i brought my old 325 into the shop to compare with the FLA2, i was blown away and so was the shop guy. I also tried most of the Maton range (tommy emmanuel, A80, CW80) and i thought the cole clark sounded much better. as soon as i got home i put my guitar on ebay, got rid of it and bought the fat lady! i also compared the bunya top, queensland maple sides version but i loved the warmth of the blackwood and i think it has more character. If it were lost or stolen i'd cry, then i'd go buy another one straight away without a question
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: $1699 ($Aus)
Submitted 09/06/2005
at 05:52pm
by David Quinlan
Features
:8
OZ made, all the details are below. I got a FL2AC, which has the cutaway and the electrics.
In terms of features it is pretty good. The EQ is quite responsive, it has TWO strap pegs (thank god, sick of acoustics with only one), grover tuners, the afore-mentioned cutaway, and nice fretboard inlays.
I wish the input jack was built into the rear strap peg. I have seen this on other guitars and I believe it is a very nice touch.
I am giving it an 8, cos that is pretty much everything you are after on a electro-acoustic.
Sound
:No Opinion
Very full, rich sound. I tried a few of these guitars and found most of them to be WAYYYY too bright for my tastes. Then I tried the guitar I ended up buying. Much darker, 'sadder' sounding instrument. Make sure you try lots of these guitars. There is sure to be one that matches the sound you are after.
Do not kid yourself though. While these are brilliant sounding guitars, Taylors are still the best sounding acoustic I have ever played IMO. Cole Clarks sound is not quite as sweet as a Taylor, but it pretty close. Since the price tag is roughly half that of a similarily-specced Taylor, I am satisfied with it.
It gets another 8, a Taylor would get a 9 (what is a perfect sound????).
Action, Fit, & Finish
:8
I am not very picky with these sort of things because I am more about the sound and playability than the look.
Finish looked good to me inside and out. NOTHING wrong with the fretboard or neck.
Had a look at the electrics inside and they were wired very neatly, so I guess this is pretty good quality indicator.
8 because I can see no problems. Just remember I am not fussy about these things. Someone else who is more particular *may* have big problems with my guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:No Opinion
Feels nice and solid, although I am not going to using it as a paddle anytime soon!
Looks to be OK for a gig, will report back once I have done so.
Customer Support
:10
Sent an email, got an email back within 1 hour! Can't get better than that.
Overall Rating
:8
5 years playing, own a Epi 335 and a Big Apple Strat with a myriad of stompboxes etc. I usually practice through a guitarport (great little tool IMO).
I was shopping for an acoustic for about 2 years before I found the Fat Lady. The best I found was the Taylor, but the best bang for your buck was this guitar by a country mile. Try one out, I would be surprised if anyone was be disappointed by the experience.
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: 1699 (aud)
Submitted 06/20/2005
at 12:00am
by colin broomham
Features
:9
made 2005 melbourne australia.
the fat lady 2 is pretty to look at.it was an easy descision to buy her.
i bought this guitar,it was love at first listen.it was different to the other guitars i had heard and looked at in this price range.
mine is spruce top,solid queensland maple back and sides.qld maple neck rosewood fretboard.piezo electrics,very plain equaliser cover.im getting a sterling silver custom cover made by my son(goldsmith).
elecronics are awesome,but i bought it just for its acoustic sound.
finish is satin nitro applied perfectly,neck inlays are enough to make it cool looking without all the embelishment of some other makes,tuners are grover,strings are elixer nanoweb lights.
Sound
:10
sound is amazing,loud and bright,great sustain,then you plug it in and wow,off it goes,just go and play one.
my style is back deck ampitheatre,any style,mates and a beer,fatlady shines.
plug one in and find out.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:9
they seem to do it right,this guitar along with others i tried were all set up spot on.i havent found a fault.
Reliability/Durability
:9
with the quality fittings,and the strength of the assembly i cant see why this guitar wont outlast me.
Customer Support
:10
i emailed the company to query the review by bill,the one where he said the guitar had to prove itself over and over,[crap, this is old european technology done with computers,not over strutted american beast's ,just look inside one,yanky equipment is overbuilt overpriced and overhere.]back to the point,brad clark sent me a very informative email next day explaining the method of construction and finish,he sent a long email in fact,this was the work of a man who cares about his customers and his product.
Overall Rating
:10
im relatively new this time around.but i know what i like to hear,i could have spent a lot more money,bought a yankee legend,but i am older and wiser these days.if it got stolen i would get another fat lady without hesitation.
IT WAS ALL OVER WHEN I HEARD THE FATLADY SING
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: 1800 (AUS $)
Submitted 06/17/2005
at 05:28am
by Graham
Features
:10
As far as an electro acoustic guitar goes this has it all. Made this year (Cole Clark have only been around for a couple of years)
Made in Melbourne, Australia - Solid Top all fine timber. Queensland Maple back and sides with Solid Bunya Top. Rosewood fretboard with inlays.
Cole Clarke's own designed electrics with many pickups/sensors (my guitar has a back sensor also)
Grover tuners
And a nice plush case complete the line-up.
Sound
:10
I tried many different acoustics, Matons, Gibsons, Guild, Taylor, Martin, Takamine etc etc etc.
I set-out to buy a Gibson acoustic (having owned an SG for the past 10 years I love Gibsons)
Tried many and wasn't that impressed. Martin was the best sounding acoustic I had tried up until I tried Cole Clark.
Found a local Cole Clark dealer and tried out all the models they had in stock. Absolutely was blown away by the sound, resonance, clarity and overall tone.
Once I'd purchased my Fat Lady 2 I got my first opportunity to try out the electrics with my band. I plugged my babay straight into the PA and was amazed by the sound - Absolutely fantastic - well done to Cole Clark on the electrics front! Really sounded full and warm plugged in which I was very pleasantly surprised by.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:9
Came from the factory absolutely lovely!
The Flaming of the wood on the neck is superb and really quite beautiful. All the grain on the wood is superb. (Can u tell I love my guitar !)
One thing I would mention is that I tried quite a few different Cole Clarkes out before I purchased. I really would advise this as because the company is still new each guitar was pretty different. Not necesarrily in terms of sound but certainly in terms of finish.
I don't mean this in a negative way, I never played a "bad" one.
In terms of playability some of the earlier guitars had a thicker neck.
Cosmetically , ie woodgrain, threepiece back, even down to different colours of the name "Cole Clark" on the headstock - some were blue, some gold some red etc etc. Sounds a bit lame but I wanted a guitar I was totally happy with!
And I am very happy with the action fit and finish of the guitar I purchased.
Reliability/Durability
:9
All their guitars are well made and designed so I really can't see a problem.
With the Grover tuners my guitar is always in tune.
With a proper hard case and the love that I give all my guitars I'm confident my Fat Lady will be with me for life.
Customer Support
:9
Haven't had to deal with them, but I believe they are excellent.
If you call the company you often speak to one of the big men themselves Clark or Cole!
Overall Rating
:10
I'd certainly buy another Cole Clark Fat Lady if something happened to my baby.
As I mentioned I tried many different brands of acoustic before I settled on Cole Clark. For the money nothing beats my Fat Lady. It sounds the same as some guitars I played which were twice the price.
I was alerted by the fact that Jack Johnson and Ben Harper play them. And once I got my hands on one I could see why!
Simply dreamy sounding, well made, fantastic guitar!
Well Done Cole Clark!
Product: Cole Clark Fat Lady 2 Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 05/18/2005
at 09:34pm
by bill
Features
:5
Sound
:2
Cole Clark fat lady 2 design .The dury in my opinion is out for at least 15 years until it proves that it will hold its tune.
It is a completely new design that has not been tested and only time will be the judge of that so if you have bought one or considering buying one of the cole clark guitars be aware of your investiment it may deterioate in time as the design is not considered it will maintain is sounds as first bought as does the Maton which has been fully tested and proven as a well built guitar and sound improves with time.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:2
Cole Clark fat lady 2 design .The dury in my opinion is out for at least 15 years until it proves that it will hold its tune.
It is a completely new design that has not been tested and only time will be the judge of that so if you have bought one or considering buying one of the cole clark guitars be aware of your investiment it may deterioate in time as the design is not considered it will maintain is sounds as first bought as does the Maton which has been fully tested and proven as a well built guitar and sound improves with time.
Reliability/Durability
:2
Cole Clark fat lady 2 design .The dury in my opinion is out for at least 15 years until it proves that it will hold its tune.
It is a completely new design that has not been tested and only time will be the judge of that so if you have bought one or considering buying one of the cole clark guitars be aware of your investiment it may deterioate in time as the design is not considered it will maintain is sounds as first bought as does the Maton which has been fully tested and proven as a well built guitar and sound improves with time.
Customer Support
:2
Cole Clark fat lady 2 design .The dury in my opinion is out for at least 15 years until it proves that it will hold its tune.
It is a completely new design that has not been tested and only time will be the judge of that so if you have bought one or considering buying one of the cole clark guitars be aware of your investiment it may deterioate in time as the design is not considered it will maintain is sounds as first bought as does the Maton which has been fully tested and proven as a well built guitar and sound improves with time.
Overall Rating
:2
Cole Clark fat lady 2 design .The dury in my opinion is out for at least 15 years until it proves that it will hold its tune.
It is a completely new design that has not been tested and only time will be the judge of that so if you have bought one or considering buying one of the cole clark guitars be aware of your investiment it may deterioate in time as the design is not considered it will maintain is sounds as first bought as does the Maton which has been fully tested and proven as a well built guitar and sound improves with time.