Maton vs Cole Clark Blackwood Acoustics | Better Music

We put Maton & Cole Clark head to head in this EPIC blackwood battle!
Join us in this in-depth review as we explore the strengths of both acoustic guitars.
MATON EBW70C: www.bettermusic.com.au/maton-...
COLE CLARK CCFL2ECCB: www.bettermusic.com.au/cole-c...
Recorded using the Neumann KM184 Condenser Microphone
BUY IT TODAY - www.bettermusic.com.au/neuman...

[@peterbayliss1484]

How blessed are we to have two top quality guitar companies, here in Australia.

[@amazingvideoscompilations3145]

Thanks to Aborigins

[@michaelmusic46]

My maton sounds amazing . But I want a cole clark too. And if I'm honest, for me it's not always about the sound . Sometimes for me it's about looks and build materials used. Being an Australian. I want an all Australian timber guitar. Made in Australia 🇦🇺

[@eastonisbell764]

Ok I’m officially obsessed with Australian guitars

[@Andersonmusicschool]

After having owned two beautiful Larrivees I made a change to Cole Clark. Reasons being primarily the pickup sound for live playing. The Larrivees both had top notch LR Baggs in them, but they simply could not compare. As for the acoustic sound, the Cole Clark (it’s an Angel 2 Cedar/Blackwood) took awhile to grow on me, as it is definitely not a North American guitar sound like Larrivee, Taylor, Martin, etc. However, after a few weeks of playing it, I came to realize what it has to offer, and I feel that it is the most complete all around guitar I have ever played. I play many different styles of music, all finger picking - rock, blues, classical, jazz, folk, funk, Latin, etc. - and the Cole Clark handles them better than any other. Side bonus of the guitar - it is so easy to play, and incredibly sensitive to dynamics. Really a remarkable guitar.

[@rawmark]

I agree with you completely. I own two of the AN series and they are my favorites to date. I even have a custom Sergio Zepeda and the Cole Clark gets more play.

[@MikeC-pp8ww]

Great review, host made it a fun process and good watch in comparing the two.

[@burny1969]

I live in the States and purchased that exact Cole Clark model. It is an awesome guitar in all facets (craftsmanship, looks, playability, tonal qualities). The pickup settings you use at approx. 9:00 are the ones I usually set mine to and the sound is absolutely incredible! Thanks for such a great review!

[@ProsperityPathway101]

Great video, I really enjoyed the comparison and your opinion on both quality guitars.

[@jhannaway9729]

Super review - thanks. I own a Maton EM525C (AP5 pickup) and I used it live for years as a soloist. Then I bought a Cole Clark FL2. I still took my Maton to gigs, but I only ever used it when a string broke on the Cole Clark. They are both great to play, but the Fat Lady is a clear step up in live (amplified) sound production. Maton guitars are excellent, but Cole Clark guitars are absolutely beautiful - both sound and appearance.

[@1999elle]

Cole Clark all the way! I’ve played many guitars of a verity and all around best is Cole Clark. It has soul no matter the Genre your playing.

[@CrawfishParish]

That is great! Greets from Switzerland

[@michaelgonsalves8616]

nice review thanks North

[@alelollipop1903]

Thanks! Nice demo

[@coltenroney5379]

I've been playing for 21 years and in my opinion the Cole Clark pretty much takes the cake in all accounts. It just sounds more full and complete with a crispness to it even unplugged.

[@rezailmanderajat3722]

indeed

[@ssmith9522]

Wrong

[@stumort]

Great review! I have an Maton 808 TE (my 2nd 808) and a Cole Clark Angel 2 Bob Spencer. I love the looks of the Cole Clark and the feel but I don't seem to get on with the pickup system. The AP5 Pro is outstanding and plugged playing live it give a great sound...... I also play it through an AER compact 60. I should play the CC more!

[@allanparapuram548]

Thanks for a great review. went from a Takamine to a Cole Clark and honestly the Maton was a lot more pricey! That was the other consideration for me - loved your review

[@adammedica6394]

I'm a CC FL1AC owner and yeah bud, for a deaf drummer you fkn nailed it!! Couldn't agree more with your assessment...........nuff said and rock on!!!!

[@traciebreen8614]

I have an old Maton M425/12 and I pretty much had my mind set up on buying there SRS80C just to add to my mix. Now I’m in a mess. I love the Blackwood series now. If I were plugged in and based on your really cool review. I’m leaning towards the Cole Clark. But I seldom plug in and I really love the iconic Maton acoustics. So……,The devil I know. So glad you reviewed these two great Australian guitars. Thanks.

[@allegraneve]

I love my Cole Clark! I also have a Maton, but the Cole Clark is the winner for me, hands down!

[@davidguerre6896]

comparing sound is great, but most of all PLAYABILITY is what's it's at ! that's why you should always try the guitar in your own hands and "FEEL" if it's made for you ;)

[@chrishyne2167]

Totally agree. As much as it pains me to say it, being an avid Maton lover, Cole Clark Fat Ladies are just next level when plugged in! I own a Maron SRS60 with a modified ap5 pro pick up and as amazing as it is unplugged, it doesn’t compete with the Fat Lady when plugged in.

[@tdsrecs694]

Soon as I heard played the M. I never looked back. The pick up sounds so much better and live in a big venue it's iconic.

[@joshlicht1359]

Great review guys, this was actually helpful. Hey I'm a drummer too (who also plays guitar and uilleann pipes) so who gives a rats about my opinion......... Ironically enough, the thing people always bag about the Cole Clarke's is what I actually like. I've heard many of my guitarist friends say they're thin sounding and lack mids due to the 'Spanish Heel' neck design and bracing methods - to me it just sounds 'subtler' rather than 'quieter'. There's something in the CC's lower frequency's that I have always loved - even unplugged. I guess really comes down to what you like and really how you can play... To me aesthetically and plugged in there is no comparison - CC is the one.

[@elwynjordan9492]

Great comparison - well done! I'm a fan of Maton (I own 2, a 6-string and 12-string), and I liked the sound of the Maton acoustically. (And I tried not to be biased when I made that decision from your comparison). The Cole Clark pick-up system is certainly impressive! So I agree with your assessment - or should I say I have been informed by your demonstration of the system, and it clearly has some advantages over the Maton. So it's horses for courses really. I have to say I still prefer Spruce tops, (maybe I'm just a traditionalist), but these still sounded nice. Well done again on this comparison!

[@rawmark]

I actually love and own a few Cole Clarks. :)

[@s2pacific]

Awesome sounding guitars in their own right!!!

[@curlsoutdoors]

I've got a Cole Clark all blackwood angel 2, I'd have to agree with you, plugged in it makes heads turn but when I'm playing at home it hardly gets used, I normally go for my midrange Yamaha which really seems like sacrilege seeing as though it cost me a fraction (2nd hand) of what I paid for the Cole Clark. In saying that, I didn't buy the Cole Clark to play at home and I couldn't be happier with it!!

[@nelic182]

Just plug it in at home too

[@LowkeyAnnie]

Hands down Maton for me, that was one of the most honest guitar reviews I've heard to date, straight to the point, without the polished! Thanks, you've helped me make a decision... All the best...💯🎵🎵🎵👌

[@DG-zi7zc]

Just ordered my EA80C, can't wait for it to turn up!

[@LowkeyAnnie]

@@DG-zi7zc that's awesome, my brother's buying a, Maton, the Australian model. Happy strumming...👌👍✌️

[@wallacenock7423]

Interesting as I’m about to buy the Cole Clark Angel 2 Blackwood and i owned a Maton SRC 808c and a Maton EMD6. I have always loved Maton and will always keep my EMD6 for travel, but i have to say most of my gigs are plugged in and the Cole Clark just sits perfectly in the mix and has so much tonal Character, however unplugged i tend to agree Cole Clark was lacking but only by a very small margin. Both amazing guitars. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@slash2jimi]

I feel like the big difference is the freatboard. Its insaine how much of a difference it makes. Cole clark has Lloyd Speigal doing a fretboard comparison video and this video reminds me of the differences in fretboards.

[@joemonroe1106]

I dig that speakerwall.

[@basil8651]

That does it. I’ve been playing guitar for 50 years and have had to get the drummer in my band off my guitar or bass at many a break or rehearsal. I recently got a cheap drum kit and I am gonna play it tonight. You drummers know what I mean.

[@alessandroformenti1010]

Great video ... but both with the Maton and the Cole Clark you can avoid more or less any feedback problem (even at veeeeeeeery high volumes) using a feedback buster.

[@TomsGreenMind]

I agree, the Maton sounded better unplugged. The Cole Clarke sounded really dull and lifeless until you plug it in. I think I'd go with the Maton... but I don't think either have a slope shouldered dreadnaught and that what I'm really after!

[@jgsheehan8810]

I just chose a Maton SRS60C over a Cole Clark FL1 silky oak. The Cole Clark looked nicer but the Maton felt better to my hands. Very hard decision really but I just loved the Maton.

[@frankbonitz8406]

Also acoustically, I prefer the Cole Clark. Buying my Fat Lady FL2 BB 8 years ago was by falling in love with her 😊❤️

[@abracaroguearcane1484]

Hahaha dude youre hilarous "Its Switzerland" love it ! Clearly Perfect comparison for me infinite thanks !!

[@onixtheone]

that maton unplugged sounds a bit like my chinese yamaha gs700somethingorother, but the clark has a great plugged in sound that reminds me of the k&K trinity preamp system

[@petekay67]

So it seems I'm getting that Maton Australian and putting the Cole Clark preamp in!? But seriously, Matons just sing acoustically.

[@guyb7005]

I own an older Cole Clark labeled as an FL2 but probably an FL1 in today's line. I love the sound, it seems to never go out of tune but I find the FL name quite unfortunate . In this comaparison, I completely agree with you, the Maton's natural (mic only) sound is richer and more complete.

[@ShockingPikachu]

That Cole Clark sparkles. wow

[@Adnamira]

I compared an srs60c to an fl1c in a shop. I don't know if it was just a bad one, but the cc had a high action and not much adjustment in the saddle. The Maton was pretty spot on with heaps of saddle. The ebw70 was a really nice guitar, better than the srs, but I was looking for a stage guitar to save my j45, so was looking for a lower priced guitar. I like the srs more and more all the time - does a good job.

[@joebloggs9805]

Adnamira I can agree with your experience there too - I have a 2013 EM225c from Maton and my flatmate has a Cole Clark FL1; so a fairly similar comparison too. I think that tonally they are very very similar, but I noted the Cole Clark neck had a slight twist and needed a truss rod adjustment. I did these maintenance items for my flatmate, along with a string change, and he was very happy with the improvement. Maton it seems is more seasonally resilient (lower maintenance expectation) but both sound very nice for their pricepoint.

[@NewFalconerRecords]

The Maton definitely had the edge in the miked-up shoot out -- far more dynamic and lively -- but yes, the Cole Clark killed it once plugged in.

[@bettermusic]

Yeah. They both do a job. I guess it's just a matter of what you're going to be using it for.

[@leighsaunders3278]

What Amp were they plugged into & what settings just for a reference?

[@richwood571]

I’m torn. Cole Clarke aesthetics are much better, pickup unmatched, but Maton acoustics dominated. Being that I use acoustic more for recording than live, I would have to go Maton. If I was a live performer Cole clark 110%

[@nelic182]

The blackwood sounds duller acoustically, go for the redwood or bunya top if u want nicer acoustic sound not plugged

[@slash2jimi]

I just ordered the cole clark all blackwood one and they sent me the wrong one so now I have to wait a couple weeks before I get it. I have a redwood blackwood angel 2 cole clark but I wanted a good gigging guitar. The redwood is amazing but I fear it might break bringing it to bars and whatnot. Cant go wrong with CC or Maton.

[@Goatalicious]

They are pretty tough, my Angel has bitumen dings in the headstock and a bent machine head from falling off chairs at parties when on the squirt. Large gouges in the face from turning and scraping it on tables and corners. It was horrific at the time but since it's happened so often (I really don't deserve such a nice guitar) I have developed some immunity. They are tougher than they look.

[@nevillegreg1]

And the winner is? Whichever guitar you want is the winner. If you've always really wanted a Maton (for whatever reason), don't get the Cole Clarke because you'll always want what you really wanted. On stage or at home, the difference between these 2 guitars is irrelevant, it won't make a difference because the only time you hear the difference is when you are A-Bing them together. Tommy Emmanuel or Dave Gilmore or Jimmy Page will always sound like themselves irrespective of which guitar brand they play. Which brand you prefer/really want is the brand you buy - then it's happy days.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Came to the exact same conclusion. Acoustically, the Maton had better balance. One can add bass when only miced, but can't pull bass out. For studio work the Maton would fit nicely into a mix. The CC has more overtones to work around. I'd use the Maton in the studio and the Cole Clark on the road.

[@Simoscorp.]

Too many settings for me on an acoustic guitar🤦🏻‍♂️ ... I have a cole clark fat lady 2 and I do as the legendary Tommy Emmanuel teaches🙌🏻‍‍ ♥ ️ on his Maton, all at maximum (clockwise) on the preamp and I only control the volume, there is already too much time to waste to equalize the amplifier! 😅👍🏻, if I wanted "50 shades of effects" I took an electric ... 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@thevieweybrothers8960]

Which one to record in studio

[@oliverbrown6088]

If you're coming to an acoustic-focused judgement, why compare blackwood tops when they both have better tone woods for that (bunya for both)?

[@putradharma_]

cole clark 😎

[@tbeau6663]

Of these two, the Cole Clark sounds better, but I wouldn't buy either. I'd like to hear a shoot-out between the 808TE and the Angel Maple version.

[@jacquilaw8398]

I guarantee you could find a Cole Clark that would sound better than the maton ,every guitar is different, especially ones that are all solid timber. I myself are in the process of getting some money together to get a Cole Clark after trying every guitar in my local stores and the Cole Clark betting them all hands down without being plugged in, killer tone!!

[@TRUTHandANSWERS]

Tommy plays his mic at 100%

[@aussiecoastie72]

Okay, so I own both a Maton and Cole Clark acoustic guitar . The Cole Clark is a fat lady one, and the Maton is a 325C . Comparing those two guitars… I feel that the Maton has a warmer and louder sound acoustically than the Cole Clark . However, I think the pick up system in the Cole Clark is far superior to the AP5 in the Maton .

[@ultrasoundscanning3469]

Have 2 CC's Redwood/Blackwood dready with 3 way pick up and Little lady Redwood/Blackwood (3 way pick up).... best I can say.... I'm looking to buy a Bunya/Maple 'Angel'!! O.k don't mean to sound like a dickhead... I have a problem... GAS to the max!!! Acoustically unplugged... love Martins!! Takamine/Ibanez/Taylor/Washburn/Fender/Crafter/Yamaha....had them all..... got rid of them all.... this CC pre-amp is unbelievable!!! Woods make a big difference as well....my dready sounds a bit dull unplugged...the little lady sounds more North American unplugged as does the Angel with Bunya top.... but plugged in!! If you gig alot.... get a CC. Folks at the gig will tell you "You sounded great!!.... and "what an awesome sound" Take the praise..... but it is the guitar!!!

[@Theonlyshaun]

Maton FTW!

[@paulhicks3595]

If it’s from a quality company it’s less about the brand and more about the individual guitar. You can play a dozen of the same model and one will just sound and feel better. You have to just try dozens of guitars to find the one with the mojo - forget the brand. The exception is when you’re getting an acoustic that will be amplified. In that case, to an degree, you’re buying the amplifying technology that suits you. How it sounds acoustically not so important.

[@paulfitz6614]

IMO If you mostly play plugged in, the Cole Clark is the winner. Otherwise, the Maton. Cole Clark guitars are world class plugged in, because of the mic blending possibilities.

[@charliemaddock3459]

Are you playing desecration smile ?

[@jackaroofragranceguru]

Charlie Maddock no, it’s wonderwall by oasis

[@charliemaddock3459]

May need my ears checked 😅🤟

[@banba317]

To my ear the Maton is quacky and mushy, but the Cole Clark has a much cleaner and more true sound when amplified.

[@Soccernz007]

So I have 2 Cole Clarks - Redwood Tops with Blackwood sides and backs. One is a Fat Lady 2 and a Little lady both with 3 way pick ups. My verdict. The FL2 sounds horrible unplugged. It sounds ok plugged in. The FL2 dings very easily i.e. the wood is very soft. Cost was $1700 US. The Little Lady sounds good unplugged and plugged. Seems to be holding up to playing (no dings yet). Cost was US$780. These guitars aren't cheap. They look great, seem to be well made.... but..... and big but..... you have to play these first. There is so much variation with each guitar. Great pick up...yes... terrible unplugged sound..... overall.... I wouldn't buy FL again and would not recommend these. Little lady is great.... but....I wish I had purcahsed a Maton... with latest acoustic preamps you can get great sound from piezzos

[@17th_Street_Preacher]

Don’t know what you were doing to that Maton but mine sounds a hell of a lot better & is a cheaper model..looks better than Cole Clark too!

[@nelic182]

Cole Clark plugged in by miles

[@jacquilaw8398]

It's all most impossible to have a review like this, you can have 10 guitar built exactly the same way with the same timber and they will sound different, it's really up to the individual which guitar speaks to them. That Cole Clark might of not sounded better than the maton by I guarantee you c

[@rogerblack3519]

You don't need a million times, just ONE good one. On this demo the Cole Clark kills it. Much better intonation and sounding like an acoustic, not an electric, which is what you want

[@PerryLomas-jh1qv]

Cole Clarke in every way Have a look who the new Man is at Cole Clarke think you might find he was a designer at Maton Thanks

[@michaelgillespie8257]

Tomato / piezo

[@joebloggs5629]

I don’t mean to sound like a snob, but guitars get better with age - these sounded brand new, tinny sound... give them time and playing and they will both open up and tone will get better. I know as I found the same with my EM100c Maton Messiah and now it’s giving the oldest guitar of the collection a real run for the money!

[@Martin-wu9hw]

They are both great. Just talking about the wood.Like wine some people prefer it young others aged.Same wood on both guitars but definitely Picked up(the wood) on diferent places usually forests with a different sun angle and different number of hours of sunlight. I prefer the one with a drier sound.Forget for a moment about music, notes , melody........and just listen to the wood.

[@joebloggs9805]

Marti Vallve When commenting on threads with muso’s all here, yes they all listen to the wood - including my comment was about listening for the tone (of the wood) above all else. For full disclosure of comparison, the oldest guitar I have is a 2000 Maton TE1 Artist, it’s always been great but a 13 year younger Messiah has pretty much the same tone now. Guitars 0-5 years is maturing, 10+ has reached their tonal pinnacles.

[@bencawood]

100%

[@jeffb6131]

To my ear, hands down the Fat lady killed it.

[@philbrown6601]

Unplugged Maton wins hands down, for looks Cole Clark 7 for pickup system Cole Clark wins

[@robharris6874]

Yes been hearing from music shop owners that the CC preamp is really good but the CC construction is poor quality, I would have to go the Maton on quality ! & like he said tone is subjective both good !

[@roderickmathison5245]

Matons have more zing & life to them, somehow, Cole Clarks are politer, more meditative. Then of course there’s Fenech…

[@becomeaudible1]

The Cole Clark face sensor is pretty worthless. It sounds terrible. The bridge pick up sounds pretty good, and mic is ok. But I’m all for the Maton. I have an SRS808 that sounds incredible plugged in. I will say, I am buying a CC in June when they arrive.

[@MikeydeLaraCovers]

"The Cole Clark face sensor is pretty worthless. It sounds terrible..." Then, "I will say, I am buying a CC in June when they arrive." Wait... what?

[@agustinusalva7716]

Face sensor is the one pickup that makes all the difference.... You talked too much too soon....

[@ultrasoundscanning3469]

Did you buy your CC? Bet if you did....you're looking for another!! It's like a good lady!!.... was you're hooked.... you're hooked for life..... "Yes my darlin.... you look wonderful tonight'!!!

[@becomeaudible1]

Mikey de Lara overall the guitar plays and sounds great acoustically. The pick up system does sound good all together. I'm very disappointed in the fact that, if you turn up the face sensor you turn down the under saddle. That's pretty stupid to me. I would like to be able to control each pick up independently. I did purchase a CC last month and love it. I haven't started working with the p/u system yet because I'm not gigging right now due to the stupid virus.

[@jamesbateman7131]

Not a massive fan of either guitars but that Cole Clark sounds like a cardboard box. Unplugged the Maton is reasonably bright and the mids and lows sound solid. When plugged in I found those sounds to remain true and I actually quite like the pickup system. The Cole Clark sounds a bit hollow and dead the whole way through, really disappointing. Plugged in, the Cole Clark just sounds a bit dim and thin. Great looking guitar, but at that price point it is dismal, to say the least. Maton takes the win easily here.

[@joebloggs9805]

James Bateman Some people might like a “spacious” sound, it really is preference here, that being said I’m a Maton afficionado through & through

[@camcook7241]

Cole Clark most expensive worse guitar I've ever bought!!

[@Gbhbbgvsbnjhhdchhb]

All these Cole Clark fanboys... they might sound good plugged in but Fishman have caught up. The units fail regularly, the wood they use is basically Pine and they do not last long - getting the battery in and out? Good luck! LED slide controllers for stage lighting? Nope. Alsothere are problems with European climate on the wood. The guitars are made by a CNC router end to end - in short, you are better off with Maton and upgrade the electronics. Or better still, go American. Cole Clark’s are a cheap nasty hyped offering and frankly overrated. How do I know this? I’ve owned a lot of them and had no end of issues. Maton rule for good reasons

[@ColeClarkGuitarsAU]

Literally all of this is untrue. I don’t even know where to start, so I won’t bother.

[@frankbonitz8406]

Why is Björn Berge playing these guitars then?

[@Gbhbbgvsbnjhhdchhb]

@@frankbonitz8406 probably because he gets them free and he’s never played a Martin. Or you can knock them around. Trust me, buy a Cole Clarke and you will regret it. If you don’t believe me play alongside the Maton equivalent…they are assembly line guitars. Good for what they are but way overpriced. Depends what you want out of an acoustic

[@paulfitz6614]

None of what you wrote is true, other than the LED lights. Cole Clark make great instruments.

[@boodgy1818]

Wow, you need your ears checked, maybe purchase a driptray to avoid soiling your clothing from the verbal diarrhoea, thanks for your shallow input Tonedeaf.

[@Steven-zg5bq]

too many knobs mate, this aint no synth.......keep it simple

[@goswo]

Seriously sounds bad. Setting things up like you, and then ending with this result. Holy cow. Sounds like shit :-)

[@jocalvo]

Maton by far !