Cole Clark Ukuleles
Cole Clark Ukuleles
Cole Clark are an Australian guitar maker who also have a range of ukuleles (called Ukelady). Most of their ukes are made from Australian Blackwood – from the same family of wood (Acacia) as koa wood.
As far as I’m aware, they are only available in Australia. You can find some for sale here.
On Video
Honey plays a Cole Clark UL1. You can see Bosko playing the same uke here.
9 Comments
our local panama city music store has one, they also had it listed on ebay for $660. I played it in their store, it is superbly made and a real player, but at that price it should be.
This is an amazing instrument. I have been using it on stage all over the US and Australia. It has an incredible pick up system that delivers exquisite sound through every system that I’ve worked with, which is rare for a Ukelele. From major outdoor concerts to small room studio work this instrument has been relentless in its quality and playability. The pick-up system is the real secret to its success. It sounds better than any other Uke I’ve played through a PA. The strings it shipped with were not bad but with quality strings its amazing. Its not a beginner Uke unless you have cash to burn. Its high-end for those who care about how theyu sound. You’d be lucky to find one under $800. I also love its name – Ukelady 🙂 plug one in and you will be blown away!
Does this Uke sound just as good without being plugged in?
When I got back into ukeleles a couple of years ago I tried a few ukes and unfortunately got hooked on a Cole Clark Jack Tenor before I saw the price tag. It was a lot but I have not regretted it. My other instruments have collected dust since then. As for Marty’s question, it sounds fantastic unplugged (I have no call to plug mine in), rich in tone.
I have a Cole Clark (Jack Tenor) I have mixed feelings about it now after having it for 4 years and rairly playing it. The action is super high real hard to play up the neck. You can shush it but the lowest saddle hight is still too high. I had to sand the corners on the nut all over it was sharp and got in your way changing chords down low. Tone was really dull and lifeless with Aquilla string so I just put it in the cupboard and forgot it. BUT now with ORCAS ( fluro carbon strings) it’s not too bad and I’m playing it for the first time. But action is still too high.At over $1000 Aus I’d expect more.
I love my ukelady! It’s a beautiful instrument with a sweet sound and a pretty look. It did need a bit of work — replacing tuning system, having the action lowered, replacing strings — but after that it’s golden.
I brought my Ukelady 3 (Ebony fingerboard, Indian Rosewood top, back and sides) in 2008 and have been very happy with it. Just learned today (2 years late) that Cole Clark have stopped making ukuleles. I don’t think they can be beat for quality for price, but they were at the high end of price.
I bought a Jack Tenor JT1AC. I wanted a JT2 as they were a bit flashier but they were all sold out. I think I got the last one for sale in Australia. I love it. Great sound unplugged, brilliant through an amp. I did not need to change the setup, great action, beautiful instrument. I have never seen one for sale second hand so they must be keepers. Everywhere I play people remark on the tone and the presence. I take it with me wherever I go and I can advise anybody if you see one for sale, BUY IT. It stays in tune, even after being played con brio, it looks like it means business and it sings. Keep an eye out, good Aussie combat ukulele.
I have just bought for a bargain price 2 brand New Cole Clarke Concert Ukelele’s in original boxes and wrappings from a Past Importer and Dealer. One is Ausie All Solid Blackwood (KOA) and the other is an all Solid Rosewood. Both have Distinctive Sounds the first lends itself more to Strumming while the Latter is best for playing Single Notes and Scales. I had them on Trial for 2 weeks and could NOT decide which I liked Best so I bought them Both.
I have a number of Uke’s I have purchased over the Years from the 60’s till now of various Types and Wood Combinations and at varying prices but NOTHING compares to the sound of these even at Double the Price. These will stay with me and be played daily until I get “Recalled”!
It’s a pity that Cole Clarke Discontinued these Uke’s. They will now become “Collectors” items putting them beyond the reach of most Uke Fans.
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