Cole Clark has been offering so-called hybrid models since 2019—acoustic guitars with a second output and a built-in humbucker. In addition to the standard acoustic sound, these guitars allow players to switch to the humbucker via a blend knob or even use both pickups simultaneously. The popularity of these early models inspired the Cole Clark product team to develop new models that make the combination of electric and acoustic guitar even more accessible. 

The new True Hybrid models are thinline guitars that can be played both as acoustic and electric instruments. This is made possible by the outstanding Cole Clark PG3 acoustic pickup, combined with a second, independent output and the option for three single coils, two humbuckers, or a humbucker with two single coils. The goal was to create an instrument that is equally acoustic and electric—without compromising on playability or tone. 

A major part of an acoustic guitar’s amplified sound comes from using phosphor bronze strings. This led to a challenge: magnetic pickups only detect the nickel core of an acoustic string, meaning the lower four strings produce less volume than the top two. This issue is common in other hybrid guitars as well. To solve it, Cole Clark’s in-house electronics expert Paul Gale developed a machine that adjusts the strength of each pole piece in a magnetic pickup, perfectly balancing the sound for phosphor bronze strings. This innovation makes the True Hybrid models truly unique—outstanding as both acoustic and electric guitars.