In an era where sustainability is paramount, Cole Clark Guitars has emerged as a global leader in crafting guitars with eco-consciousness at the forefront. As of September 2024, an impressive 96% of the timbers used in Cole Clark guitars are sustainable, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environment while delivering exceptional instruments.
The Environmental Cost of Traditional Tonewoods
The global guitar industry has long relied on timbers sourced from North America, Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. Species such as spruce, cedar, maple, redwood, ebony, mahogany, and koa are staples in guitar production but are increasingly endangered. Brazilian rosewood, for instance, was banned from export in 1967 due to overharvesting, and Indian rosewood faced restrictions until exemptions were granted for sustainably sourced materials. Many mahogany varieties and rosewood species remain vulnerable or endangered.
Despite the relatively small number of trees used by the guitar industry – approximately 120 spruce trees annually in North America – deforestation for furniture and pulp industries exacerbates the scarcity of old-growth timbers. This environmental strain has pushed manufacturers, including Cole Clark, to seek sustainable alternatives.
A Unique Approach to Sustainability
From its inception, Cole Clark has embraced Australia’s rich biodiversity, sourcing indigenous tonewoods to replace endangered species. These local timbers often match or surpass the acoustic qualities of their overseas counterparts. The result is a line of guitars that stand out not only for their tonal excellence but also for their minimal environmental footprint.
Key Sustainable Materials in Cole Clark Guitars:
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Tops: 53% Australian Blackwood (Otway Ranges, Tasmania), 20% Bunya (Queensland plantations), 18% Californian Redwood (Australian-grown, salvaged), and Cedar of Lebanon (Western Victoria).
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Backs and Sides: 66% Australian Blackwood, 15% Queensland maple (plantation), 9% Silky Oak (urban recovery), and 10% European maple grown in Australia.
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Necks: Sustainably sourced Queensland maple, Australian Blackwood, and Honduran mahogany from Fiji.
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Fingerboards: 95% sustainable materials such as River Sheoak, Satin Box, Australian Blackwood, and eucalyptus. The remaining 5% is legal rosewood.
Urban Recovery: A Game Changer
Since 2014, Cole Clark has championed urban recovery initiatives, salvaging timbers from urban trees that have fallen naturally or require removal for safety reasons. Typically destined for mulch, these trees find new life in guitars, contributing to carbon sequestration and reducing waste. Urban recovery now accounts for 30% of the timber used by Cole Clark, reinforcing the company’s innovative approach to sustainability.
Transparency and Ethical Sourcing
Transparency is integral to Cole Clark’s sustainability mission. By listing the scientific names of all timbers used, the company ensures customers make informed choices. This practice helps combat misleading claims often made under broad terms like “mahogany,” which can encompass endangered and non-endangered species alike. Cole Clark’s meticulous attention to timber sourcing reflects a broader industry shift towards ethical promotion and sustainable practices.
Balancing Affordability and Certification
While Cole Clark strives to use sustainable materials, the company has yet to obtain FSC certification, as this would significantly raise the cost of their instruments. Currently, Cole Clark can produce guitars from sustainable, non-endangered timbers at the same price as non-sustainable models. The goal is to pursue FSC certification without compromising affordability, ensuring sustainability remains accessible to all musicians.
A Model for the Future
Cole Clark’s dedication to sustainability serves as a model for the global guitar industry. By prioritizing local resources, engaging in urban recovery, and embracing ethical transparency, the company is paving the way for a greener future in musical instrument manufacturing. Musicians seeking to reduce their environmental impact can confidently choose Cole Clark, knowing their guitars are crafted with care for both sound and the planet.
For more details on Cole Clark’s sustainability initiatives, visit their environmental statement page.
