Thankyou very much for your presentation. I´ve just bought a new CTP 3 for my Takamine Santa Fe. The old preamp died after to 15 years of gigging! I really liked your tutorial because it was informative, to the point, thorough, covered all bases, and I hope you dont mind me saying, without too much ego, which I´ve found alot of regarding guitar related stuff. Many thanks.
+redpaintedtoenails You're most welcome, thanks for watching. The CTP-3 has made significant improvements to the CTP-2, I'm still waiting to get my hands on one!
About 6 or 7 years ago I installed the CTP-1 into my Taylor 614ce after becoming frustrated with the terrible Taylor ES system. It's a killer preamp, the best I,ve ever heard, totally transformed my guitar!
+daveiguana1 Agreed! I find it very interesting that Taylor has gone back to a piezo-based pickup with their new expression system 2. Not only that, it uses individual sensors placed near the saddle! Just goes to show how right Takamine got all of this, thirty five years ago!!!
+GLB Productions You are absolutely right. Because I had 3 different Takamine guitars & although I don't own any of them now, unfortunately, and I can't remember the model of those preamps, but they did predate the cool tube. But even so, they had the very best plugged in acoustic sound that me and any of my bandmates or peers ever heard for any acoustic. From "day 1", I was always fascinated with their 6 individual pieces for each string approach. All other systems back then, even the Fishman's, sounded too bassy and clinically clean. As I'm sure you already know, the true unplugged sound of a fine acoustic guitar actually has a very light natural & warm distortion, which makes acoustic guitars so special anyway, and Takamine emulated that warm tone very well. So Takamine was light years ahead of the competition, even back then, in my opinion. I will be buying another Takamine, and it WILL have this cool-tube system! Which is exactly why I am watching your video now. Very good information. Thank you!!!
- You're most welcome. You can actually download the manual from the Takamine website, although it is somewhat less thorough than this video tutorial ;)
When using the Takamine Acoustic DI plus you must still have batteries installed to complete the circuit and take advantage of the phantom power. You could use it without batteries if you solder the battery terminals together with a piece of wire, but then your tuner would not work unless the DI box is in use. So I guess we still have the weight of the batteries no matter what. Nice video.
Robert LeBlanc Thanks for the comment, it's always useful to have user feedback on these preamps. Fortunately the mounting location of the preamp is fairly close to where the guitar strap attaches so the rotational forces caused by the weight of the unit are minimised.
47:06 this is probably the best sound I've heard from an under-saddle pickup/pre-amp combo. I usually hate UST pickups because they sound so harsh and lifeless, but this pre-amp really brings some life into them. I'm guessing "cool tube", and the fact that it's run on batteries, means it's a starved-plate design. Most cheap starved-plate studio gear I've used or heard usually sounds terrible (goes into harsh and lackluster distortion immediately without really warming up the sound), but Takamine has either come up with a way to make a starved-plate design sound really good, or they've added some other analog magic to the circuit.
Awesome, I was watching your video while playing my Takamine EF250SMC but in the natural maple and low and behold you bring out your's at the end to show us the sound from a maple guitar...lol
Sounds great! Love those takamine guitars with the cooltube pickups, I just wish I didn't have to cut a big hole in my 714 and or my J45 to put one in. They aren't cheap either and don't come in any cheap guitars
Glad you think so! No I wouldn't bother cutting a hole in your existing guitar to fit one of these - there are far better options these days. Also remember that the preamp (the part you can see) is designed to work with the Takamine Palathetic pickup, so to produce the tone you hear in the video you would need to transplant both the pickup as well as the preamp - not worth it in my opinion 😉
@@GLBProductions Another great feature is that the preamp accepts a second pickup. IMO when you add a k&k to the mix is where you get the very best sound. I've also heard of people mixing a the triaxe pickup with it (its basically an LR Baggs M1A). I have the shadow nanoflex system in my J45 it sounds very similar if I use a tube emulator.
There are major design differences between the CTP-2 and CTP-3 preamps but I haven't yet done a review on the latter. The difference with the nylon string models is in the pickup rather than in the preamp.
In my opinion (I've owned all the variants of the CTP preamps), I think the CTP-1 was the best preamp. I would kill to get another CTP-1. I still have one in my main guitar TNV340s, I know the batteries go down a little quicker on this preamp but it is well worth it to have the richer warmer tone the CTP-1 offers. The CTP-2 and 3 versions sound well....ok, but they are not the warm rich smooth sound you get from the CTP-1 Why Takamine would get away from the best preamp I have ever heard is beyond me. I at the moment have 2 Takamines one is my TNV, and the other is a P5JC as I have played the frets off my TNV and it need a fret replacement job. I am getting some static and I know I am on borrowed time with my CTP-1 and it makes me sick, because once it finally goes out I will never have the tone I fell in love with again. Takamine if you are listening and have any new old stock CTP-1 preamps I would buy them in a heartbeat. If not, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring them back, I am a tone junkie and think you had the best preamp I have ever heard with the original version. BTW I have had at least 10 different high end Takamin guitars with various preamps and nothing in any guitar, even by other manufacturers sounds as great as the CTP-1, I would gladly carry a backpack full of batteries if I had to to get the tone I am looking for.
Hi, was wondering if you can help me. I have just got a ctp2 cool tube. The original owner left the battery's in and rotted tge connection in the pre amp and the wires have come off the spring pins where the tuner clips into. I cannot find a scamatic anywhere and was wondering if you have the order of the wires connecting to the pins please...
Hi ! I got a friend that had a Takamine with a CTP-2 preamp, and he didn't know how to use that preamp. He didn't know what was the semi-parametric, and I had to tell him why was the . I think that if he had seen this video, he wouldn't have selled his Takamine. And if I had seen it before too, I could have more explained to him how to use the CTP-2. It's a pity, cause I see, or I hear that it can give very nice sounds, even with the EQ completly flat. Thanks for this video. CIAO BYE !
- You're welcome, thanks for watching. The Cool Tube preamp is complex but fortunately get a good sound even with everything set flat. In many ways this is the the sign of a well-designed preamp.
GLB Productions Hi again ! I got another question to ask to you, as you know well the Cool tube preamp. if I add a magnetic Pick-up on the sound hole and plug it into the , and if I plug myself in my Amplified Consol with a stereo Jack for the guitar and a XLR output for the amplified consol, will I have a kind of Stereo sound ? for some guitars, when there are two ways, like an under saddle transducer and an electret mic, will i have the mic in one side, like for exemple the left, and the piezo on the right, like for some guitars that I've played ? With the cool Tube, I don't know what to think ????? Thanks for having taken on your time to answer to me, and hope you'll have 5 minutes to answer again ! Greetings ! CIAO BYE !
Fabulous in-depth review, clearly explained. I just ordered a TAKAMINE 2012c nylon string ltd which of course has the cool tube system. Will I be able to plug the guitar directly into my Roland Cube Street Amp?
- Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the review. Yes you'll be able to connect to the Roland amp with no problems at all using the guitar/instrument channel. Just be aware that the output of the preamp is very hot so take it easy on your gain setting to begin with.
Just curious about having the preamp volume at 10. Doesn't that effectively overdrive the signal going to the board? I've never had mine even close to that high, but maybe I don't get how it's supposed to work. Thanks. Good video too. I have a TSF48C, too.
No it doesn't - the preamp is designed to output cleanly at any setting on the volume control. It's not like a tube guitar amplifier which can be overdriven by turning it up past a certain volume. Now, it's possible to overdrive the input of the next device in the signal chain with the output from the guitar, but that's a different matter 😉 Thanks for watching!
@@GLBProductions Thanks for the answer to my question. I put my volume on 10 and, sure enough, it sounded just fine. Thanks for helping me get even better sounds out of this guitar.
I have an EF341sc that is maple back and sides. It's so freaking trebbly. I think you're dead right about the cool tube + maple guitar = match made in heaven.
justun chan Yup, my maple Taks are all extremely bright. But better to have too much top end than not enough! You can always reduce it on the EQ if necessary, and I find that a maple guitar is absolutely perfect in a loud band - it may sound brittle and scratchy by itself but in a band it fits in great without needing to use a lot of EQ or compression.
GLB Productions i'm looking everywhere to buy one of these preamps.. can't find them even on ebay. i sent email to takamine, hopefully they can sell me one. any tips or advice?
justun chan Yes, you should get in touch with the Takamine distributor for your country - there is a list on the website - they will be able to order you a preamp.
It depends on what sort of sound you like :) For me I set the cool tube to about 50% with a slight bass boost and mid cut. But this will be different for everyone.
Thanks for sharing .. I would like to know, what is your experience with the Takamine Cool Tube 2? I've heard that the Takamine Cool Tube 2 consumes much battery. Is it true or just a rumor? I bought a Takamine Pro Series TF360SBG Thank you again.
- The battery life of the unit is around 24 hours, which is not very much compared to the other preamps that Takamine produce, so yes it is true. Congratulations on your guitar, the SBG series are some of the best guitars Takamine has ever made!
Every type of battery I put in it is dead or leaking 2 days later.. and now my amp wont turn on. Not sure if battery corrosion ruined something.. but it was the best sounding guitar plugged into a sound system when working.. I might have to explore lithium or rechargeable..
I have the exact guitar you played last as my gigging acoustic guitar. Great guitar at the price range and looks killer too. 2 things, I'm on my second cooltube preamp as the first one broke a while back and the battery life isn't 24hours. I'd say 4/5 gigs... about 15 hours or so. It's a great pickup in a lovely guitar though. I'm thinking about buying the triaxis aux pickup for her actually. Have you tired it? Super demo btw!
Thanks for watching! Yes I've also gone to rechargeable batteries for my Cool Tube preamps. I haven't tried the triax but I've tried the LR Baggs equivalent and it does sound excellent.
Thank you Bruno, this was extremely helpful to me as I am contemplating the purchase of the P5NC model. Any thoughts on that particular model of guitar?
The P5NC is very similar to the TSF48c in the video - same wood combination, body size and nut width, the only difference being the electronics are the newer CTP-3 rather than the CTP-2 in the video. I haven't played the P5NC myself but if you like the guitar in the video chances are you'll be happy with the P5NC. Personally I find the NEX to be an ideal all-around guitar, although I prefer an OM for playing live with other instruments.
GLB Productions Appreciate the reply. Upgrading from my Seagull & I haven't owned a Takamine as of yet, was also looking at the Martin GPC/OMC PA4, along with comparable Taylors, Gibsons and even a couple of Guild models. The Takamine really packs a lot of quality and high end features normally found at higher price points.
Hello, great review. Thanks. I was reading below and the question / comment for Jeff made me think. So my question is: I own a Tak EAN46c that is my absolute baby. Over the last 14 years I have tried several times to purchase a back up guitar but never could find one that I felt matched the body/tone of my Tak. So... last week my pre amp stopped working and I was thinking about replacing it with the CTP-3. My thinking was that the tube would warm up and add a bit more tone to an already sweet sound. BUT I do not want what you call, syrupy, and I read as muddy sound. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Hello Trace, the TSF48c in the video has almost the same specs as your EAN46c (NEX body size, spruce/rosewood) so it should give you a fair idea of how the cool tube would sound in your guitar. My impression of the cool tube effect has always been that it adds harmonics rather than any one particular frequency range, so the sound becomes complex/warm but it doesn't become bassy. As with all things YMMV. Remember that the tube can be taken out of the signal path if you don't want it.
As a guitarist, I just have to ask... Why would I need a tube in my acoustic preamp? Don't get me wrong, I love tubes...I have plenty of tube gear. But for live sound, will the listener really notice whether it has that nice, smooth compressive quality most tubes apply to signal paths? Probably not. In the studio you just use microphones and the room to construct your acoustic tone. It's just my opinion, of course, I actually have no stake in the outcome and 100% support anyone doing what they like to do with whatever gear they want...but the practical side of me always seems to ask that nagging question: "why?" Haha!
- Thanks for the comment! There are a number of endorsing artists who use the tube-driven signal both live as well as in the studio. Here's an interview with sound engineer Kooster McAllister about his experience with it: th-cam.com/video/i2ZSml4NT4I/w-d-xo.html What he says is very illuminating because it comes from the point of view of the professional behind the console as opposed to the guitarist.
Amazing video. Super helpful. Was having an issue with my CTP-2, getting no sound other than fuzz. Got a new tube, fixed it the first time I played it then back to just fuzz 2nd time I plugged it in. Any thoughts? Think this thing is shot?
In my experience these preamps are not designed to be repaired, but to be sure take the guitar to your local Takamine dealer/repair center. Thanks for watching!
Very complete review! What aux mic do you recomend with my Nylon strings guitar? I have the TC132SC Takamine guitar with the CTP 1. I want to add a mic or onboard transducer to get a more natural classical guitar sound.
Hmm, I'm afraid I can't really help you there. For classical guitar I always tend to use an external condenser microphone. I suggest that you post your question on www.takamineforum.com/ where I'm sure you'll get many good answers.
Just an observation, but you neglected to set the sweep back to the recommended position when you were running the treble slider through its paces. I'm pretty sure that that would have affected the sound and you weren't getting a true treble slider response. The mids were still being modified at the 4.5k setting.
Thanks for the comment Jimmy - remember that when the midrange slider is set to the centre detent position the setting of the mid-frequency knob has no effect on the sound. So you are in fact hearing the true response of the treble control.
Hello, that was a great demonstration! I recently purchased Takamine LTD Michi 2012, it comes with CTP-2 cool tube. And I think I am going install an extra soundhole pickup (or humbuckers whatever it is called) for blending with the CTP-2. What pickup system would you recommand??! Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank You!
I just tried a Pro Series 1 dread cutaway that has the Ct4BII but I wasn't super stoked about the pickup, it sounded too bright to me. Do you know if the Cool Tube would provide a warmer tone?
- Yes, if you want a warmer sound the Cool Tube is the place to go. However you can also try cutting the treble slider on the CT4B-II preamp a bit - it helps reduce some of the brilliance of the pickup without making the guitar sound muddy.
Watched and listened to this to see if it changed my mind about piezo pickups and sophisitcated pre amps. It hasn't. Find sound hole magnetic pickups far more 'acoustic' sounding, even with a cheap guitar. A dedicated acoustic pre-amp (like l.r. baggs) preferable, but output of mag pickup direct into desk or acoustic amp still sounds 100 times better to my old ears.
Andrew White Fair enough Andrew, everybody has different ears and a different idea as to what an amplified acoustic guitar should sound like. Thanks for your input, all points of view are welcome on my channel :)
Hi there to all, I have the GB7C, Garth brooks, and I'm thinking of changing the preamp to a CTP 2 , can I receive any thoughts on this matter please , jeff
Hello Jeff, the CTP-2 has been discontinued and replaced with the CTP-3. In terms of the upgrade, the only way to really tell is to try it and see - personally I think cedar-topped guitars do not really need the Cool Tube and the Garth Brooks model with its rosewood B&S REALLY does not need it, unless of course you're going for a really syrupy sound ;)
Does Takamine offer a similar guitar with a narrow neck like the one shown in the video, but with nylon type of classical strings? Very instructive video. Thanks.
orestesdd I'm not very familiar with Takamine's classical/nylon string lineup. I suggest you post your question to the good people at takamineforum.com/, they will be able to help you.
Hi I seen your TH-cam video on the ctp2 preamp Great review Do you have any idea what the screw between the artist switch and the valve does??? On the back
My particular version of the preamp does not have any screw between the artist switch and valve - I suspect they added that on a later revision of the preamp. I'm afraid I don't know what it does.
If you are talking about the nylon phillips head "screw" inside of the preamp between the artist switch and valve - it is a gain control for the tube circuit.
Thank you very much for your presentation. I have a Takamine tc132sc: The guitar pad (Where the control knobs are) vibrates when I play. Can you fix it / tighten it? Thanks in advance.
+Paulo Sanches Yes you have to figure out which side is rattling and then use a paper or thin plastic shim to stop the noise. The fit of the preamp cannot be adjusted in any other way that I know of.
+GLB Productions Thank you. "I've used D`Addario strings (classical guitar HARD Exp46) on a Takamine TC132SC and it's something I wouldn't advise to do.
Both are good systems but use different technology: the Anthem is a pickup+microphone combination. You really need to hear them in person and make your own decision.
The TSF48C featured in this video is the same general spec as the P5NC ie NEX body, spruce top, rosewood back and sides. And it is pretty heavy too! A lot of the weight comes from the preamp, especially the four AA batteries. I suggest that you compare this guitar with an OM size of the same wood combination - I personally have not found there to be much difference, especially when plugged in, and am slowly transitioning away from the NEX towards OM and New Yorker sized guitars.
Hi! Nice and helpful videos. I own a Takamine LTD 91 that I love but, am about to have work done on as it is in need. Unfortunately, I've been having problems with the original pre-amp, a TP (discontinued) and sadly feel I will need to replace it. Any suggestions as to which pre-amp may fit best for my body style and wood? It's an FXC body type, Koa top, bottom and sides with an ebony finger board. Thank you.
Hello Pat the current equivalent of your preamp would be the CT4B-II, this will drop right into place. You could also try the Cool Tube if you want to be adventurous! As with all electronics, the Tak preamps do not last forever - the good news is that they are very easy to remove and replace.
Cheers for that! I was under the impression that the CT4B-II was only for certain Japanese models? I am interested in the Cool Tube as well! Thank you for your help and your videos.
You're welcome! No the Japanese preamps are interchangeable as long as the guitar has the sound choice docking port ie the black plastic frame around the preamp. The Palathetic pickup has not actually changed since the late 70s (!!!) and it will work with any of the currently available preamps ie CT4B-II, CTP-3, CT4-DX. That's the beauty of the Takamine design - they knew the preamps are the weak point in the system, and designed them to be easy to replace. The pickup itself under the bridge almost never fails :)
Hi, this review is quite usefull. Question I have that guitar is producing little distorted sound when playing it. EQ is set to flat, and this happens on all levels of volume. Can this point to some issue with CTP2 itself? or this can be related to cable + direct box used.... Must add that I switched several cables and still same problem is faced. Many thanks
Distortion typically comes from two sources: weak/dying batteries or a tube that is reaching the end of its lifespan. If the sound still occurs with a brand new set of batteries you may need a new tube.
@@GLBProductions Tnx a lot for your feedback. One more question, since I put new batteries, shall distortion be there even if cool tube volume is set to 0? Can distortion be eliminated with just removing tube?
You're welcome. I don't know the answer to these questions - I suggest you experiment and see what happens 🙂 If the distortion is in the cool tube circuit only, you may be able to eliminate it by setting the cool tube knob to zero.
How about using high quality rechargeable batteries, such as Sanyo Eneloop to run the preamp. Does the slightly lower voltage affect the operation of the preamp?
- From listening to interviews with Takamine artists like Brad Davis, the tube circuit requires 3 volts of power, so I suspect that current is more important than voltage in this particular preamp. If that is correct, then rechargeable batteries should work fine. However I have no personally tried this ;)
I am looking to buy a Takamine ENV 340 SC, Can you tell me what it should be worth, He is asking $1000 for it with case, he tells me is was worth $2600. 00 when he bought it new, I played one years ago and was amazed at the sound and feel of the guitar, what dose the E N V stand for? he said in was a Nashville series guitar, can anyone help with these questions. thanks in advance Chester
Hi Chester! E = with Electronics NV = Nashville series, now discontinued. I suggest you post the price/value question over at Takamineforum.com - there are members there who are dealers and can better advise on the prices.
I left the batteries in too long and they bled into my CTP2 preamp. Consequently, it now malfunctions. It doesn't amplify the guitar. Is it ruined? Where can I purchase a new one? or is there a series of steps I can take in order to deduce what the problem is? Help!
+Leo R. Salazar I would suggest taking the guitar to your nearest Takamine dealer and they will be able to help you with a diagnosis. The electronics in these preamps are quite complicated and not really user-serviceable. Fortunately, they are straightforward to replace.
What's the advantage to Toby K. in having a laminate back? And... I read somewhere, someone saying that the CTBII is a better choice than cool tube. I'm guessing you disagree?
+mcdee56 My understanding is that the laminate back was just Toby Keith's personal preference. I prefer a solid back. I personally prefer the CT4BII for on-stage use because the controls are so much simpler and the resolution of the EQ is far better. I personally feel that +/-12dB is more than I would ever use on stage and hence prefer the smaller range of the CT4BII. The Cool Tube's extended feature set is better for recording where you have more time to tweak your sound.
+GLB Productions So which models does the CT4BII come stock? I'm new to Takamine but have been researching for a new Acoustic guitar and arrive here. These are some fantastic sounds you are getting!
+mcdee56 At this time it comes stock on the Pro Series 1,2 and 3. It's also featured on some of the legacy models such as the EF341SC used by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Yes, Takamine is hard to beat for getting a great fuss-free plug and play sound.
+GLB Productions Have you done a review of the P3NC? Have you played one? If so, is the cedar top lively enough? I had an Alvarez Yairi with a cedar top decades ago and it never sang-out and subsequently wasn't inspiring to play. PS: you are very thorough in your work and it's obvious that you are passionate for it!
+mcdee56 I haven't done a review of this model but I have the model it replaced, the ETN40c - pretty much the same guitar: cedar/sapele, NEX body. The cedar top is very lively to my ears - Takamine have a way of tuning their cedar tops such that they work well for pretty much all styles of music. The response is quick, even to a light touch, and the tone is warm but not dark like many cedar tops I've played. Glad you're enjoying the videos! If you want more opinions please sign up for the forum at www.takamineforum.com/ - many very helpful and experienced Takamine players over there.
I have watch this video, what I wanted to know is this: On my Takamine TAN77 with the same Pre-Amp there is a lot of noise when I connect the guitar to a amplier. Do you have an explanation for this. And do you experience the same on this guitar
Mels Huijbers There have been a number of reports of noisy cool tube preamps since the introduction of the unit. Check for old or worn out batteries and dirty or corroded contacts, especially between the preamp and the output jack of the guitar, as well as the output jack itself. If these are all in good condition then you may have one of the faulty preamps - the easiest way to check is to bring the guitar to a Takamine dealer and have them swap out the preamp for a new one to see if the noise goes away. I experienced this with my TF250SMCSB, fortunately before purchase.
GLB Productions Many thanks for your quick response I will check the batteries and contacts. I also ask my Takamine Dealer to swap the preamp for a new one.
Mels Huijbers Great, let me know how it works out. Could I also invite you to join us on www.takamineforum.com/ - lots of great players there who are much more knowledgeable than I am :)
- I personally feel that the old natural series guitars are very warm-sounding instruments already and do not need the cool tube feature to sound great.
Where does the tube get it's power? It takes a lot of power just for the emitter heat. I know it's just 6 volts but the low resistance means a lot of current. That'll eat up batteries like crazy. Does this have an outboard power supply? How can the tube work without a heater element? Tubes don't work without the electrons being heated? This is strange science to me.
Takamine have worked out a way of running the tube at very low voltage such that it never gets hot but still adds even-order harmonics to the signal. In other words the tube is not used as an amplifier. How exactly they do this I have no idea :)
GLB Productions Ok, but now I'm thinking how some manufacturers and many experts believe that the power amps produce most of those sweet even order harmonic distortion and compression. Others produce amps with tube preamp and FET or whatever power stage amplification. If you're bent on having all tube amplification throughout the signal, dump all of your effects pedals is step one. All this will be argued for years to come. I use a tube amp for recording my acoustic and love it. Heavy distortion is not what I'm after. But I do believe manufacturers have to go with what the public demands. Even if it's just a minority of this public, the high cost and profit of tube devices means it'll be produced. Some of these "all tube" types even get a bit snobbish about all this and develops a nearly false pride attitude toward this subject. Tubes do have an attack, clean transparent high frequencies due to the high input impedance also. The high cost and high maintenance for professional use often makes the professional turn to FET amps for practical reasons. Anyway I am not a tube purest, and there's solid state amps oh there the are great. It all comes what each individual. Whatever sound the guitar and amp combination inspires you and is within budget, go for it. I have my Les Paul and Strat which to me are basic must have guitars, and I have a lot of entry level guitars (guitars that cost under $300) and love them all. Each has its own voice and characteristics. If I dont love them, I sell them. And I've bought and sold well over 50 guitars. Well, after chatting with you, and listening to this, I'm not so skeptical about this cold tube device. It's just not my cup of tea. Now it's time to check out those Dowina guitars again.
Me again : I forgot, can we buy a preamp CTP-2 ? I know someone that got a Spanish guitar but had put a CTP-1 to amplify his guitar. I'd like to know if it's possible to buy one and then install it in the guitar we want ? And for sure, I'd like to know the price of the CTP-2 ? Thanks by advance. CIAO BYE !
- Yes, the CTP-2 is a direct replacement for and is considered an upgrade to the CTP-1. You'll need to check the price of the preamp with your local Takamine dealer.
GLB Productions Hi ! If I asked the price, it's that the first music store is at 35 km from where I live, so I don't often go there. I got a problem with a Godin Multiac Duet. Those guitars are specials, and I don't know if we can put a CTP-2 on those guitars ? My preamp is "broken", and I'm asking myself how to replace the L.R.Baggs components that we can find on that guitar ? I've written to L.R.Baggs, and they told me that they don't have components to repair my Godin no more. I don't know what I'll do, cause I've paid that guitar 1800€ in 1999, and just less than 15 years after, no more amplified sound. I don't find L.R.Baggs very serious, This kind of guitar must be a guitar for life. That's why I was asking the price. I don't know if we can change the L.R.Baggs preamp with a CTP-2 ? Thanks for having taken on your time to answer to me. CIAO BYE !
- The Cool Tube preamp is designed to work with Takamine's original undersaddle pickup system, so it may not be compatible with the pickups in the Godin. Also, you would need to cut a large hole in the side of your guitar which should be avoided if possible! Have you tried contacting Godin directly? They may be able to help you: info@godinguitars.com
GLB Productions Hi ! Thanks a lot for having answered. Yes, I've contacted Godin Guitars, and I'm waiting for an answer. I hope that if it's not possible to change of preamp, they willl have the components that I need. If L.R.Baggs don't have them, I suppose that it's just cause Godin had changed to let Fishman take the place of L.R.Baggs, so they didn't wanted to stay with components that are going in the oldest Godins. If Godin don't have those components, I think that I will not be happy, cause making a guitar that costed 1890€ not possible to repair just 15 years after having been bought, it's really noàt serious. I find that they don't respect the clients. And they tell them that the Godins are made to be played.....It's only when you often play wiçth a guitar that you must make it repair. When you never touch the guitar, there won't be any problems. Thanks for having answered. CIAO BYE, and sorry if my answer is a little bit long. CIAO BYE !
The original pickup in my guitar and I put this one in and it has never sounded right. It runs really hot almost too much mid and tops . No tone whatsoever it's horrible (takamine guitar and the first pickup was great untill it died). The guitar sounds great acoustically - does anyone know what the problem might be? I have to have the bass right up and the treble off and still sounds horrible help :(
Hello Sarah what is the make and model of your guitar? Also, I assume that you mean preamp and not pickup? The pickup is under the bridge, the preamp is the component described in this video.
Federico Petriella Yes it can - the Japanese made Takamine guitars will accept any preamp that will fit the sound choice docking port. However please note that this model of the Cool Tube preamp has recently been replaced by the CTP-3, which looks rather different.
Federico Petriella You're welcome :) Between those two preamps I prefer the Cool Tube. However also take a look at the CT4B-II preamp, which IMO cannot be beat for simple operation under less than ideal stage conditions.
I've just seen the review of the CT4B-II. It would be my lead option :) Last question, do you know where could I buy it online in the US? Any recommendation? Thanks a lot!
Federico Petriella Try Alex Pepiak at Lost Art/Vintage Instruments: alpep@lostartvintage.com Tell him you got the email addres from me. Alternatively post a question over at www.takamineforum.com/, somebody will be able to point you in the right direction.
My CTP2 is currently having issues. Could i plug and play a newer pre-amp from takamine lets say for example CTP3?? Mines cracking and needs replacement. Will that work?
Yeah it can be hard to judge on TH-cam - you really need to hear the guitar in person through a good pair of studio monitors or a fullrange PA system. Thanks for watching!
Anyone knows an outstanding Luthier who can install these pickups in an epiphone that comes pre equipped with a solid state pickup? I don't live in teh U.S., so if you can give me some contact info or his address, msg it to me, I'd appreciate that. EDIT: one more thing, i see some companies selling preamp pedals, would that work as an alternative to the above if I connect it to an acoustic amp?
SickMetalAddict There are some companies that sell preamp pedals with tube emulation, or even with real tubes in them. I'd give them a try and see - many of them sound very good indeed, but the Cool Tube's trump card is that it is built into the guitar and is always with you.
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Thankyou very much for your presentation. I´ve just bought a new CTP 3 for my Takamine Santa Fe. The old preamp died after to 15 years of gigging!
I really liked your tutorial because it was informative, to the point, thorough, covered all bases, and I hope you dont mind me saying, without too much ego, which I´ve found alot of regarding guitar related stuff. Many thanks.
+redpaintedtoenails You're most welcome, thanks for watching. The CTP-3 has made significant improvements to the CTP-2, I'm still waiting to get my hands on one!
Thank you for your passionate and thorough review. I just purchased a Takamine TAN16c with this preamp installed. I love it!
You're most welcome, the TAN16c is a fantastic instrument 🥰
Thanks for the great review. I learned some things about my tuning module.
- You're welcome, glad it was helpful :)
About 6 or 7 years ago I installed the CTP-1 into my Taylor 614ce after becoming frustrated with the terrible Taylor ES system. It's a killer preamp, the best I,ve ever heard, totally transformed my guitar!
+daveiguana1 Agreed! I find it very interesting that Taylor has gone back to a piezo-based pickup with their new expression system 2. Not only that, it uses individual sensors placed near the saddle! Just goes to show how right Takamine got all of this, thirty five years ago!!!
+GLB Productions You are absolutely right. Because I had 3 different Takamine guitars & although I don't own any of them now, unfortunately, and I can't remember the model of those preamps, but they did predate the cool tube. But even so, they had the very best plugged in acoustic sound that me and any of my bandmates or peers ever heard for any acoustic. From "day 1", I was always fascinated with their 6 individual pieces for each string approach. All other systems back then, even the Fishman's, sounded too bassy and clinically clean. As I'm sure you already know, the true unplugged sound of a fine acoustic guitar actually has a very light natural & warm distortion, which makes acoustic guitars so special anyway, and Takamine emulated that warm tone very well. So Takamine was light years ahead of the competition, even back then, in my opinion. I will be buying another Takamine, and it WILL have this cool-tube system! Which is exactly why I am watching your video now. Very good information. Thank you!!!
Howabouthetruth You're most welcome, hope to have you 'back in the family' soon!
I appreciated this very much for I have no manual.
- You're most welcome. You can actually download the manual from the Takamine website, although it is somewhat less thorough than this video tutorial ;)
When using the Takamine Acoustic DI plus you must still have batteries installed to complete the circuit and take advantage of the phantom power. You could use it without batteries if you solder the battery terminals together with a piece of wire, but then your tuner would not work unless the DI box is in use. So I guess we still have the weight of the batteries no matter what. Nice video.
Robert LeBlanc Thanks for the comment, it's always useful to have user feedback on these preamps. Fortunately the mounting location of the preamp is fairly close to where the guitar strap attaches so the rotational forces caused by the weight of the unit are minimised.
Don’t you have to replace the input plug to a balanced 3 conductor cable to get phantom power from the DI?
Thank you for yhis beautiful and useful review.
- You're most welcome, thanks for watching :)
47:06 this is probably the best sound I've heard from an under-saddle pickup/pre-amp combo. I usually hate UST pickups because they sound so harsh and lifeless, but this pre-amp really brings some life into them. I'm guessing "cool tube", and the fact that it's run on batteries, means it's a starved-plate design. Most cheap starved-plate studio gear I've used or heard usually sounds terrible (goes into harsh and lackluster distortion immediately without really warming up the sound), but Takamine has either come up with a way to make a starved-plate design sound really good, or they've added some other analog magic to the circuit.
Glad to hear that and thanks for watching :)
Awesome, I was watching your video while playing my Takamine EF250SMC but in the natural maple and low and behold you bring out your's at the end to show us the sound from a maple guitar...lol
Sounds great! Love those takamine guitars with the cooltube pickups, I just wish I didn't have to cut a big hole in my 714 and or my J45 to put one in. They aren't cheap either and don't come in any cheap guitars
Glad you think so! No I wouldn't bother cutting a hole in your existing guitar to fit one of these - there are far better options these days. Also remember that the preamp (the part you can see) is designed to work with the Takamine Palathetic pickup, so to produce the tone you hear in the video you would need to transplant both the pickup as well as the preamp - not worth it in my opinion 😉
@@GLBProductions Another great feature is that the preamp accepts a second pickup. IMO when you add a k&k to the mix is where you get the very best sound. I've also heard of people mixing a the triaxe pickup with it (its basically an LR Baggs M1A). I have the shadow nanoflex system in my J45 it sounds very similar if I use a tube emulator.
You r the best! NICE REVIEW MAN!
Thanx!
You're welcome thanks for watching!
+GLB Productions I just got a TC132SC with a CTP3 preamp. Any important difference with CTP2? Considering the nylon strings of the guitar
There are major design differences between the CTP-2 and CTP-3 preamps but I haven't yet done a review on the latter. The difference with the nylon string models is in the pickup rather than in the preamp.
+GLB Productions thanx! I can't wait to watch your review about ctp3 and nylon strings guitar
In my opinion (I've owned all the variants of the CTP preamps), I think the CTP-1 was the best preamp.
I would kill to get another CTP-1.
I still have one in my main guitar TNV340s, I know the batteries go down a little quicker on this preamp but it is well worth it to have the richer warmer tone the CTP-1 offers.
The CTP-2 and 3 versions sound well....ok, but they are not the warm rich smooth sound you get from the CTP-1
Why Takamine would get away from the best preamp I have ever heard is beyond me.
I at the moment have 2 Takamines one is my TNV, and the other is a P5JC as I have played the frets off my TNV and it need a fret replacement job.
I am getting some static and I know I am on borrowed time with my CTP-1 and it makes me sick, because once it finally goes out I will never have the tone I fell in love with again.
Takamine if you are listening and have any new old stock CTP-1 preamps I would buy them in a heartbeat.
If not, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE bring them back, I am a tone junkie and think you had the best preamp I have ever heard with the original version.
BTW I have had at least 10 different high end Takamin guitars with various preamps and nothing in any guitar, even by other manufacturers sounds as great as the CTP-1, I would gladly carry a backpack full of batteries if I had to to get the tone I am looking for.
Hi, was wondering if you can help me. I have just got a ctp2 cool tube. The original owner left the battery's in and rotted tge connection in the pre amp and the wires have come off the spring pins where the tuner clips into. I cannot find a scamatic anywhere and was wondering if you have the order of the wires connecting to the pins please...
Hi Keith, the man to ask is Bill Sutherland aka Mr Takamine USA - you can find his shop and contact details on Facebook or eBay.
I have the CTP 1 in my 2006 LTD Takamine. I love it. The best sounding plugged in acoustic Ive ever heard
I couldn't agree more.
Hi ! I got a friend that had a Takamine with a CTP-2 preamp, and he didn't know how to use that preamp. He didn't know what was the semi-parametric, and I had to tell him why was the . I think that if he had seen this video, he wouldn't have selled his Takamine. And if I had seen it before too, I could have more explained to him how to use the CTP-2. It's a pity, cause I see, or I hear that it can give very nice sounds, even with the EQ completly flat. Thanks for this video. CIAO BYE !
- You're welcome, thanks for watching. The Cool Tube preamp is complex but fortunately get a good sound even with everything set flat. In many ways this is the the sign of a well-designed preamp.
GLB Productions Hi again ! I got another question to ask to you, as you know well the Cool tube preamp. if I add a magnetic Pick-up on the sound hole and plug it into the , and if I plug myself in my Amplified Consol with a stereo Jack for the guitar and a XLR output for the amplified consol, will I have a kind of Stereo sound ? for some guitars, when there are two ways, like an under saddle transducer and an electret mic, will i have the mic in one side, like for exemple the left, and the piezo on the right, like for some guitars that I've played ? With the cool Tube, I don't know what to think ????? Thanks for having taken on your time to answer to me, and hope you'll have 5 minutes to answer again ! Greetings ! CIAO BYE !
- I'm afraid this does not apply to the cool tube preamp - it mixes the two sources together and outputs them in mono.
Fabulous in-depth review, clearly explained. I just ordered a TAKAMINE 2012c nylon string ltd which of course has the cool tube system. Will I be able to plug the guitar directly into my Roland Cube Street Amp?
- Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the review. Yes you'll be able to connect to the Roland amp with no problems at all using the guitar/instrument channel. Just be aware that the output of the preamp is very hot so take it easy on your gain setting to begin with.
Thank you for your courtesy in responding so promptly. I have saved your review to my favorites so I will always have it handy to refer to.
Great review, thanks!
You're welcome Anthony!
Just curious about having the preamp volume at 10. Doesn't that effectively overdrive the signal going to the board? I've never had mine even close to that high, but maybe I don't get how it's supposed to work. Thanks. Good video too. I have a TSF48C, too.
No it doesn't - the preamp is designed to output cleanly at any setting on the volume control. It's not like a tube guitar amplifier which can be overdriven by turning it up past a certain volume. Now, it's possible to overdrive the input of the next device in the signal chain with the output from the guitar, but that's a different matter 😉 Thanks for watching!
@@GLBProductions Thanks for the answer to my question. I put my volume on 10 and, sure enough, it sounded just fine. Thanks for helping me get even better sounds out of this guitar.
You're welcome, all the best with your music!
Question what type of tool do you need to insert in the preamp hole to pull it out. I am getting a slight buzz/vibration from the preamp, Great review
Pretty much anything stiff and thin enough to fit into the hole can be used - I have used paperclips, wire, thin drift punches etc.
Great review! Hugs from Brazil!
Thanks for watching Luiz!
I have an EF341sc that is maple back and sides. It's so freaking trebbly. I think you're dead right about the cool tube + maple guitar = match made in heaven.
justun chan Yup, my maple Taks are all extremely bright. But better to have too much top end than not enough! You can always reduce it on the EQ if necessary, and I find that a maple guitar is absolutely perfect in a loud band - it may sound brittle and scratchy by itself but in a band it fits in great without needing to use a lot of EQ or compression.
GLB Productions i'm looking everywhere to buy one of these preamps.. can't find them even on ebay. i sent email to takamine, hopefully they can sell me one. any tips or advice?
justun chan Yes, you should get in touch with the Takamine distributor for your country - there is a list on the website - they will be able to order you a preamp.
Hi
when you playing fingerstyle ,How would you setting your EQ cool tube and mid frequency on this pick up? Thanks
It depends on what sort of sound you like :) For me I set the cool tube to about 50% with a slight bass boost and mid cut. But this will be different for everyone.
A very excellent presentation! Thank you.
+William Sutherland You're most welcome, thanks for watching :)
Thanks for sharing ..
I would like to know, what is your experience with the Takamine Cool Tube 2?
I've heard that the Takamine Cool Tube 2 consumes much battery.
Is it true or just a rumor?
I bought a Takamine Pro Series TF360SBG
Thank you again.
- The battery life of the unit is around 24 hours, which is not very much compared to the other preamps that Takamine produce, so yes it is true.
Congratulations on your guitar, the SBG series are some of the best guitars Takamine has ever made!
Every type of battery I put in it is dead or leaking 2 days later.. and now my amp wont turn on. Not sure if battery corrosion ruined something.. but it was the best sounding guitar plugged into a sound system when working.. I might have to explore lithium or rechargeable..
I have the exact guitar you played last as my gigging acoustic guitar. Great guitar at the price range and looks killer too. 2 things, I'm on my second cooltube preamp as the first one broke a while back and the battery life isn't 24hours. I'd say 4/5 gigs... about 15 hours or so. It's a great pickup in a lovely guitar though. I'm thinking about buying the triaxis aux pickup for her actually. Have you tired it? Super demo btw!
I just use rechargeable batteries, it works out a lot cheaper that way.
Thanks for watching! Yes I've also gone to rechargeable batteries for my Cool Tube preamps. I haven't tried the triax but I've tried the LR Baggs equivalent and it does sound excellent.
Thank you Bruno, this was extremely helpful to me as I am contemplating the purchase of the P5NC model. Any thoughts on that particular model of guitar?
The P5NC is very similar to the TSF48c in the video - same wood combination, body size and nut width, the only difference being the electronics are the newer CTP-3 rather than the CTP-2 in the video. I haven't played the P5NC myself but if you like the guitar in the video chances are you'll be happy with the P5NC. Personally I find the NEX to be an ideal all-around guitar, although I prefer an OM for playing live with other instruments.
GLB Productions Appreciate the reply. Upgrading from my Seagull & I haven't owned a Takamine as of yet, was also looking at the Martin GPC/OMC PA4, along with comparable Taylors, Gibsons and even a couple of Guild models. The Takamine really packs a lot of quality and high end features normally found at higher price points.
Hello, great review. Thanks. I was reading below and the question / comment for Jeff made me think. So my question is: I own a Tak EAN46c that is my absolute baby. Over the last 14 years I have tried several times to purchase a back up guitar but never could find one that I felt matched the body/tone of my Tak. So... last week my pre amp stopped working and I was thinking about replacing it with the CTP-3. My thinking was that the tube would warm up and add a bit more tone to an already sweet sound. BUT I do not want what you call, syrupy, and I read as muddy sound. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.
Hello Trace, the TSF48c in the video has almost the same specs as your EAN46c (NEX body size, spruce/rosewood) so it should give you a fair idea of how the cool tube would sound in your guitar. My impression of the cool tube effect has always been that it adds harmonics rather than any one particular frequency range, so the sound becomes complex/warm but it doesn't become bassy. As with all things YMMV. Remember that the tube can be taken out of the signal path if you don't want it.
Thanks.. that's a great demo....
anyone know where to order just the compartment the preamp sits in? one of the clips on it broke off and now the preamp sits in there loose. Thanks
Check with your local Takamine dealer.
As a guitarist, I just have to ask... Why would I need a tube in my acoustic preamp? Don't get me wrong, I love tubes...I have plenty of tube gear. But for live sound, will the listener really notice whether it has that nice, smooth compressive quality most tubes apply to signal paths? Probably not. In the studio you just use microphones and the room to construct your acoustic tone.
It's just my opinion, of course, I actually have no stake in the outcome and 100% support anyone doing what they like to do with whatever gear they want...but the practical side of me always seems to ask that nagging question: "why?" Haha!
- Thanks for the comment! There are a number of endorsing artists who use the tube-driven signal both live as well as in the studio. Here's an interview with sound engineer Kooster McAllister about his experience with it: th-cam.com/video/i2ZSml4NT4I/w-d-xo.html What he says is very illuminating because it comes from the point of view of the professional behind the console as opposed to the guitarist.
Amazing video. Super helpful. Was having an issue with my CTP-2, getting no sound other than fuzz. Got a new tube, fixed it the first time I played it then back to just fuzz 2nd time I plugged it in. Any thoughts? Think this thing is shot?
In my experience these preamps are not designed to be repaired, but to be sure take the guitar to your local Takamine dealer/repair center. Thanks for watching!
Very complete review! What aux mic do you recomend with my Nylon strings guitar? I have the TC132SC Takamine guitar with the CTP 1. I want to add a mic or onboard transducer to get a more natural classical guitar sound.
Hmm, I'm afraid I can't really help you there. For classical guitar I always tend to use an external condenser microphone. I suggest that you post your question on www.takamineforum.com/ where I'm sure you'll get many good answers.
Just an observation, but you neglected to set the sweep back to the recommended position when you were running the treble slider through its paces. I'm pretty sure that that would have affected the sound and you weren't getting a true treble slider response. The mids were still being modified at the 4.5k setting.
Thanks for the comment Jimmy - remember that when the midrange slider is set to the centre detent position the setting of the mid-frequency knob has no effect on the sound. So you are in fact hearing the true response of the treble control.
great review
- Thanks for watching :)
Hello, that was a great demonstration! I recently purchased Takamine LTD Michi 2012, it comes with CTP-2 cool tube. And I think I am going install an extra soundhole pickup (or humbuckers whatever it is called) for blending with the CTP-2. What pickup system would you recommand??! Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank You!
Congrats on your new guitar! The standard soundhole picking for adding to these guitars is the Takamine Tri-Ax, aka LR Baggs M1
@@GLBProductions is Tri-Ax 2 projects better sound than Tri-Ax 1?? And Tri-Ax and LR Baggs M1 are the same???
Sorry LR Baggs M80. I don't know how the Tri-Ax 1 and 2 compare as I don't use them.
great video!
***** Thanks for watching!
I just tried a Pro Series 1 dread cutaway that has the Ct4BII but I wasn't super stoked about the pickup, it sounded too bright to me. Do you know if the Cool Tube would provide a warmer tone?
- Yes, if you want a warmer sound the Cool Tube is the place to go. However you can also try cutting the treble slider on the CT4B-II preamp a bit - it helps reduce some of the brilliance of the pickup without making the guitar sound muddy.
I would like to know if the CTP2 valve needs changing at some point. I haven't seen anyone say anything about it on the internet yet.
In my experience the tube does not need changing.
Watched and listened to this to see if it changed my mind about piezo pickups and sophisitcated pre amps. It hasn't. Find sound hole magnetic pickups far more 'acoustic' sounding, even with a cheap guitar. A dedicated acoustic pre-amp (like l.r. baggs) preferable, but output of mag pickup direct into desk or acoustic amp still sounds 100 times better to my old ears.
Andrew White Fair enough Andrew, everybody has different ears and a different idea as to what an amplified acoustic guitar should sound like. Thanks for your input, all points of view are welcome on my channel :)
Hi there to all, I have the GB7C, Garth brooks, and I'm thinking of changing the preamp to a CTP 2 , can I receive any thoughts on this matter please , jeff
Hello Jeff, the CTP-2 has been discontinued and replaced with the CTP-3. In terms of the upgrade, the only way to really tell is to try it and see - personally I think cedar-topped guitars do not really need the Cool Tube and the Garth Brooks model with its rosewood B&S REALLY does not need it, unless of course you're going for a really syrupy sound ;)
GLB Productions thank you so much for the reply , more thinking to do now , lol but many thanks , jeff
Does Takamine offer a similar guitar with a narrow neck like the one shown in the video, but with nylon type of classical strings? Very instructive video. Thanks.
orestesdd I'm not very familiar with Takamine's classical/nylon string lineup. I suggest you post your question to the good people at takamineforum.com/, they will be able to help you.
Thanks.
You're most welcome :)
It´s a little too long, but worths every word. Thanks so much for this demo!. Hugs and cheers from Colombia. :D (Sorry for my poor english)
You're welcome, thanks for watching! I agree it's very long but some people like this level of detail, others prefer less.
Hi
I seen your TH-cam video on the ctp2 preamp
Great review
Do you have any idea what the screw between the artist switch and the valve does??? On the back
My particular version of the preamp does not have any screw between the artist switch and valve - I suspect they added that on a later revision of the preamp. I'm afraid I don't know what it does.
If you are talking about the nylon phillips head "screw" inside of the preamp between the artist switch and valve - it is a gain control for the tube circuit.
***** Thanks for your input, let's hope the OP reads it :)
That video took a lot of work Rory, you have helped a lot of musicians.
Thank you very much for your presentation. I have a Takamine tc132sc: The guitar pad (Where the control knobs are) vibrates when I play. Can you fix it / tighten it? Thanks in advance.
+Paulo Sanches Yes you have to figure out which side is rattling and then use a paper or thin plastic shim to stop the noise. The fit of the preamp cannot be adjusted in any other way that I know of.
+GLB Productions Thank you. "I've used D`Addario strings (classical guitar HARD Exp46) on a Takamine TC132SC and it's something I wouldn't advise to do.
May I know if compare between Cooltube CTP-2 or 3 Vs Lr Baggs Anthem ?
Both are good systems but use different technology: the Anthem is a pickup+microphone combination. You really need to hear them in person and make your own decision.
nice review. thanks.
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
what do you know about the p5nc guitar? thinking about buying one on sale. i have a p6nc and i like it but its a bit heavy.
The TSF48C featured in this video is the same general spec as the P5NC ie NEX body, spruce top, rosewood back and sides. And it is pretty heavy too! A lot of the weight comes from the preamp, especially the four AA batteries.
I suggest that you compare this guitar with an OM size of the same wood combination - I personally have not found there to be much difference, especially when plugged in, and am slowly transitioning away from the NEX towards OM and New Yorker sized guitars.
thank you very much. cheers!
Amazing review bravo ! question How to replace the Vacuum Tube ?
Just pull it out of the socket and replace, I think. I've never tried to do this though...
@@GLBProductions I already tried it and it does not work, is it has a locked ?
I suspect it fits very tightly - they are not designed to be replaced.
@@GLBProductions Thank you very much !
Hi. You can make a tutorial of the DSP ad1 preamp? Thanks
Unfortunately I have not been able to find a guitar equipped with this preamp in Singapore.
Hi! Nice and helpful videos. I own a Takamine LTD 91 that I love but, am about to have work done on as it is in need. Unfortunately, I've been having problems with the original pre-amp, a TP (discontinued) and sadly feel I will need to replace it.
Any suggestions as to which pre-amp may fit best for my body style and wood? It's an FXC body type, Koa top, bottom and sides with an ebony finger board. Thank you.
Hello Pat the current equivalent of your preamp would be the CT4B-II, this will drop right into place. You could also try the Cool Tube if you want to be adventurous! As with all electronics, the Tak preamps do not last forever - the good news is that they are very easy to remove and replace.
Cheers for that! I was under the impression that the CT4B-II was only for certain Japanese models? I am interested in the Cool Tube as well! Thank you for your help and your videos.
You're welcome! No the Japanese preamps are interchangeable as long as the guitar has the sound choice docking port ie the black plastic frame around the preamp. The Palathetic pickup has not actually changed since the late 70s (!!!) and it will work with any of the currently available preamps ie CT4B-II, CTP-3, CT4-DX. That's the beauty of the Takamine design - they knew the preamps are the weak point in the system, and designed them to be easy to replace. The pickup itself under the bridge almost never fails :)
Thank you so much! All the best :)
which one does the aux button control,the proportion of both the saddle pickup and the extra installment or merely the volume of the extra one??
It controls the volume of the second pickup, it's not a balance control.
+GLB Productions thanks for ur comment, great review!
Hi, this review is quite usefull. Question I have that guitar is producing little distorted sound when playing it. EQ is set to flat, and this happens on all levels of volume. Can this point to some issue with CTP2 itself? or this can be related to cable + direct box used....
Must add that I switched several cables and still same problem is faced. Many thanks
Distortion typically comes from two sources: weak/dying batteries or a tube that is reaching the end of its lifespan. If the sound still occurs with a brand new set of batteries you may need a new tube.
@@GLBProductions Tnx a lot for your feedback. One more question, since I put new batteries, shall distortion be there even if cool tube volume is set to 0?
Can distortion be eliminated with just removing tube?
You're welcome. I don't know the answer to these questions - I suggest you experiment and see what happens 🙂 If the distortion is in the cool tube circuit only, you may be able to eliminate it by setting the cool tube knob to zero.
@@GLBProductions I appreciate your time and answers. Tnx a lot!
You're welcome! Hope you manage to solve your problem :)
How about using high quality rechargeable batteries, such as Sanyo Eneloop to run the preamp. Does the slightly lower voltage affect the operation of the preamp?
- From listening to interviews with Takamine artists like Brad Davis, the tube circuit requires 3 volts of power, so I suspect that current is more important than voltage in this particular preamp. If that is correct, then rechargeable batteries should work fine. However I have no personally tried this ;)
I will give it a try when the batteries I have currently in my TF360SBG's preamp will die and let you know.
- Thank you, will be good to hear the results of your test - be sure to take note of approximately how many hours of battery life you get!
I
am looking to buy a Takamine ENV 340 SC, Can you tell me what it
should be worth, He is asking $1000 for it with case, he tells me is
was worth $2600. 00 when he bought it new, I played one years ago and
was amazed at the sound and feel of the guitar, what dose the E N V
stand for? he said in was a Nashville series guitar, can anyone help
with these questions. thanks in advance Chester
Hi Chester! E = with Electronics NV = Nashville series, now discontinued. I suggest you post the price/value question over at Takamineforum.com - there are members there who are dealers and can better advise on the prices.
Thank you so much, Love your videos, Great job, thank you again for your response, Chester
Check the price at reverb or guutar center used goods.. I think it goes for about 2200 used now.. was 2600 new now if you can find it "new" its 3000.
Why when i connect the guitar to an amp it make a loud noises then nothing no sound
Possibly a cable problem or a dead battery.
I left the batteries in too long and they bled into my CTP2 preamp. Consequently, it now malfunctions. It doesn't amplify the guitar. Is it ruined? Where can I purchase a new one? or is there a series of steps I can take in order to deduce what the problem is? Help!
+Leo R. Salazar I would suggest taking the guitar to your nearest Takamine dealer and they will be able to help you with a diagnosis. The electronics in these preamps are quite complicated and not really user-serviceable. Fortunately, they are straightforward to replace.
Same issue.. new batteries over night and it bled a bit and now wont work...
thanks!
You're welcome :)
What's the advantage to Toby K. in having a laminate back? And... I read somewhere, someone saying that the CTBII is a better choice than cool tube. I'm guessing you disagree?
+mcdee56 My understanding is that the laminate back was just Toby Keith's personal preference. I prefer a solid back.
I personally prefer the CT4BII for on-stage use because the controls are so much simpler and the resolution of the EQ is far better. I personally feel that +/-12dB is more than I would ever use on stage and hence prefer the smaller range of the CT4BII. The Cool Tube's extended feature set is better for recording where you have more time to tweak your sound.
+GLB Productions So which models does the CT4BII come stock? I'm new to Takamine but have been researching for a new Acoustic guitar and arrive here. These are some fantastic sounds you are getting!
+mcdee56 At this time it comes stock on the Pro Series 1,2 and 3. It's also featured on some of the legacy models such as the EF341SC used by Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen. Yes, Takamine is hard to beat for getting a great fuss-free plug and play sound.
+GLB Productions Have you done a review of the P3NC? Have you played one? If so, is the cedar top lively enough? I had an Alvarez Yairi with a cedar top decades ago and it never sang-out and subsequently wasn't inspiring to play. PS: you are very thorough in your work and it's obvious that you are passionate for it!
+mcdee56 I haven't done a review of this model but I have the model it replaced, the ETN40c - pretty much the same guitar: cedar/sapele, NEX body. The cedar top is very lively to my ears - Takamine have a way of tuning their cedar tops such that they work well for pretty much all styles of music. The response is quick, even to a light touch, and the tone is warm but not dark like many cedar tops I've played.
Glad you're enjoying the videos! If you want more opinions please sign up for the forum at www.takamineforum.com/ - many very helpful and experienced Takamine players over there.
I have watch this video, what I wanted to know is this: On my Takamine TAN77 with the same Pre-Amp there is a lot of noise when I connect the guitar to a amplier. Do you have an explanation for this. And do you experience the same on this guitar
Mels Huijbers There have been a number of reports of noisy cool tube preamps since the introduction of the unit. Check for old or worn out batteries and dirty or corroded contacts, especially between the preamp and the output jack of the guitar, as well as the output jack itself. If these are all in good condition then you may have one of the faulty preamps - the easiest way to check is to bring the guitar to a Takamine dealer and have them swap out the preamp for a new one to see if the noise goes away. I experienced this with my TF250SMCSB, fortunately before purchase.
GLB Productions Many thanks for your quick response I will check the batteries and contacts. I also ask my Takamine Dealer to swap the preamp for a new one.
Mels Huijbers Great, let me know how it works out. Could I also invite you to join us on www.takamineforum.com/ - lots of great players there who are much more knowledgeable than I am :)
The second guitar is beautiful though.
- Glad you think so, it's definitely a head-turner in any context!
Should i swap my ct4b ii to cool tube on my tak ent 10c
- I personally feel that the old natural series guitars are very warm-sounding instruments already and do not need the cool tube feature to sound great.
Where does the tube get it's power? It takes a lot of power just for the emitter heat. I know it's just 6 volts but the low resistance means a lot of current. That'll eat up batteries like crazy. Does this have an outboard power supply? How can the tube work without a heater element? Tubes don't work without the electrons being heated? This is strange science to me.
Takamine have worked out a way of running the tube at very low voltage such that it never gets hot but still adds even-order harmonics to the signal. In other words the tube is not used as an amplifier. How exactly they do this I have no idea :)
GLB Productions Ok, but now I'm thinking how some manufacturers and many experts believe that the power amps produce most of those sweet even order harmonic distortion and compression. Others produce amps with tube preamp and FET or whatever power stage amplification. If you're bent on having all tube amplification throughout the signal, dump all of your effects pedals is step one. All this will be argued for years to come. I use a tube amp for recording my acoustic and love it. Heavy distortion is not what I'm after. But I do believe manufacturers have to go with what the public demands. Even if it's just a minority of this public, the high cost and profit of tube devices means it'll be produced. Some of these "all tube" types even get a bit snobbish about all this and develops a nearly false pride attitude toward this subject. Tubes do have an attack, clean transparent high frequencies due to the high input impedance also. The high cost and high maintenance for professional use often makes the professional turn to FET amps for practical reasons. Anyway I am not a tube purest, and there's solid state amps oh there the are great. It all comes what each individual. Whatever sound the guitar and amp combination inspires you and is within budget, go for it. I have my Les Paul and Strat which to me are basic must have guitars, and I have a lot of entry level guitars (guitars that cost under $300) and love them all. Each has its own voice and characteristics. If I dont love them, I sell them. And I've bought and sold well over 50 guitars. Well, after chatting with you, and listening to this, I'm not so skeptical about this cold tube device. It's just not my cup of tea. Now it's time to check out those Dowina guitars again.
Me again : I forgot, can we buy a preamp CTP-2 ? I know someone that got a Spanish guitar but had put a CTP-1 to amplify his guitar. I'd like to know if it's possible to buy one and then install it in the guitar we want ? And for sure, I'd like to know the price of the CTP-2 ? Thanks by advance. CIAO BYE !
- Yes, the CTP-2 is a direct replacement for and is considered an upgrade to the CTP-1. You'll need to check the price of the preamp with your local Takamine dealer.
GLB Productions Hi ! If I asked the price, it's that the first music store is at 35 km from where I live, so I don't often go there. I got a problem with a Godin Multiac Duet. Those guitars are specials, and I don't know if we can put a CTP-2 on those guitars ? My preamp is "broken", and I'm asking myself how to replace the L.R.Baggs components that we can find on that guitar ? I've written to L.R.Baggs, and they told me that they don't have components to repair my Godin no more. I don't know what I'll do, cause I've paid that guitar 1800€ in 1999, and just less than 15 years after, no more amplified sound. I don't find L.R.Baggs very serious, This kind of guitar must be a guitar for life. That's why I was asking the price. I don't know if we can change the L.R.Baggs preamp with a CTP-2 ? Thanks for having taken on your time to answer to me. CIAO BYE !
- The Cool Tube preamp is designed to work with Takamine's original undersaddle pickup system, so it may not be compatible with the pickups in the Godin. Also, you would need to cut a large hole in the side of your guitar which should be avoided if possible!
Have you tried contacting Godin directly? They may be able to help you: info@godinguitars.com
GLB Productions Hi ! Thanks a lot for having answered. Yes, I've contacted Godin Guitars, and I'm waiting for an answer. I hope that if it's not possible to change of preamp, they willl have the components that I need. If L.R.Baggs don't have them, I suppose that it's just cause Godin had changed to let Fishman take the place of L.R.Baggs, so they didn't wanted to stay with components that are going in the oldest Godins. If Godin don't have those components, I think that I will not be happy, cause making a guitar that costed 1890€ not possible to repair just 15 years after having been bought, it's really noàt serious. I find that they don't respect the clients. And they tell them that the Godins are made to be played.....It's only when you often play wiçth a guitar that you must make it repair. When you never touch the guitar, there won't be any problems. Thanks for having answered. CIAO BYE, and sorry if my answer is a little bit long. CIAO BYE !
- No problem, hope you can get your guitar fixed soon!
The original pickup in my guitar and I put this one in and it has never sounded right. It runs really hot almost too much mid and tops . No tone whatsoever it's horrible (takamine guitar and the first pickup was great untill it died). The guitar sounds great acoustically - does anyone know what the problem might be? I have to have the bass right up and the treble off and still sounds horrible help :(
Hello Sarah what is the make and model of your guitar? Also, I assume that you mean preamp and not pickup? The pickup is under the bridge, the preamp is the component described in this video.
Great video! One question: can this be use on a CD132SC? Thanks.
Federico Petriella Yes it can - the Japanese made Takamine guitars will accept any preamp that will fit the sound choice docking port. However please note that this model of the Cool Tube preamp has recently been replaced by the CTP-3, which looks rather different.
Hi, thanks for your quick response. I need to replace the DSP and I'm in between the CPT-2 or the CT4-DX, Which one would you recommend?
Federico Petriella You're welcome :) Between those two preamps I prefer the Cool Tube. However also take a look at the CT4B-II preamp, which IMO cannot be beat for simple operation under less than ideal stage conditions.
I've just seen the review of the CT4B-II. It would be my lead option :)
Last question, do you know where could I buy it online in the US? Any recommendation? Thanks a lot!
Federico Petriella Try Alex Pepiak at Lost Art/Vintage Instruments: alpep@lostartvintage.com Tell him you got the email addres from me. Alternatively post a question over at www.takamineforum.com/, somebody will be able to point you in the right direction.
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My CTP2 is currently having issues. Could i plug and play a newer pre-amp from takamine lets say for example CTP3?? Mines cracking and needs replacement. Will that work?
Yes it will.
I did not think the sound was great or greater for all the battery munch
Yeah it can be hard to judge on TH-cam - you really need to hear the guitar in person through a good pair of studio monitors or a fullrange PA system. Thanks for watching!
Anyone knows an outstanding Luthier who can install these pickups in an epiphone that comes pre equipped with a solid state pickup? I don't live in teh U.S., so if you can give me some contact info or his address, msg it to me, I'd appreciate that.
EDIT: one more thing, i see some companies selling preamp pedals, would that work as an alternative to the above if I connect it to an acoustic amp?
SickMetalAddict There are some companies that sell preamp pedals with tube emulation, or even with real tubes in them. I'd give them a try and see - many of them sound very good indeed, but the Cool Tube's trump card is that it is built into the guitar and is always with you.
That hole next to cool tube knob is for what? Tks mate
It allows you to access the clip that holds the preamp in place 😊
Lol! Perfect! Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Talami e ct-4bll
There you go: th-cam.com/video/ciqgQjLnunE/w-d-xo.html