THE ART OF INNOVATION
The Takamine story started four decades ago in the town
of Sakashita, Japan, with a small group of luthiers
crafting modest numbers of high quality acoustic guitars
following established designs and using traditional
methods. Forty years on, and Takamine guitars are
cherished by thousands of players the world over and
championed by some of the most talented and celebrated
musicians on the planet.
BRING
IT TO LIFE
And in this time we’ve introduced technological innovations
in order to meet the needs of musicians who are themselves
constantly pushing the boundaries of acoustic music.
Carefully selected tone woods are stacked, turned and gently
seasoned for many months in precisely controlled atmospheric
conditions before use. We check guitar tops for resonance,
grain and quality, while different levels of flexibility are
compensated for by subtly varying the dimensions of the
bracing. And whilst we’ve always held the traditional skills of
the luthier in the highest esteem, we’ve never been afraid
to advance the art of guitar building by embracing new
technology and ideas.
These guitars incorporated the first incarnation of the now
legendary palathetic pickup, which set the standard for the
industry. Unlike the retro-fit pickups used by other
manufacturers, our pickup is an integral part of the bridge
assembly, collecting both string and soundboard information.
Now in its latest state-of-the-art form, it continues to be
highly revered by the acoustic guitar connoisseurs.
CONTENTS
Timeline 05
Takamine TLC
- Care of your instrument
- Strings & action adjustments 08
- Troubleshooting guide 11
Pre-amps
- Cool Tube and CT4-B pre-amps
- TK-40 and TP-4 pre-amps 16
- TRI-AX 18
Frequently asked questions 20
Servicing your Takamine 22
Owners information 22
Luthiers checklist 23
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BRING
IT TO LIFE
A small family business located at the base
of Takamine mountain, starts making fine,
handcrafted acoustic guitars.
1968
1962
Mr Mass Hirade joins the company heading up design
and production, and shortly thereafter, introduces the
first Takamine world-class ‘Classical’ guitar.
1975
The company begins overseas trading as a
result of Takamine’s rapidly growing reputation.
1978
Takamine introduces its eagerly anticipated
acoustic-electric guitars featuring the stunning
new palathetic pickups.
1986
The first Natural Series guitar is launched and
receives plaudits the world over.
1987
Takamine introduces its first Limited Edition
model to celebrate 25 years of master luthiery.
1988
The Takamine Parametric EQ pre-amp is launched
and immediately becomes the standard by
which others are judged.
1989
Takamine develop the replaceable pre-amp package
system featuring the innovative external battery box.
1994
Takamine pioneer the use of lasers to enable
stunningly intricate and precise inlays.
2004
Launch of the revolutionary CoolTube pre-amp,
providing the warmest amplified acoustic tones yet.
04 05
IT TO LIFE
BRING
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TAKAMINE
This instrument combines materials with state-of-the-art
technology to bring to the musician an unrivalled blend of
innovation and craftsmanship.
Please take the time to read through this manual to familiarise
yourself with your new instrument.
CARE OF YOUR INSTRUMENT
Your guitar is finely made from select
tonewoods and finished with a thin lacquer,
allowing it to resonate freely when played.
With careful use, your instrument will mature
and give years of enjoyment. Normal wear and
tear will be inevitable but to protect it from
unforeseen possible harm, we recommend:
■
Taking care where you store your guitar, even
when in a case. Avoid heating radiators,
leaving in the sun, damp conditions etc.
■
Being aware of changes in humidity that can
affect the action, volume and tone of your
guitar.
■
Using a well fitting hard case for carrying and storing.
■
If travelling by air, slacken off the strings as changes in
temperature and altitude can damage the top or neck if tuned
to pitch. If possible take as hand luggage.
■
Keep your guitar clean, use a soft clean cloth and avoid any
polish that might be slightly abrasive. Take special care with
satin finishes.
■
Changing strings regularly or as soon as they loose accurate
intonation. Do not allow them to become either dirty or worn,
as this will cause increased fret wear.
■
If your playing style demands it, fit a pickguard to protect the
surface of the top against pick or fingernail marks. Tops are
usually made from selected softwoods of either Spruce or
Cedar. In particular the user should be aware that Cedar tops
mark easily and are widely used across the range. Please
bear in mind that marks made to the guitar are not covered
by any warranty.
■
It’s a good idea to Insure your guitar against accidental
damage and theft when travelling and at home.
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www.takamine.co.uk
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