Pioneer CT4-B User Manual

BRING IT TO LIFE

Owners Manual

www.takamine.co.uk

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

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:

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Taking care where you store your guitar, even when in a case. Avoid heating radiators, leaving in the sun, damp conditions etc.

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Being aware of changes in humidity that can affect the action, volume and tone of your guitar.

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Using a well fitting hard case for carrying and storing.

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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.

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Keep your guitar clean, use a soft clean cloth and avoid any polish that might be slightly abrasive. Take special care with satin finishes.

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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.

www.takamine.co.uk

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