Takamine EF340SBG User manual

THE DELICATE SOUNDBOARD BALANCE
Spruce and cedar soundboards have been
used for well over a millennium, and the modern
bracing system has been around for at least
150 years. We use a traditional ‘X’ bracing
pattern on our steel strings, differently voiced
for each application.
Rather than take a radical departure, we make
many small changes that add up to a significant
difference in volume, balance and richness.
Takamine soundboards are braced and voiced
by hand. By tapping each top, a skilled luthier
knows just how to shape the braces for the best
possible response.
Is There a Perfect Neck Shape?
BODY TALK
A guitar body, with its many curves,
accommodates a wide range of frequencies.
Different body shapes favor different
frequencies giving them a distinct character.
Dreadnoughts are typically louder, with stronger
lows. Smaller bodies, like our NEX, tend to be
more balanced. A thinner body may project less,
but sound more pleasing to the player. Play as
many sizes as you can with comfort and sound in
mind. Your choice is very personal - what sounds
and feels best to you.
Takamine pioneered the use of uncommonly
artistic and complex inlays on guitars for
the common man. We have developed the
art of design and the craft of precise inlay
work far beyond the capability of most
other guitarmakers.
Look closely at Takamine rosettes and inlays.
This meticulous handwork is a highly visible
reminder of our commitment to excellence on
every part of our guitars.
APPOINTMENTS BY DELUXE
Your Takamine is beautiful on the outside, but beauty is more
than skin deep. Look inside and see for yourself. Finely sanded
braces and meticulously cut linings display a level of hand
craftsmanship that’s fast disappearing from modern guitars.
There’s a century-old phrase from the Arts & Crafts
movement: “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.”
That spirit lives on today. At Takamine, we’re
artisans and craftspeople at heart.
SKIN DEEP AND MORE
Most makers don’t give frets enough credit -
or attention. A good fret job can help a player
reach new heights.
Examine the frets on a Takamine Tradesman.
What you see is the work of a laser-guided fret
finishing system that levels and crowns each fret
to within 0.0001” of dead-on. Fret a note.
Notice how the string contacts the centerline
of the fret perfectly. And hear the clarity when
you play. A good fret job can be the difference
between a nice guitar and a great guitar.
The Fret Secret
A hundred years ago, the wide classical shape
with a flat fingerboard was the only shape
considered “proper,” but we’ve become more
open-minded since then. Some players feel you
can never be too thin, while others feel it’s phat
to be fat. It’s that personal taste thing again.
Takamine necks have an “asymmetrical ‘C’ shape” –
an ergonomic contour that’s slightly thinner
on the treble side of the neck so that it fits the
natural shape of your hand. Overall, it’s thin
from front to back, medium in width, with a gentle
fingerboard arch. Perfectly comfortable.
Adam Lazarra –
Taking Back Sunday
HOWIE DAY
CHRISTINE KANE
TOBY KEITH ASHTON SHEPHERD
MONTGOMERY GENTRY
SCOTT PATTON – SUGARLAND
MARTY ROE – DIAMOND RIO
INDIA.ARIE
DARYL STUERMER –
PHIL COLLINS
JON BON JOVI
SIMPLE PLAN
Jerry Cantrell –
Alice in Chains
BRIAN SPRADLIN – JOE NICHOLSBLAKE SHELTON
Marty Schiff –
Martina McBride
JASON ORME / DAVE LEVITA –
ALANIS MORISSETTE
GOOD CHARLOTTE
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
JOHN SCOFIELD
Dave Stewart
FRED MASCHERINO –
THE COLOR FRED
Avril Lavigne
JOE NICHOLS
JAMIE JOHNSON / TERRY ELDREDGE –
THE GRASCALS
CHESTER BENNINGTON –
LINKIN PARK
NANCY WILSON
TOM DUMONT – NO DOUBT
Prices and specifications subject
to change without notice.
KCG-446
©2009 KMC Music, Inc.
P.O. Box 507
Bloomfield, CT 06002 USA
www.Takamine.com

SYSTEM-MATCHED ACCESSORIES – ALL PERFORMANCE – NO HASSLE
TRUE TUBE SOUND
The Takamine CoolTube is the first and only
on-board tube preamp for acoustic guitar.
It gives you the tonal warmth and harmonic
richness that only a true tube preamp can deliver –
with mild, natural tube compression and plenty
of even-harmonic sweetness. Along with a
semi-parametric eq, a second-source input
and blend control let you add a pickup like the
Tri-Ax to the CoolTube.
Tri-Ax Pickup
The Takamine Tri-Ax active soundhole pickup is
system-matched to the CoolTube preamp and can
also be used as an add-on pickup for any acoustic guitar.
It features patented Tri-Axial body-sensing technology
for a clear, rich and acoustically accurate tone.
Creating the system couldn’t be easier.
Just plug the Tri-Ax into the CoolTube
and you’re ready to go. Control the blend
of the Tri-Ax with the Aux knob on the CoolTube.
5 FUNCTIONS FOR ACOUSTICS
Takamine DI-Plus – the Direct Inject unit specifically designed
for the needs of acoustic guitarists. The DI-Plus has a switchable effects
loop with a return gain control so you can setup your effects and bring
them all in at once with one tap of your toe.
A mute circuit lets you change instruments noiselessly, even if
the soundman isn’t quite on the job. There’s even a boost function
to deliver the hottest signal the board can handle, or boost volume
when you want to rip off a solo.
The DI-Plus can also phantom power your CoolTube preamp
so you never have to worry about fading batteries.
The most popular body shape
of the past half century, the
Dreadnought delivers a strong
low end with plenty of volume.
DREADNOUGHT
Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm)
Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm)
Upper bout_______ 11 1/8” (30cm)
Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm)
This original Takamine body is a
scaled-down Jumbo at heart. The
NEX has a silky balance to the tone
that supports vocals beautifully.
Length_________ 20 1/16” (51cm)
Depth___________ 4 5/16” (11cm)
Upper bout______11 1/4” (28.5cm)
Lower bout_______15 3/4” (40cm)
NEX/GRAND AUDITORIUM
The FXC is very close to traditional
Grand Concert proportions.
Excellent feedback control with a
true and warm acoustic tone.
FXC
Length_________ 19 1/8” (48.5cm)
Depth________________4” (10cm)
Upper bout__________ 11” (28cm)
Lower bout______14 3/4” (37.5cm)
Takamine classic guitars respect
tradition. The fan bracing and
body shape deliver a clear tone
and a strong voice.
CLASSIC
Length_________19 5/16” (49cm)
Depth________________4” (10cm)
Upper bout______ 11 7/16” (29cm)
Lower bout_______14 9/16” (37cm)
The Jumbo excels as a
rhythm guitar - big, meaty
chords, plenty of volume
and outstanding balance.
Length_________ 20 7/8” (53cm)
Depth_________4 15/16” (12.5cm)
Upper bout______12 9/16” (32cm)
Lower bout______17 1/8” (43.5cm)
JUMBO
The Orchestra Model shape,
with its strong lower midrange
and versatile dynamics, is
enjoying a resurgence.
OM
Length__________19 1/2” (49.5cm)
Depth_____________ 4 1/4” (11cm)
Upper bout___________11” (28cm)
Lower bout_______15 3/8” (39cm)
Your Takamine is stage-ready right out of the case –
there’s nothing extra to buy or fiddle with
to get the sound you want.
But some of us want more. More versatility.
More options. More things to play with.
That’s why we offer two optional pieces of gear –
a magnetic, body-sensing pickup and a
dedicated direct box – that are system-matched
to your CoolTube preamp.

Making guitars is like making music –
part art and part craft.
Like music, guitarmaking is more
than just having the parts fit together.
There’s a right way and a wrong way –
and it takes artistic commitment
to make sure the right way prevails.
At Takamine, we work together a lot
like your band probably works together.
We talk ideas out, we state our case,
we argue some, and stand up for our beliefs.
In the end, we come together.
Over the past 40-plus years,
guitar players around the world
have given us their respect.
We hope to keep earning it
by crafting the best instruments we can
in the most artful way we know.

TNV460SC
TNV360S
GOLDEN AGE GUITARS
The Golden Age of guitarmaking is alive
and well at Takamine. The Nashville Series
is an expression of our deep admiration
for the great vintage instruments that
in-the-know players have coveted for decades.
Well covet no more.
The Nashville Series proudly invites comparison
to the great guitars of yesteryear. The tops
are solid, hand-selected “bear claw” spruce –
a rare, naturally occurring figure pattern
that marks luthiers’ most highly-prized soundboard
spruce. Each is individually voiced to maximize
its power and dynamic range. The back and sides
are solid bookmatched Indian rosewood, the
fingerboard is ebony and the inlays are deep,
vivid abalone.
MODEL BODY STYLE TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP NUT WIDTH
TNV360S Dreadnought Solid “Bear Claw” Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
TNV360SC Dreadnought C/A Solid “Bear Claw” Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
TNV460SC NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Solid “Bear Claw” Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • Ebony Fingerboard • 25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length
Gloss Natural Finish • CoolTube Preamp • Hard Shell Case Included
For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com

TNV360SC
3
I CA N LEA VE
MY PRIZED PREWAR
DREADNOUGHTS
AT HOME A N D ST IL L
GE T THE SA ME
FEEL AND SOUND
ON THE ROAD
TAKAMINE HAS
A BI G V IN TA GE
SOUND ACOUSTICALLY
THA T MA KE S YO U
WA N T TO P IC K
FO R HO UR S.
DANNY GROAH – ALAN JACKSON BAND
SC O TT C ON EY – AL A N JA CK S ON B AN D
GOLDEN TONE
If you’ve got a sharp eye
for craftsmanship and a
love for the vintage, these
guitars will stop you in your
tracks. But seeing is only
the beginning. The Nashville
Series delivers acoustic
purity and vintage vibe in
abundance. The on-board
tube-driven preamp brings
it home in the warmest
way possible.

MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP SPECIAL
KC70 OM Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back CT4B Rosette by Kenny Chesney
SW341SC Dreadnought C/A Gloss Black Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back CT4B Abalone Binding, “SW” inlay
EF360GF Dreadnought Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back CT4B 1980s specs
JJ325SRC Dreadnought C/A Gloss Red Stain Solid Spruce Bubinga DSP Abalone Rosette, “JJ” Inlay
JJ325SRC-12* Dreadnought C/A Gloss Red Stain Solid Spruce Bubinga DSP 12-String, 1 7/8” Nut Width
GB7C Dreadnought C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back CT4B Guitar-shaped Soundhole
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • Rosewood Fingerboard • Hard Shell Case Included
25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
SW341SC
EF360GF
KC70
GB7C
JJ325SRC

5
SIGNATURE MODELS
When you hear an acoustic guitar at a gig, odds are high that it’ll be a Takamine.
So what’s the deal? Why is Takamine the live player’s favorite? Maybe it’s because
no other acoustic/electric guitar works so well on stage. Among the hundreds of
Takamine artists are five who’ve worked with us to design their own signature models.
GARTH BROOKS
STEVE WARINER
KENNY CHESNEY
GLENN FREY
JOHN JORGENSON
Playing for tips in college, with nothing but a dream
and an acoustic guitar, Kenny Chesney now plays for a
million-plus fans per year. What hasn’t changed is his love
affair with acoustic guitar. Kenny spec’d out his own cedar
top mahogany OM and designed the inlays and rosette.
For years, Takamine has been adjusting and
tweaking the bracing of John Jorgenson’s guitars.
What you first notice in the JJ models is their
sweeping dynamic breadth. John certainly knows
the sweet spot when he hears it.
Steve Wariner is a nearly full-time resident of
the country music charts as a guitarist, singer and
songwriter – with Takamine in hand, of course. The
solid cedar top and solid mahogany back give Steve’s
signature model a deeper, warmer acoustic voice.
Take it Easy. The opening lick of that song is a cultural
icon in its own right. Another icon is Glenn’s “#1” –
the Takamine he’s been playing for over 20 years.
The Glenn Frey Model is a duplicate of one of the most
well-traveled guitars in rock and roll.
Nothing short of a perfectionist, Garth worked
closely with us on the GB7C. Its solid cedar top
and rosewood back and sides deliver an evenness
of tone and a solid, reliable fullness. That original
guitar-shaped soundhole is Garth’s personal touch.
Photos (top to bottom) by: 1. Glen Rose 2./3./4. McQuire

Let’s face it:
you don’t go pro in the music biz
because the money is easy,
or your father thinks it’s a growth industry.
You do it because it’s what you’re built to do.
You’re called to walk into a club
full of strangers with nothing but your axe and your mojo
and lead them on an expedition to elsewhere.
Easy?
No.
Worth it?
Absolutely.
We agree.
Wherever the Joy of Music intersects with Serious Business,
there’s a headstock that says “Takamine.”

I KNOW I CAN A LW AYS DE P E N D ON MY T A K A M INE
TO SOUND G R E A T N O MATTE R WH A T I DO T O I T !
PIERRE BOUVIER – SIMPLE PLAN

TF740FS
TB10
BASS
The Takamine TB10 rules the vast valley between acoustic bass guitar
and upright bass. As flexible as it is gorgeous, the telescoping endpin
lets you play it either way. Its remarkable acoustic fullness carves out
an identity all its own.
TF430SS
PERFECT TOOLS. WORKS OF ART.
Purpose-built guitars for a specic job. Tradesman guitars
are designed to be the perfect tools for flatpicking,
fingerstyle, vocal accompaniment and bass excursions.
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES PREAMP NUT WIDTH
EF340SBG Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Mahogany TLD 1 3/4” (45mm)
TF340SBG* Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Mahogany CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
EF360SBG* Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood TLD 1 3/4” (45mm)
TF360SBG Dreadnought Gloss Natural AAA Sitka Spruce Solid Indian Rosewood CoolTube 1 3/4” (45mm)
TF430SS NEX/Gr. Aud Satin Sunburst Select Solid Cedar Solid Ovangkol CoolTube 1 11/16” (43mm)
TF740FS OM C/A 12-fret Gloss Natural Select Cedar Solid Mahogany CoolTube 1 7/8” (48mm)
TB10 Archtop C/A Satin Violin Spruce Maple CoolTube 1 13/16” (46mm)
COMMON FEATURES: Ebony Fingerboard • Hard Shell Case Included • 25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • Bass 34” (864mm) Scale Length
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
SINGER/SONGWRITER
If you and your songs are center stage, you owe it to yourself
to audition the Takamine Singer/Songwriter. It’s voiced to
complement and support the vocal range, with a balance and
sweetness that will give your songs extra dimension.
FINGERSTYLE
Our latest contribution to the world of fingerstyle. The wide neck
gives your right hand ngers some room to dance, and the 12-fret
body puts the bridge in the sweet spot of the lower bout for added
fullness and depth.

THE RECORDING
ST U D IO IS THE
TOUGHEST QUALITY
BENCHMARK FOR
ANY GUITAR.
THE TR ADE SMAN
PASSE S W I TH
FLYING COLORS
As a 21-year music veteran,
Brad Davis admits to having
tried hundreds of different
guitars in his search for
The Grail. His search is over –
the two main guitars he plays
for recording and touring are
both Takamine Flatpickers.
When Brad came to Takamine,
he was brimming with ideas about
how to make a better modern
dreadnought for flatpicking.
He talked and we listened. As we
put Brad’s ideas into prototypes,
it became clear that he was on to
something. If you’re a flatpicker,
you’ve got to try one of these.
9
BRAD DAVIS
FLATPICKER
We have a friend
who melts down
flat picks at the rate
of one-per-solo.
He llllllooovvvvves
this guitar. We can’t print
the non-technical term
he uses to describe
the extraordinary
presence and clarity
of this powerful
dreadnought.
TF360SBG
EF340SBG

MODEL BODY STYLE TOP BACK & SIDES NUT WIDTH
TAN15C Dreadnought C/A Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back 1 11/16” (43mm)
TAN16C Dreadnought C/A Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back 1 11/16” (43mm)
TAN45C NEX/Gr.Aud. C/A Solid Cedar Solid Rosewood Back 1 11/16” (43mm)
TAN76* OM Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back 1 11/16” (43mm)
TAN76C OM C/A Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back 1 11/16” (43mm)
TAN77 OM Solid Cedar Solid Koa 1 3/4” (45mm)
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • Abalone Rosette • Rosewood Fingerboard
25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • Gloss Natural Finish • CoolTube Preamp • Hard Shell Case Included
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
TAN16C

VINTAGE NOW
Our passion for the great guitars of yesteryear
is unabashed. Case in point: the SuperNaturals.
The look and feel of these instruments
declare a noble lineage.
These guitars leverage the sonic potential of their
premium materials. Soundboards are supported
by harmoniously matched hand-scalloped bracing.
Backs and sides are bookmatched tonewoods.
And when it’s time to sing it out loud, the CoolTube
preamp is a fast tweak to perfect warm, fat tone,
right for any size venue.
11
TAN15C
TAN45C TAN76C
TAN77

ETN70C
ETN10CTBS
THE S OUND O F T RUTH
The stripped-down essence of Takamine guitarmaking is represented by the
Natural Series. These instruments are a union of forthright, old-world design,
meeting meticulous craftsmanship, in the service of a single intention: the widest,
richest sonic radiance possible.
And radiant it is.
The select materials – like the solid cedar top and solid mahogany back –
are chosen for their sonic excellence. Every process is aimed at increased
vibrancy and dynamism. Freedom of vibration ensured by the restrained
touch of a thin satin finish and a pickguard is left on the parts shelf.
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES SPECIAL
ETN10C Dreadnought C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
ETN10C-LH* Dreadnought C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back Left-hand
ETN10CTBS Dreadnought C/A Tobacco Burst Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
ETN40C NEX/Gr.Aud C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
ETN70C OM C/A Satin Natural Solid Cedar Solid Mahogany Back
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Cedar Top • Solid Mahogany Back • Rosewood Fingerboard
25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width • CT4B Preamp • Hard Shell Case Included
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
ETN40C

ETN10C
13
I ALWAYS
WANT THE
BEST SOUND
I CAN GE T ,
AS I’M S U RE
EVERYBODY DOES.
MY TAKAMINE
INSTRUMENTS
ENAB LE ME T O DO
JUST THAT –
GET THE B ES T
ACOUSTIC GUITAR
SOUNDS POSSIBLE
PAUL JACKSON JR.
Quincy Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Steely Dan,
David Benoit, Chicago, Luther Vandross,
Michael Jackson, George Duke,
Gladys Knight, Barry White, Kenny Rogers,
Aretha, Elton, Barbra…
are we running out of space yet?
Grammy-nominated guitarist, composer and
arranger Paul Jackson, Jr. is America’s go-to
guitarist. If you have a track that needs to be
just a little sweeter, your next call is to Paul.
More than a few million people a week
hear Paul’s sweetness on American Idol,
where he flat-out nails every style. Such a
truly amazing player needs guitar sounds
that get it done. When it’s acoustic time
for Paul, it’s time for Takamine.

Maybe it’s the sound. Maybe it’s the fit. These alternatives to the
dreadnought reflect Takamine’s long-standing promise to give
artists as broad a palette as possible.
A studio favorite – the Noveau Jumbo – brims with personality
and still leaves plenty of room in the mix. Engineers love it.
The solid spruce top and choice of solid flame maple or
mahogany back delivers great presence and balance.
Noveau small-bodies are favorites of both coffeehouse and arena
guitarists. The exclusive NEX/Grand Auditorium body delivers a
focused sound with clear articulation and pleasing brilliance.
MODEL BODY STYLE FINISH TOP BACK & SIDES FNBRD PREAMP SPECIAL
EF261SAN* FXC C/A Gloss Antique Stain Solid Cedar Mahogany Rosewood CT4B
EF261SBL FXC C/A Gloss Black Solid Cedar Mahogany Rosewood CT4B
EF241S* Jumbo Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CT4B
EF281S* Jumbo Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CT4B 12-String
EF740SGN OM Satin Antique Solid Cedar Sapele Rosewood CT4B
EF508KC NEX/Gr. Aud. C/A Gloss Natural Koa Koa Rosewood CT4B
TF241DLX* Jumbo C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CoolTube
TF281DLX* Jumbo C/A Gloss Black Solid Spruce Solid Mahogany Back Rosewood CoolTube 12-String
TF250SMC* Jumbo C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TF250SMCSB Jumbo C/A Gloss Sunburst Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TF250SMC12 Jumbo C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube 12-String
TF250SMCSB12* Jumbo C/A Gloss Sunburst Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube 12-String
TF450SM* NEX/Gr. Aud Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TF450SMSB NEX/Gr. Aud Gloss Sunburst Solid Spruce Solid Flame Maple Back Ebony CoolTube
TSF48C NEX/Gr. Aud. C/A Gloss Natural Solid Spruce Solid Rosewood Back Ebony CoolTube Black Crow Rosette/
Eagle Fbd. Inlays
*Not shown. For a full listing of all currently available models, visit www.Takamine.com
TF450SMSB EF508KC
GUITARS THAT DEFY CATEGORY
COMMON FEATURES: Solid Top • 25 3/8” (644mm) Scale Length • 1 11/16” (43mm) Nut Width • 12-String 1 7/8” (48mm) Nut Width
EF740SGN

15
WHETHE R I’ M
PL AY ING DEL ICA TE
AC OUS TIC SHO WS
OR R OARI NG ROC K —
CARESSING THEM
OR MA NHAN DLI NG
THE M – THEY
DELI VER!
TAKAMINE GUITARS
AR E BUI LT AND
SO UND BET TER
THAN E VER .
NILS LOFGREN
TF250SMC12
TSF48C Complex Santa Fe inlays and beautifully
themed rosettes have been lovingly
developed, almost to the point of painterly
expression. The rich traditions of the American
Southwest are embodied and honored in this
fine instrument.
Stunning inlay
work with rare
woods and
select shell is
a Santa Fe
trademark.
TF250SMCSB
EF261SBL

THINK ACOUSTIC … LIVE ELECTRIC
Your Takamine will hold its own with any acoustic guitar in the room.
Now plug it in and watch lesser guitars raise the white ag. The pickup is unique in acoustic/electric guitars –
actually six pickups embedded in the bridge plate, where the full sound of the guitar comes home.
When the venue is bigger than your living room, your acoustic guitar needs a preamp,
and Takamine has a range of electronics to suit every need and taste.
COOLTUBE – WARM SOUND
The CoolTube preamp is the first
and only on-board tube preamp
for acoustic guitar. It has a warm,
fat sound that makes you wonder,
“Why don’t all acoustic/electric
guitars sound like this?”
The CoolTube gets its name from
Takamine’s unique technology
that runs the 12AU7 dual triode
vacuum tube at very low voltages.
The amount of “Tube Effect” can
be adjusted from bright and brilliant
to fat and warm.
The EQ section utilizes shelving
filters for bass and treble
frequencies, with the midrange shaped
by a semi-parametric EQ. The
center frequency can be adjusted
with a rotary knob between 200Hz
and 8.5kHz. A built-in chromatic
tuner is standard equipment.

JOHN JORGENSON
The CT4B preamp delivers warmth and purity
of tone in generous amounts. Three bands of
carefully chosen EQ make it easy to shape your
tone the way you like it. The CT4B is a favorite
among critical players and soundmen across
the musical spectrum.
The built-in chromatic tuner earns rave reviews
from players everywhere. One touch of the
tuner button mutes the guitar output and the
tuner quickly locks on to the note you’re tuning.
The Takamine Tri-Ax magnetic, body-sensing
pickup is system-matched to the CoolTube.
The blend of the two can be controlled
directly from the CoolTube.
The Takamine Line Driver – TLD for short –
is the most basic bit of electronics you could
want. It buffers the pickup from the rest of your
amplification setup and makes the signal ready
to be processed by external gear. There are no
controls on the guitar – no holes and a minimum
of wiring. The TLD is acoustic/electric for the purist.
IF YOU’VE NEVER HAD
THE P LE AS UR E OF
PLAYING THROUGH A
NICE TUBE PREAMP,
HERE’S YOUR CHANCE.
THE C OO LTU BE DELIVERS
IT TO YOU BIG, WARM
AND FAT – J US T L IK E
YO U ALW AYS WA NTE D
YOUR GUITAR TO SOUND.
THERE’S NO IDEA LIKE A PRO IDEA
A revolutionary idea began to take
shape when we noticed acoustic
players like John Jorgenson using tube
preamps in the studio to warm up
their recorded tracks. Could we
bring this studio idea to the stage?
Could we put it in the guitar?
John was keen to find out and jumped
into what became the CoolTube
project. The collaboration was fruitful.
John took a prototype on the road and
showed it no mercy. It came home in
one piece and many of the CoolTube’s
final specs are the result of John’s input.
We’ve partnered with dozens of pro
players who take our test gear out
on the road and frankly, don’t treat it
very kindly. They come back and
tell us what worked and what didn’t.
It’s a process that guarantees that
the Takamine you take out onstage
won’t ever let you down.
Cr eate a S ystem – A dd a Tr i-A x
CT4B – WARM AND WARMER
TLD – The Basics
2:002:00
Want the best of all worlds? You can have it. The Takamine
CoolTube and CT4B are designed to be interchangeable.
While we match Takamine model guitars with the most
appropriate preamp for the application, don’t feel limited
by our choice. Since the preamps use the same mounting bracket,
they can be interchanged by simply swapping the input and
output cables. Two minutes and you’re ready to go.
CAN’T DECIDE? SWAP YOUR PREAMP IN 2 MINUTES
17

EF360SC
EF341SC EF340SC
ALWAYS C LE AR
AS A BE L L,
WITH TON S
OF DEFINITION TO
CUT THROUGH
EVE N THE
DENSEST
OF MIXES.
OH YEA H ...
THE ELECTRONICS
ARE FRIGGIN’
SWEET TOO!
EF340SCTBS
Adam Dutkiewicz – Killswitch ENGAGE