cagatay_cetin's Aguilar Amp Rig

I had dreamed of owning a Takamine TB-10 for a long time, and I’ve been using mine for about a year now. It’s one of those rare instruments where I love everything about it; the sound, the feel, the look. It’s beautifully built and incredibly expressive, both on stage and in the studio.

One thing to keep in mind: the neck has absolutely nothing in common with an electric bass. The profile and fingerboard radius feel much more like an upright bass. If you come from an electric bass background, it might seem intimidating at first, I was honestly unsure whether I’d get used to it. But surprisingly, I adapted very quickly and now I feel completely comfortable with it.

The TB-10 comes with its own hardcase, which looks incredibly cool and feels rock solid. But be warned, despite the instrument’s large body, the case is somehow even heavier than the bass itself. If you travel frequently with your instrument, it can feel like you’re carrying two or even three basses at once.

One useful feature is the CTP-3 preamp which allows you to add an additional microphone alongside the piezo if you want to. I’ve personally never felt the need for it, but it’s great to have the option. When used unplugged, the TB-10 has a low acoustic volume, which makes it great for practicing quietly at home. That said, don’t expect the kind of projection you’d get from a full upright bass, that’s simply not what it’s designed for.

There’s no real downside for me, but I did notice a faint rattling noise when playing certain low frequencies. It’s definitely not electrical, it feels like something inside the body is slightly vibrating. I checked the preamp slot, even padded it with some fabric to test, but the issue remained. My guess is it could be a cable between the piezo and preamp making contact with the wood due to resonance. It’s subtle and not noticeable in live settings, but it can be a bit distracting during quiet practice sessions. I’m not sure if this is unique to mine or a common TB-10 trait, if it’s widespread, it would be a bit disappointing for an instrument in this price range.

That said, it hasn’t stopped me from enjoying it. The TB-10 is still a joy to play and one of the most inspiring instruments I’ve owned.

And after everything I’ve written above, I can honestly say: I’m deeply attached to this instrument, and I know it will be with me for the rest of my life.