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Description
Elevate your acoustic-electric guitar's sound with the Takamine CTP3 Preamp, a marvel in tonal enhancement and customization. At its heart, the CTP3 features a 12AU7 dual-triode vacuum tube, renowned for infusing your music with rich, full-bodied warmth. The cleverly engineered low-voltage operation ensures the tube remains cool, safeguarding your guitar's integrity while delivering superior sound.
Explore a new realm of versatility with the CTP3's variable Cool Tube control, allowing you to effortlessly shift from brilliant, sparkling tones to lush, warm harmonics. Whether you're playing in a sunlit room or on a dimly lit stage, the built-in chromatic tuner, notch filter, and 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid-frequency provide all the tools needed to craft your signature sound.
For those seeking even more depth, the auxiliary jack offers the option to install a second pickup, complete with an independent blend control and Mid/High cut switches. This makes the CTP3 not just a preamp but a comprehensive sound sculpting system, perfect for musicians who demand clarity and precision in every note.
Key Features:
- Onboard acoustic guitar preamplifier with 12AU7 dual-triode vacuum tube
- Tube runs at low voltage to remain cool and guitar-safe
- Variable Cool Tube control adjusts tone from bright to warm
- 3-band EQ with semi-parametric 250Hz–5kHz midrange control
- Notch filter to minimize unwanted feedback
- Auxiliary jack for a second pickup with independent blend control
- Mid and High cut switches for precise sound adjustment
- Built-in chromatic tuner for quick and accurate tuning adjustments
Videos
William Sutherland
1.15.19 Takamine CTP1, CTP2, CTP3 / TriAx 2 pickup
1.15.19 Takamine CTP1, CTP2, CTP3 / TriAx 2 pickup
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Takamine EF508KC + CTP-3
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Common "Uncommon Situations" with the Takamine CTP3 Preamp
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Wie klingt die Röhre? Takamine CTP-3 - Cool Tube Preamp
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Reviews
PROS
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Enhances sound to full, luxurious, and powerful levels
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Onboard tuner adds convenience and functionality
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Easy installation with online video support
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Real tube technology for authentic tone improvement
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Compatible with a variety of Takamine guitars
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Noticeably improves previously tinny and weak electronics
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Takamine CTP3 Preamp.
Features and functionality
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The Cooltube CTP3 preamp uses 4 AA batteries, with concerns about battery life due to the 12AU7 tube's power consumption, often described as a "lightbulb."
Source
Comparisons
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Some users suggest opting for Seagull guitars with Fishman pickups as a more reliable alternative, emphasizing fewer battery concerns and potentially better sound.
Source
Use cases and applications
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It's recommended to rely on miking rather than pickups for live performances to avoid the "brittle and fake" sound often associated with acoustic pickups.
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User experience
Setup and maintenance
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Removing batteries after use prevents corrosion, a common issue experienced by owners leading to preamp failure.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
True tube sound
The CTP3 is an acoustic guitar preamp for Takamine guitars featuring a tube. My EF340SCGN sounds so much better with it, it's a delight.
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