Takamine TP-4T acoustic guitar preamp review and user guide
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- A comprehensive review of the Takamine TP-4T acoustic guitar preamp. This is one of the preamps currently being fitted to Takamine G-series guitars, specifically the 10 and 15 series. Video covers all the features of the preamp including demonstration of the sounds obtained from various EQ settings.
Demonstration guitar is the GX18CE-NS "Taka-Mini" model. Despite the relatively small body size, this guitar has a perfectly acceptable plugged in tone via the undersaddle piezo pickup and TP-4T preamp.
Full review of the GX18CE-NS Taka-Mini guitar featured in this video: • Takamine GX18CE-NS Tak...
Links to my other Takamine preamp reviews:
• Acoustic Guitar Preamp...
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The Takamine TP-4T preamp EQ Control :
BASS (60Hz) : ± 9dB
MIDDLE(600Hz) : ± 10dB
TREBLE(10KHz) : ± 12 dB
Thank you - what is your source for this information and have you verified it to be accurate?
@@GLBProductions I took this information from the Takamine TP-4T Owner's Manual. Here is a link for you: www.manualslib.com/manual/988528/Takamine-Tp-4t.html
Excellent, thanks for the link!
how can i get a tp4t preamp manuel
I know this was put up a few years ago, but still about the best video explaining onboard preamps I've found. Not just for this model/brand but preamps in general. Thank you.
You're welcome Ian, glad the video was helpful 😊
I'm so glad I found you. My being an electronic technician I have a friend who has a guitar with the exact same EQ board and I just found out his guitar is not working. I will investigate to make sure all the basic electrical connections I have been met and to make sure there's no connection problem with a cord or so and then we'll take it from there but now I know how to set up his tuner. I'm very grateful that I found you thank you so much. And you're absolutely right, it's impossible to try to find an owners manual. Thanks again.
You're welcome Phil, glad the video was helpful :) Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks a lot
- for the informations
- for your diction, very clear and easy to understand even for a French guy like me :-)
You're most welcome, thanks for watching!
Thanks for this video. I thought my preamp is faulty as it doesn't turn off when I press the button. Cheers!
Yes so did I! Thanks for watching!
Gracias! justo lo que necesitaba!
Eres bienvenido Cristopher!
Excellent...just bought a Takamine with the Takamine TP-4T
Glad the video was helpful, Greg!
i need to replace the tp4t preamp in my takamine can you help me
I am probably a lot late to this video, but i wanna ask a question about a problem of mine. D string is not being picked up by preamp, and i dont know what to do, or how to fix it. My guitar is G360SB. Please help if you know whats the problem. I tried refitting few times while changing the strings but it doesnt help. Tuner works perfectly tho, wich is really confusing, but no signal on the D string while on any PA.
Hi Stefan it sounds like part of your pickup element (which on G-series guitars is built into the saddle itself) has failed. The best way to solve this problem is to take it to your nearest Takamine dealer - they will be able to solve the problem or at least advise you on the repair cost.
@@GLBProductions oh, thanks. i was really confused for about 2 years now. cuz i do get a excelent signal. but the D string is lacking. almost not picked up at all. I was thinking now maybe it is not seated properly and i should trim down the saddle a bit. or just replace the piezo underneath it? I guess its normal for e or E string to have this problem but not in the middle of the sadle, right? xd
Very hard to say - best to take it to a guitar tech who is familiar with this pickup system.
Thanks for your time. Well done!!
You're welcome Greg.
really useful review. thanks
You're welcome Allen :)
Hello, first of all thanks for this video. Now may I ask what's your opinion on the TP-3G preamp?
You're welcome! I haven't actually used the TP-3G preamp so can't evaluate it at this point in time.
Does the battery drain if the cable is never unplugged.
.'' '
Yes it does - I suggest unplugging the guitar when not in use.
Thanks for this video!
You're welcome Denis.
That's cool :) Probably good for those not familiar with guitars to a necessary extent but want/have to help with setting up for a performance.
Or even music schools - imagine having to tune so many guitars every day?! :O
+Andreev Andrei Correct :) Plus it allows you to tune the guitar in a noisy environment where you may not be able to hear it well acoustically. Also invaluable for altered tuning or quick checking during a performance.
Great video as always. Quick question, is the output of this guitar Hi-Z level or line level? Thanks.
+Apache Cai High-Z (short for high impedance) is a measure of impedance, not output level. The guitar's output is low impedance because of the active preamp but the level depends on where you have the volume control set and how hard you play. With the volume set to maximum it approaches line level but I didn't measure exactly how many volts.
+GLB Productions Thank you for your answer, Bruno. Another question, since the guitar's output is low impedance, why did you have to engage the Hi-Z button on the mixer? Can you explain the function of the Hi-Z button and when we need to use it? Thanks again.
+Apache Cai It sounded better that way :) The Hi-Z button basically acts like a built in direct box and is designed mainly for recording and other applications where the source is relatively close to the mixer.
i have a takamine EN-15 acoustic with the battery inside the body COULD I CHANGE THE PREAMP
+loadi2 Afraid I'm not familiar with those older Taks - I suggest you post your question over at takamineforum.com.
Thanks for the video, i have to remove my tp4td preamp and maybe, i have to change it, can you suggest me a compatible preamp?
You're welcome. Because of the size and shape of the preamp hole in the side of the guitar you are limited to the TP-4T and TK-40 preamps - both of these have been discontinued and replaced by the TP-4TD. However, the G-series PICKUP is compatible with almost any commercially available piezo preamp on the market - it is possible to wire the pickup directly to an external preamp, bypassing the internal electronics on the guitar.
great review, I have one question about the very same model. After two minutes playing the tuner will turn off so the amplyfication, i have to press the tuner to get the amplification back. Is that the way it should work, only to amplify while the tuner is on?
No - on this model the tuner is independent of the output, you should have signal with or without the tuner being on.
GLB Productions thanks! I had to replace the guitar, now its working properly :)
@@GLBProductions hello, same for Takamine TP-4TD ? I have same problem on my guitar (takamine gn 30 ce). Thanks for help man 🙏
@@okkiblu9282 Yes, these two preamps are identical except for the second input on the TD version, needed for the split saddle.
@@GLBProductions so I guess I have to change it cause actually it's impossible play guitar with amplifer. Many thanks...on internet is difficult to have informations like this ✌️✌️
What do you mean not compatible? I have a Takami Japanese and the pick up is gone. I was hoping to replace it with this. What’s the problem? Thank you.
This preamp is designed to work only with the Chinese-made G-series: the Japanese Taks have a different pickup, preamp frame, wiring scheme and electrical connectors inside. Think of it as two different systems that need to be built with the appropriate components.
Thanks for the video, but I have a question, my tuner won't work with the new alkaline battery and when I plug it on the soundcard, there's no sound at all, what should I do?
These preamps are not user-serviceable - I suggest you bring it to your local Takamine dealer and have them sort it out.
@@GLBProductions ah thank you so much👍
The action looks really, really high on your Takamine. J/S
That's the way it was set up from the factory.
Hi Bruno!have you bought a new guitar? ;)
No mids was the setting that I'd prefer....but I like more the sound of acoustic guitars with microphones when possible...
Have a great nice new year!
+Cris Valk Yes this guitar is new! I got it for an overseas trip in December - in previous years I have carried my GS mini but needed a guitar with an active preamp and also with a tuner onboard. This guitar was prefect for that trip - will be posting a full review soon!
my Takamine GD20CE NS G20 Series Dreadnought Cutaway has that pre-amp ,i have mine set kinda like your best 19:40 but my middle is up halfway ,the bass i usually bring it down a notch the treble stays 0 ,for one my amp is a marshall 50 watt AS-50D way i have it set up pretty much halfway on the knobs i use the chorus alot on it at church and when i sing so yeah sounds pretty neat to me but great video for little more info even though ive had my guitar probably bout 5 or 6 years lol guess thats why i mostly mess with it is at church .i use a epiphone regular sunburst acoustic to practice on at home
Thanks for the comment! I had an AS-50D a while ago - great sounding amp, HEAVY though 😂 That's probably why it sounded so good!
Excellent examination of the git.
Trying to find my model number on my gifted G Series.
Any suggestions for a strap lock. The jack is so small.
Thanks Bob - the model number of the guitar will be on the label inside the soundhole. If that is missing you might be able to trace the instrument through the serial number, which is usually on a separate label where the neck joins the body, also inside the guitar. Sorry I can't help with the straplocks as I don't use them on acoustic.
It drains the battery when I play plugged in. Is it not supposed to do that?
I fell asleep one night with it plugged in and the Amp was still on and in the morning the 9V was dead. I dont think it even works w/out the 9V electrically. It shouldn't lasts you months if you use the Guitar plugged in.
Yes, plugging in the guitar turns on the internal electronics and the battery will drain if you leave the guitar plugged in overnight for example.
Hello friend, I bought this guitar and have one question : can we plugged a little microphone - with 3,5 diameter jack - in the preamp ? (add To the piezzo sound system)
Sorry for my english, I'm french...
Merci for your great videos 🙏
Not in its stock form, however if you are willing to modify the connectors it may be possible :)
@@GLBProductions thank you Bruno for your response : )
I'm not able To do it, but maybe a friend of mine is...
I Will tell you ; )
Have a good day
Amicalement
Hello. Please help me. I have a takamine gd 10 ce lh guitar with same preamp. The battery lifetime is very short. The next morning is discharged all time. The jack pull off the socket. Whats the problem? Thx
You have a switch fault somewhere in the preamp such that it's not turning off when you unplug it - I suggest you take it to your local Takamine dealer to be repaired.
Hi, i have a Tp-4TD, and i’m no table to Connect it to the computer(iMac).I have to put on something or there’s something broke in the guitar?Exscuse me for my english but i am italian
I'm sorry I don't understand your question.
hi bruno, i have the nex body g series. the action is high, i dont know how to change the saddle because it's attached to the undersaddle pickup. any advice? i wanna change to bone saddle too
+wilson bethlehem Yes on those guitars it's a real pain to lower the action. There are a couple of options open to you: either mill out the saddle slots in the bridge to seat the entire saddle/pickup assembly lower, or have the neck on the guitar taken off and re-set to correct the action. Both of these require a trip to a guitar tech.
Es normal que el botón de low batery se encienda aún con bateia nueva después de unos minutos y que se apague al conectar la guitarra al amplificador?
No, eso no me suena normal. ¿El preamplificador sigue funcionando correctamente?
I have this kind of preamp in the guitar that I just bought in FB marketplace, it doesn't have an output to connect the cord to amplifier, is it normal?
The quarter-inch output connector is located on the body of guitar, not on the preamp itself.
@@GLBProductions Thanks, I figured it out, it's on the metal thingy that you put the strap on. Pretty smart design by Takamine.
I had no idea you could change the calibration. No need for a Capo to tune half-step down or unique tunings like "DADGAD" 4 example.
Remember that the calibration is intended for use when tuning to other non 440Hz instruments eg a piano that is slightly out of tune and can't be retuned before the performance. It does not change the tuning of the instrument - you still have to do that manually ;)
@@GLBProductions oh. My bad Musta misunderstood
Can you remove/replace the battery holder? Not the lid, I mean the whole compartment. Damaged due to battery leak, broken spring
I don't think so, the whole thing seems to be one piece of moulded plastic.
The preamp keeps turning off while playing, with a new battery as well.. I am guessing something is up with the auto turn off timer of 3 minutes. Have you encountered this?
No I have not - definitely sounds like the guitar needs to be serviced.
i'm experiencing the same issue, did you manage to solve it?
HI I was watching your video. I have the Takamine GD30 CE with the same TP-4T preamp and on mine when I press the tuner button it does mute the guitar????
It's possible that you have a different version of this preamp which has added that feature.
Its possible like you mentioned in your video not much info out their on this particular Pre Amp. Thank you for your help. Keep posting.
Hi I got a question when I plug my /guitar to the amp I can’t get the 3-6 string only the 2 bottom ones sound please get back to me thanks
That's very likely an issue with the pickup and the way it interfaces with the bridge saddle. Get a competent guitar technician to take a look, they should be able to quickly work out what's wrong.
My tp-4t preamp tuner flashes left and right. And gets green when in tune.
Sounds like they've updated the display since I made this video.
@@GLBProductions I guess.. Btw this preamps works with regular cheap piezo pickups, not only Takamine like integrated pickups with saddle etc...Just try and play with it. Of course you need a saddle sanded down to your preferences, action wise...
Hello Sir, which battery best fits this preamp . I have the same guitar , DURACEL battery 9 V is fitting very difficulty and led is blinking even though the battery is new. Does this needed any specifc brand battery sir ? Please let me know . Thanks.
As far as I know Takamine does not recommend a specific brand - I have had good success with Panasonic and Sony batteries.
@@GLBProductions Many thanks Sir for the response. My preamp batter tuner was not working inspite of putting new batteries, so asked. Finaly took to a local guitar store and got to know the issue was not due to battery, the issue was due to loose wire in circuit. It is fixed now . I am enjoying playing guitar now 😊 . Thank you for replying sir. Means a lot 🙏
Great to hear that, enjoy your guitar!
@@GLBProductions 😊😊
I have a problem with my new GC5ce TP-4T amp....the problem is when i connect my guitar to an amplifier, the sound comes through it only when the tuner on the preamp is on. But since the tuner shuts off automatically after 90 seconds the sound also stops. Any idea?
There's definitely an issue with the preamp - I recommend taking it back to the shop that sold you the guitar, hopefully it can be fixed under warranty.
I have the same issue, did you end up confirming any solution?
@@CharlesBower123 There is connectivity issue with the pickup, cable came loose for some reason. You have to take the strings off reach inside and connect it back. Make sure the jack plug socket for your Guitar Soft Saddle Transducer Pickup Cable is connected to the preamp.
Hey brother, I know this was 5 years ago but I have the same problem and this comment is the only thing Ive seen that can help me. When you say you just take off the strings, reach in there and reconnect it. Is this something I can do by myself at home with no prior experience? It would really help me out if you can reply dude. I just found this takamine and love it my only problem is this issue with plugging it in and it goes out every 90 seconds
Hey i have a question about my TP-4t i bought a new battery because lowbat, after i put the new one my tp4t says it lowbat again?what should i do? thanks:)
Try a different brand of battery, and be sure you're using alkaline batteries not zinc carbon.
being a electronic technician, always use well known brand batteries for your personal equipment. Cheap ones can leak, causing corrosion on the battery contacts inside your precious electronic equipment. And I'm sure you don't want to damage it, do you !
What is the value(eg:500K?) of volume control takamine gd11mce ?
That information is not published - you'll need to ask Takamine directly.
Thats one of our takamine guitar and its more than 1 year now, I have a question why is it that its tune today became so bad, we play it nice 1st but as soon as we played later it becomes worse, we plug out/ in and it played well again, so how is it?
What is the problem?
I suggest changing the battery to start with.
Olá, sou Brasileiro, gostaria de comprar um preamp tp-4t para meu violão pois o mesmo deu defeito , mais não encontrei no Brasil, poderia me ajudar. Obrigado.
Via google translate: você precisa descobrir quem é o distribuidor da Takamine para o seu país e solicitá-lo. Obrigado por assistir!
Já encontrou amigo?
@@rodrigomartins9692 ,encontrei não, vc tem pra vender?
@@valterneibarreto4772 eu vi esses dias pelo Mercado Livre alguns
@@rodrigomartins9692 ,muito caro, 650 reais, o violão takamine usando vc consegue por 1000 reais, não vale apena.
What are the dimensions of the unit, or sizeof the hole required?
Sorry I no longer own this guitar.
Why can't I put a ct4b 2 preamp to a g series guitar??? Please I need info
The connectors are different, to begin with. The G-series preamps have the connectors permanently attached, the preamps are not designed to be swapped by the end user. Beyond that, you'll need to ask Takamine.
In my experience, watch out for this preamp is very difficult to find and replace due to its big size on the guitar when it breaks.
Takamine preamps are all this size, except for the ones on the thinline series.
can i change the saddle of this guitar? or does it have an undersaddle pickup?
On the G-series guitars the pickup is integrated into the saddle which makes saddle replacement more difficult to do.
@@GLBProductions does the guitar have good action or would I still need to set it up? I would love it if you'd try a guitar from the Philippines. RJ Mini Koa. Thank you so much.
Would you recommend replacing the tuners on this guitar?
Only if you plan on using it intensively or for professional use. They're fine for casual use.
What models would you recommend to replace with and do you know any good sites for ordering
I just buy a takmine gd30ce 12 strings and I would like to know if the tp4td turns off by itself past a few minutes, by the way i just buy it a new batery i really appreciate !!!
The preamp itself switches on when you plug into and off when you unplug from the guitar's output socket. The TUNER switches off after about two mins with no signal input.
GLB Productions okay thanks i was worry about it!!
Is there a difference between the TP-4T and the TP-4TD ??
The TP-4TD is apparently a replacement for the TP-4T. Not sure what the differences are if any.
The tuner arrows are different
@@GLBProductions The D stands for dual - Takamine with split bridge
why it has that little hole next trouble ?
+Icaro Moreira It allows the insertion of a tool in order to release the preamp housing ;)
how can i do that? can u teach, pls ?
+Icaro Moreira I don't know how to do it on G-series guitars, sorry. It's meant for technicians when servicing or replacing the preamp.
Wooowww 👍👍👍
Thanks for watching Dedi!
Do u know we’re I can get the battery cap?
Contact your local Takamine dealer :)
String Gauge?
D'Addario EXP16