Takamine CTP-2 Cool Tube 2 Preamp

 (3 customer reviews)

This is the preamp that came installed on my Takamine T430SS guitar. I have to say that, in my experience, it really lives up to the hype! Everywhere I play, I am always approached by someone who wants to know what I'm playing! I have played other preamps by Fishman and Taylor which are also paired with undersaddle pickups and don't sound bad, but neither of those systems have the umph that the Cool Tube does. That brings me to the point where, as usual, I have to mention one or two possible drawbacks. 1) It's hot! No, I don't mean in terms of temperature, though I could when speaking of tubes. But it is noticibly louder than most other systems out there, so you kind of have to reign it in and warn soundmen etc. 2)See the other reviews and comments. This is not an aftermarket system for installation in any guitar. This preamp is to replace another of Takmine's "sound choice" preamps. So the mounting hardware, wiring, jack, etc. is not in the package because its assumed you already...Read more

This product is listed on the Takamine website as one of their newest preamps. I ordered this part and it was shipped promptly. So no issues there. However, the usual assembly parts for installation were not in the package. In fact, there was nothing. Just the preamp. Normally, a preamp like this is sold with a guide box or the container that it is mounted to the guitar with. There were no instructions or technical manuals with this component either. Not even a suggested parts list to put a person on the right path towards obtaining the necessary parts to complete it's installation properly. This item literally comes with nothing. I can understand the cabling to some degree, however, to absolutely provide nothing at all is really pathetic. In short, the preamp arrived, but without any means whatsoever to install it. There are no manuals that would typically provide instructions for maintenance or basic operations. As a minimum this kind of information should be posted on...Read more

Ordered this Takamine CTP-2 Cool Tube 2 Preamp on Dec. 2, 2012 and here it is March 12, 2012.
Latest word is that the estimated shipment is March 8 - 19, 2012. Each two weeks I check, the shipment has been delayed another 1-2 weeks. Starting to sound like the vendor is having a problem with handling the Takamine line of products.