Takamine parts

Tikibird44

I've just bought a Takamine GN93 from a nearby auction house. It has the AccurAcoustic EQ system. Unfortunately the 9v battery cover/box is missing. I believe it is part number TP0820. Does anyone know where I can get one of these without sending off to Japan.?

Whistler

Korg is the UK distributor for Takamine.

1 Harrison Close

Milton Keynes

MK5 8PA

01908 304664

www.takamine.co.uk

Tikibird44

Thanks, I'll give them a try.

Tikibird44

So, I'm waiting for them to ring back from answer machine message. I have now discovered something else missing. The output from the AccurAcoustic preamp is small jack [3.4mm]but the input looks like a phono connection. I have two braided wires coming from the bridge area that look to have the end of a 2.4mm jack on them but no way of connecting them to the input. I need 2 female jack sockets to 1 male phono. Can anyone help?

Whistler

I am thinking out loud:

The Takamine GN93 came with a TK-40D preamp.

Takamine preamps - following quotes from that page:

Takamine preamps use two different types of plugs for input and output - so an incorrect connection cannot be made. So having one jack and one phono is correct, presumably for all Takamine guitars.

The TK-40 and TP-4T preamps are both designed for use only in G Series model guitars and are not compatible with Pro Series Takamine guitars made in Japan. My Takamine ('97 Ltd edition) uses a different preamp and is not campatible with yours, so looking at mine may not be as accurate as we need. I have one jack and one phono, both plugged into the preamp.

Here is what I see in my Takamine:



I am confused by your two braided wires.

For the battery cover, see here for someone selling them via ebay, or here for a shop selling them, both US based.

Tikibird44

Yes thanks I have found battery box on eBay Japan. I think the braided wire means it is an older guitar. The brass coloured one goes through the top to, presumably, the bottom of the bridge and the silver one is a piezo under the four thicker strings saddle. I presume I am missing some sort of adapter. Unlike yours  I only have one input [phono] and one output [jack] 
Is that a valve in yours?

Whistler

I too only have one input and one output, jack and phono.

Yes, when my original preamp died (which I now understand is the sign that the capacitors have had it) I bought a Cool Tube preamp. It sounds fantastic, especially when played through my Fender valve combo. Sorry, I shouldn't make you jealous; enjoy your GN93.

If you remember, add a note here when you are happy that your Takamine is working as it should be. It would be nice to know when you have it all sorted.

Tikibird44

After a few email exchanges with Takamine UK it seems I have the wrong preamp. I need a TK-40D which has two 2.5mm jack inputs to suit the two pickups. It's a long-shot but does anyone have one for sale? Does anyone want an AccurAcoustic without a battery holder that may or may not work?

Whistler

Looking at the rather pricey secondhand TK-40D preamps, if your GN93 was my guitar I would choose to buy a straight Takamine replacement, which these days is the TP-4TD, and £60 is far less than the secondhand TK-40Ds for sale.

What happens with all the Takamine preamps (and maybe all preamps) is that the capacitors inside stop working after a number of years. Rather than risk an old TK-40D where you have no idea how long it will be before that packs up, a brand new TP-4TD is probably going to give you the most years of reliable service.

Thomann, for example, stocks them - here - but buy one from your nearest and favourite shop.

Tikibird44

Thanks Whistler that's a great idea.
I hadn't even thought about a new one but the price of the used TK 40's was scaring me a bit, especially as you say, they may not last very long.
I intend to give this guitar as a gift to my daughter in law so will feel much more confident with a new pre amp.