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Takamine TB-10 Users

Chef

Chef

In Memoriam
May 23, 2004
41,814
18,945
65
Columbia MO
Disclosures
Staff Reviewer; Bass Gear Magazine
#1
Howdy;
My physical therapist said it would be great if I never played upright again. Honestly, I'd be heartbroken over that but I don't get calls for it often anymore anyway.
However; there are times I could still use that tone and feel. I don't want an stick shaped upright electric of any sort, that's just gonna be another variant of putting my body in a shape I'm not supposed to do anymore.
But, some of the clips I've heard of the Takamine TB10 sound pretty great. It's a normal 34" scale, unlike the short scale Rob Allen Mouse, which I also think sounds pretty great. And, it looks pretty classy, like a big archtop jazz guitar, so, it's vibe would more or less fit gigs where an upright would, but a Sadowsky might not quite have the same eye appeal.
So, if you have one and use it, I'd love to hear from you. Likes, dislikes, etc. It looks like one of these will cost pretty much what my upright is worth, so feedback before I buy is a good thing.

thanks
 
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#2
Chef said:
Howdy;
My physical therapist said it would be great if I never played upright again. Honestly, I'd be heartbroken over that but I don't get calls for it often anymore anyway.
However; there are times I could still use that tone and feel. I don't want an stick shaped upright electric of any sort, that's just gonna be another variant of putting my body in a shape I'm not supposed to do anymore.
But, some of the clips I've heard of the Takamine TB10 sound pretty great. It's a normal 34" scale, unlike the short scale Rob Allen Mouse, which I also think sounds pretty great. And, it looks pretty classy, like a big archtop jazz guitar, so, it's vibe would more or less fit gigs where an upright would, but a Sadowsky might not quite have the same eye appeal.
So, if you have one and use it, I'd love to hear from you. Likes, dislikes, etc. It looks like one of these will cost pretty much what my upright is worth, so feedback before I buy is a good thing.

thanks
Click to expand...
I'm on the same boat, cannot play upright due to left shoulder problems and I'm looking to acoustic basses...
 
#5
Chef said:
I have a KC Strings bass chair/stand for my 3/4 size King. It’s still a pretty awkward position to tweak your body into
Click to expand...

Whoops! Writer-oriented prose; I did not make myself clear. I meant sit in a chair with the thing across your knee like a bass guitar. It can be done. You will sacrifice bowing, and thumb position can be kind of dicey; but it can be done.
 
#7
Chef said:
Howdy;
My physical therapist said it would be great if I never played upright again. Honestly, I'd be heartbroken over that but I don't get calls for it often anymore anyway.
However; there are times I could still use that tone and feel. I don't want an stick shaped upright electric of any sort, that's just gonna be another variant of putting my body in a shape I'm not supposed to do anymore.
But, some of the clips I've heard of the Takamine TB10 sound pretty great. It's a normal 34" scale, unlike the short scale Rob Allen Mouse, which I also think sounds pretty great. And, it looks pretty classy, like a big archtop jazz guitar, so, it's vibe would more or less fit gigs where an upright would, but a Sadowsky might not quite have the same eye appeal.
So, if you have one and use it, I'd love to hear from you. Likes, dislikes, etc. It looks like one of these will cost pretty much what my upright is worth, so feedback before I buy is a good thing.

thanks
Click to expand...

I am also interested in the TB10 and well as the fretless Epiphone Zenith bass. Is your problem in your shoulder or hands? The TB10 has a thick chunky neck more like an upright, so may not provide sufficient relief for hand problems.

In the clips, the TB10 seems to capture a bit more of an authentic upright sound. However, sustain is still way too long for an authentic upright feel. Maybe it would be closer with tape wounds or some sort of foam mute under the strings, or using thumb with palm muting.

GretschWretch said:
A little away from the norm, but if you don't mind playing seated a 1/4 DB will get you there soundwise as well or better than a TB-10 (one of which I would love to have BTW).
Click to expand...

A 1/4 size upright is still pretty large to play horizontally. Maybe you could have a cello modified with light gauge or solo gauge strings.
 
#9
MD said:
Chef, et al.... what do you want to know? I play an older B10 exclusively.
Click to expand...

Do you like it?
Is it quality?
Is it at least as good as a Rob Allen Mouse at sounding DB? I can do pretty well with a fretless Precision with flats and the right touch, but it’s nowhere near the visual of the TB10
 
#11
Sorry to hear that Chef - I struggle with some upper neck & back issues but couldn’t ever see giving up the upright - even though it is brutal on the body at times!

I think that Takamine looks super cool. I think I remember it was pretty heavy though?

Having given it a lot of thought, I still think an NS Omni bass (34”) or full size upright in a tripod would be an excellent option to consider.
 
#12
I’ve played stick uprights on a tripod,
I do not like them

As for the Takamine being heavy, I pretty much have to play seared so that doesn’t matter so much
 
#14
If you really want to get closer to DB sound in a smaller package, consider a Chennell Arco. I own a Tak b-10, and a Chennell. The Chennell sounds more like an amplified upright bass, likely due to its more traditional construction methods. But I like the Tak, and have it strung with 1/4 size Doublebass strings. It is a good compromise for someone who wants a DB type tone in a small form factor. But you can’t play Arco on it.
 
#15
Just for visual reference I'm putting some pics up. :) I had never seen one before. :woot: I would not mind being seen playing one of those!
10782-desktop.jpg

f9b1c9153bbab1cd7e24f565c051810c.jpg

preview.jpg
 
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#16
Chef said:
Do you like it?
Click to expand...

I like everything about it. The jumbo body that I can wrap my arms around, to the DB/cello like neck with similar radius. I love the FB radius.

Chef said:
Is it quality?
Click to expand...

Well built. Solid, probably the reason it's not too loud unplugged. It ain't light, but I play sitting on a stool 100% of the time. I think using a strap may be awkward, but not out of bounds.


Chef said:
Is it at least as good as a Rob Allen Mouse at sounding DB? I can do pretty well with a fretless Precision with flats and the right touch, but it’s nowhere near the visual of the TB10
Click to expand...

Never played a RA, but I've never thought they copped a DB tone.
Nothing is like a DB, so make the tone your own.
 
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#17
I’ve not heard of that other one.
I have no need for arco for what I’d ever do, which would be roots, blues, jazz, r-n-b type stuff

aesopslyre said:
If you really want to get closer to DB sound in a smaller package, consider a Chennell Arco. I own a Tak b-10, and a Chennell. The Chennell sounds more like an amplified upright bass, likely due to its more traditional construction methods. But I like the Tak, and have it strung with 1/4 size Doublebass strings. It is a good compromise for someone who wants a DB type tone in a small form factor. But you can’t play Arco on it.
Click to expand...
 
#19
Chef said:
MD; what does yours weigh?
The TB might be a little heavier because tube preamp.

Y’all did know it had a tube preamp, right?
Click to expand...

Yep. I believe the tube is operated at really low voltages and is more of a gimmick than anything else. Anyone compared the B10 and TB10 directly...appears they are the same instrument, but one has the "cool tube" and the other does not.
 

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