Here are some vids in which bóth instruments are played:
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I found Channells website but no pricing info.
While it’s prbably nice, it looks like it needs to be played in the same position as a full size DB, which probablynis bad for me.
The Takamine looks like one can readily play it as a normal bass
While it’s prbably nice, it looks like it needs to be played in the same position as a full size DB, which probablynis bad for me.
The Takamine looks like one can readily play it as a normal bass
I believe that’s a 1990’s variant and not made anymore. There’s also a B10 that predates the current TB10, the big diff with all of those is the tube preamp.
I think. I could be wrong.
I think you go it right. I only brought up the B10 and PB30 in case you are interested in buying used or wanted an option to the "cool tube" preamp. The "cool tube" preamp has some really good reviews...I am just suspicious by nature and the idea of putting a tube inside a wood instrument seems a bit odd...also battery life is reportedly very short.
Here's a link to a Invalid Link Removed for sale at The Bass Place that includes all the specs.
Beautiful bass but way out of my budget.
Beautiful bass but way out of my budget.
Used would be the way I’d have to go.
The tube runs at pretty low voltage so I doubt it gets very hot. And yes, I’d presume battery life to be pretty low
Not really, once you figure out the ergonomics, which mostly involve the plucking arm position. And a 1/4 DB will be louder unamplified than anything else being discussed and has a 35.25 mensure, close enough to Fender; and it will sound the most like a 3/4 upright.. A cello will give you less oomph no matter what yardstick you are measuring with.
The Chennel probably slots between the cello and the 1/4 DB, but they are expensive and hard to find.
I have a Takamine B10, Rob Allen Mouse, URB, Fretless P bass, and fretted J with TI's/foam. Which is best really depends on the music, the band lineup, & the venue (acoustics, stage size, load in).
Taki suited smaller Jazz combo, sounds great with acoustic instrument line up. Quiet to Medium volume is ideal.
Mouse was best in 15-piece Big Band (some rock music with horn section, electric guitar). Works with any volume gig.
Both are closer to the tone & natural acoustic vibe of an URB than a EB IMO.
Fretless P suited Blues better (competing with LOUD guitarists).
Loud gigs (earplugs volume) will have feedback problems, so Mouse wins there. Taki thru my Baer ML112 it goes stupid loud before feeding back on itself.
Taki or Mouse -> Monique M700 -> Berg CN212 = voice of God IMO.
Don't forget the Rob Allen MB2 if you want 34" or hate 30" scale. Used prices are very good.
I'll take the RA Mouse out the most as it's so light and easy to play standing or sitting. But the Taki still has a special place in my heart for the right gig.
Taki suited smaller Jazz combo, sounds great with acoustic instrument line up. Quiet to Medium volume is ideal.
Mouse was best in 15-piece Big Band (some rock music with horn section, electric guitar). Works with any volume gig.
Both are closer to the tone & natural acoustic vibe of an URB than a EB IMO.
Fretless P suited Blues better (competing with LOUD guitarists).
The Taki would be perfect for those styles - sonically, visually, and you can sit or stand as suits you best.
Loud gigs (earplugs volume) will have feedback problems, so Mouse wins there. Taki thru my Baer ML112 it goes stupid loud before feeding back on itself.
Taki or Mouse -> Monique M700 -> Berg CN212 = voice of God IMO.
I prefer to play standing up with the Taki vertical on a stand (I'm MD & do BV's).
Don't forget the Rob Allen MB2 if you want 34" or hate 30" scale. Used prices are very good.
I'll take the RA Mouse out the most as it's so light and easy to play standing or sitting. But the Taki still has a special place in my heart for the right gig.
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I have the Tak with the tube. I got mine before Thomann bumped up the price.
Pros. Unique. People always ask questions about it and rave at the looks.
Excellent Tone.
Surprisingly easy to play. (but that could be, because I play the Fbass AC6 and the this has only 4 strings.)
Tube amp actually works and is not a gimmick. Battery life is actually pretty good. Use Eneloop or equivalent is recommended.
Cons. If you are small, which you don't look like it could be massive. I'm 5.7 and I think that's the minimum.
Heavy. The case is stupid heavy. Not a portable bass.
Strings. Somewhat limited. I just slapped on some Labella tapewounds but strings are super uber long.
Thoughts. Great instrument. I actually would suggest this as the first fretless bass to get if you have the dough. It is easy to play but the setup requires professional assistance. (at least for me). I had the strings lowered to the point that it would not affect the sound and the playability increased dramatically. I also had dots installed just like my Fbass AC6.
I play sitting down. There is a sweet spot on the fretboard that sounds the best. To get that I have to sit down.
This is not a portable bass. I have to use the Kavaborg case saddle or a cart if I want to carry it around by foot. You will not be able to carry this thing and do a gig. Your hands will be so tired you'll just end up regretting it.
The tube amp is very useable. Being a crap bassist with good gear, it has so many dials it took me some time to actually understand wth was going on. The EQ is useable but as you would suspect, it's only as good as the amp and you can't just make drastic moves on the slider and expect to get good tones. You might be able to dial it in fast but I doubt the average guy can do this so fast. It's complicated. Not convoluted but every dial has a purpose and to find the sweet spot takes time.
Acoustically it's not loud. Loud enough to wake up someone but not loud enough to play unplugged. But I am sure you know that.
That's my view. It's a very well made instrument. When I got mine, it was 2300 bucks@Thomann. They bumped up the price. I heard some rumors that they were selling it in Japan (this is made in Japan not in China or Korea) for 3000 and that did not fly well with Takamine.
Anwyay if you get this I suggest you get some cello bag. The case will make you despise the weight unless you use a car. Over all, I think this is one of the best purchases I made last year. My rig is Tak to Puma 900 to Barefaced BB2. Or Tak to Markbass Multiamp to Phil Jones C4. Both are good. But I think the Puma Barefaced BB2 is a better choice.
Pros. Unique. People always ask questions about it and rave at the looks.
Excellent Tone.
Surprisingly easy to play. (but that could be, because I play the Fbass AC6 and the this has only 4 strings.)
Tube amp actually works and is not a gimmick. Battery life is actually pretty good. Use Eneloop or equivalent is recommended.
Cons. If you are small, which you don't look like it could be massive. I'm 5.7 and I think that's the minimum.
Heavy. The case is stupid heavy. Not a portable bass.
Strings. Somewhat limited. I just slapped on some Labella tapewounds but strings are super uber long.
Thoughts. Great instrument. I actually would suggest this as the first fretless bass to get if you have the dough. It is easy to play but the setup requires professional assistance. (at least for me). I had the strings lowered to the point that it would not affect the sound and the playability increased dramatically. I also had dots installed just like my Fbass AC6.
I play sitting down. There is a sweet spot on the fretboard that sounds the best. To get that I have to sit down.
This is not a portable bass. I have to use the Kavaborg case saddle or a cart if I want to carry it around by foot. You will not be able to carry this thing and do a gig. Your hands will be so tired you'll just end up regretting it.
The tube amp is very useable. Being a crap bassist with good gear, it has so many dials it took me some time to actually understand wth was going on. The EQ is useable but as you would suspect, it's only as good as the amp and you can't just make drastic moves on the slider and expect to get good tones. You might be able to dial it in fast but I doubt the average guy can do this so fast. It's complicated. Not convoluted but every dial has a purpose and to find the sweet spot takes time.
Acoustically it's not loud. Loud enough to wake up someone but not loud enough to play unplugged. But I am sure you know that.
That's my view. It's a very well made instrument. When I got mine, it was 2300 bucks@Thomann. They bumped up the price. I heard some rumors that they were selling it in Japan (this is made in Japan not in China or Korea) for 3000 and that did not fly well with Takamine.
Anwyay if you get this I suggest you get some cello bag. The case will make you despise the weight unless you use a car. Over all, I think this is one of the best purchases I made last year. My rig is Tak to Puma 900 to Barefaced BB2. Or Tak to Markbass Multiamp to Phil Jones C4. Both are good. But I think the Puma Barefaced BB2 is a better choice.
I bought a hardshell cello case for mine. Shoulder straps, side handle, plus wheels with extra handle at headstock. Love it!
I've since learned of a jumbo acoustic bass case that it fits (Gator?). Prefer the cello case as I extolled above.
The OHSC weighs 10kg or 22lb, Taki about 4.2kg or 9.2lbs... which makes the Taki bass + original case heavier than my combo.
Mine came with a cymbal tripod stand for mounting vertically. I lean it back on two legs while playing it vertically, and three legs when not playing it. I get better intonation above 9th Fret when I play it sitting down.
I've since learned of a jumbo acoustic bass case that it fits (Gator?). Prefer the cello case as I extolled above.
The OHSC weighs 10kg or 22lb, Taki about 4.2kg or 9.2lbs... which makes the Taki bass + original case heavier than my combo.
Mine came with a cymbal tripod stand for mounting vertically. I lean it back on two legs while playing it vertically, and three legs when not playing it. I get better intonation above 9th Fret when I play it sitting down.
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Ballad. Starts quiet and keeps building up...
Fast licks are doable.
R&B-Funk sound (soloed first, then backing track from 0:30).
Fast licks are doable.
R&B-Funk sound (soloed first, then backing track from 0:30).
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I got the Fusion cello bag. Doesn't do squat in terms of protection but it is lighter. I don't recommend a soft gig backpack . It really doesn't do anything especially since it's an acoustic instrument, you could be looking at a major disaster should anything happen.
9.bs is not bad for the bass itself.
22lbs for a hardshell case is probably normalish
22lbs for a hardshell case is probably normalish
Professional setup=why?
It doesn’t look like there’s much to adjust but I’ve been doing setups on electrics for decades
The preamp looks no easier or harder than anything else, to me...
I’ve seen new ones listed here in the US from $3200 to nearly $4000. If Takamine wants to get upset about that and make retailers lower the price, that would be great
The tail piece isn't anything like that of a regular bass and I couldn't figure out how the thing works. It has a two screws but that only reduces or increases the angle of the string from the bridge to the tail piece.
I had it plekked and the nut changed. You might be able to figure it out but I certainly couldn't figure it out. I believe somewhere in the bridge is a piezo pickup and personally I wouldn't want to deal with adjusting that either.
