Takamine CTP-3 4-stars Reviews

The CTP-3 sounds good and has a fair bit of flexibility, with a mix knob to dial in as much tube tone as you want - normally more for fingerpicking, less for strumming - 3 band EQ with a parametric mid, notch filter and the plug hole, switches and volume for an extra pickip to be controlled by the CTP-3. All in all, sound and features are among the best you can get these days.

One problem I am still working on is that often the unit will not switch on. The 4 AA batteries fit too snugly which means the little springs are not strong enough to push the batteries against the contacts in the lid which has to be removed to replace the batteries. I noticed a small self-adhesive felt pad in the battery compartment, presumably to stop batteries rattling and making a sound that gets picked up. Having removed this all but two brands of batteries now fit loose enough that the preamp has power. I am still cautious, not wanting to have this problem 2 minutes before going on stage.