TEST: Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern

 It is surprising how much the popularity of instrument manufacturers is subject to fashion trends and coincidences. The British manufacturer Chapman Guitars has not yet been able to make it into the mainstream despite consistently good instruments at moderate retail prices. Why? Nobody knows. Even the well-frequented Facebook page only has 2 Facebook groups with just 2,000 - 3,000 users worldwide, which is also a mystery to me. Will the Britten only remain one of the two major flagship areas in the amplifier market? After all, with the Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern Red Sea, the manufacturer is once again trying to take advantage of the opportunity to draw attention to itself.

The concept of the Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern Red Sea

In order to achieve a retail price of €549, the manufacturer, like all competitors in this price segment, has to switch to Asian production. In recent years, Indonesia has become the top dog here and has overtaken the former guitar monopoly China, at least in this manufacturing segment. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find out which factory Chapman Guitars has its instruments built in, but in recent years I haven't come across an Indonesian-made instrument whose quality wasn't significantly higher than the advertised retail price. Unfortunately, as is usual in this price category, the instrument is only delivered in a cardboard box with EPS rigid foam elements, which means that a high-quality gig bag or case must be included in your financial planning when purchasing.

This shouldn't be too difficult, as Chapman Guitars is relying on a type of "Powertele" with the ML3 series, the body shape of which, in contrast to the sprawling shapes of Explorer or Flying V and their adaptations, shouldn't cause any problems. What was slightly irritating, however, was the perception of the regular long scale length of 648 mm. I could have sworn that it was an extra-long scale length, the reversed headstock combined with the high bridge lengthens the impression so much. It was only after measuring that I was finally convinced.

Woods, hardware and electrical

In the area of wood construction, we all meet old friends, but they are far removed from the first series of electric guitars in the world. The Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern Red Sea only has the body shape and the scale length in common with a Tele; everything else could hardly be more diametrically designed. Although the Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern Red Sea also has a screwed, one-piece maple neck with a slightly rounded neck pocket on the body, a mahogany body and an ebony fingerboard are not normally found on a classic Tele. In order to generally increase playing comfort, the instrument was also given rib shaping on the back of the body.

The instrument has 24 frets, which are designed as jumbo frets and is therefore forced to move the neck pickup slightly back from the popular area below the 24th fret. Many users probably won't notice this at all in terms of sound, but in a direct comparison I prefer the classic pickup positioning. The fingerboard markings are very reserved and only include simple dot inlays on the fingerboard itself plus the neck side and an infinity symbol on the 12th fret. The neck uses a pleasant C-shaping, which should appeal to the majority of users.

The fact that it is very important to Chapman Guitars to optimize playing comfort right up to the highest registers can also be seen in the shaping in the cutaway of the instrument, which is referred to as the “spoon cut”. In fact, the comparatively small incision results in significantly greater playing comfort in the last 3 positions and is nevertheless designed so subtly that the vibration behavior of the instrument does not suffer. Despite the moderate retail price, the instrument has a medium-light binding, which gives the instrument a significantly “woodier” look. However, this is not the classic fake binding of a corresponding maple top, which was only glued on as a veneer for optical reasons. The same thing would not be possible at this retail price.

With a little imagination, you can actually interpret the waves of a lake in the grain of the flamed maple veneer and its very cleanly highlighted stain, so the instrument has a nice connection to the model name. To what extent you like the finish, each user can decide for themselves.

The entire hardware as well as the back finish of the instrument was finished in black, with Chapman Guitars working with in-house tuners in the 18:1 ratio and the bridge with the Strings Through Body variant again takes a hint towards Tele. Many colleagues attribute this bridge construction to a significant share of the legendary “Twang” sound, without being able to really substantiate it physically. However, I have to admit that all of the twang-heavy instruments in my portfolio also have this bridge construction.

When it comes to pickups, Chapman Guitars is once again relying on an in-house development called “Chapman Sonorous Zero” and switched with a 3-way blade switch. The pickups have ceramic magnets and offer a slightly increased direct current resistance of 10.5 kOhm (neck) and 12.5 kOhm (bridge). In order to increase the variety of sounds, you can tap into the coils using a push/pull potentiometer in the tone area and operate them in single coil mode.

The Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern in practice

I've written about it many times, but it's very striking how comparatively high quality comes from Indonesia these days compared to the retail price. The Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern is no exception in this regard. Even when not amplified, the instrument exhibits very good vibration behavior, with an unusually long sustain despite a screwed neck. The twang factor mentioned above can also be perceived with a little imagination and leaves a very good first impression. The entire workmanship is impeccable, not an unclean spot in terms of the paint, not an unclean dressing on the frets or anything similar. Even the factory setting for the string position impresses with its optimal adjustment, a point that in the past could not even begin to be expected with inexpensive instruments.

Connected to the amplifier, the in-house pickups take the lead and immediately stand out in the humbucker position due to their strong high-mid presence, among other things due to the ceramic magnets. Fortunately, the pickups do not “scratch” but remain stuck in their peak in the midrange, which gives the tone a subtly nasal sound with a high level of assertiveness. The output power of the bridge pickup allows for real high gain attacks and still manages to give the instrument a typical character due to the passive design, like other instruments from the Chapman Guitars portfolio.

The neck pickup is also in no way inferior in terms of tonal output and offers a good, warm basic sound, which is particularly convincing in the clean and slightly crunchy range, although in my opinion it lacks the last bit of character due to the offset position both in solo operation seems to be missing in the parallel arrangement with the bridge pickup. However, this is to be viewed purely subjectively.

While the humbucker operation of the Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern can undoubtedly be described as very good, the instrument unfortunately loses massively in both volume and sound quality in the single coil. Of course, no one will expect the sound volume of a pickup that has been optimized purely for single coil operation from a split humbucker, but unfortunately this single coil operation does not represent any added value for the instrument. The sound is unfortunately very thin, biting and without any assertiveness, so I would have Manufacturer foregoes this option in advance. Well, if you don't like the sound, you don't have to use it.

The conclusion is definitely a very good instrument with an excellent price/performance ratio, which, as an unusual Powertele adaptation, should attract interested looks here and there.

Conclusion

With the Chapman Guitars ML3 Modern, the British manufacturer has a good instrument with a very good price/performance ratio in its portfolio. The workmanship is very good, the sound is far above the expected quality, and the detailed solutions are practical.

If you don't need the unfortunate single coil sounds, you can get a more than decent instrument for just over 500 euros, which offers significantly more in terms of sound than what the retail price would suggest.

———————-

Additional Informations:


Chapman Guitars has gained prominence in the music industry for its diverse range of high-quality instruments that cater to the needs and preferences of modern guitarists. From sleek and ergonomic designs to versatile electronics and premium hardware, Chapman guitars offer a perfect blend of innovation, performance, and affordability. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the various models offered by Chapman Guitars, exploring their unique features, technical specifications, and sonic capabilities.

**1. ML Series**

The ML Series stands as one of the flagship lines of Chapman Guitars, known for its versatility, playability, and exceptional tone. These guitars feature a familiar double-cutaway design with a contoured body for enhanced comfort and access to upper frets. Available in various configurations, including solid-body and semi-hollow models, the ML Series offers something for every guitarist.

* ML1 Pro Traditional:
  - Body: Mahogany
  - Neck: Maple, set-neck construction
  - Fingerboard: Ebony
  - Pickups: Chapman Stentorian humbuckers
  - Bridge: Tune-o-matic with stop tailpiece

* ML3 Modern:
  - Body: Swamp ash
  - Neck: Maple, bolt-on construction
  - Fingerboard: Pau Ferro
  - Pickups: Chapman Sonorous Zero single-coils (neck and middle), Chapman Venus Witch humbucker (bridge)
  - Bridge: Chapman String-through hardtail

**2. Ghost Fret Series**

The Ghost Fret Series exemplifies Chapman Guitars' commitment to pushing the boundaries of guitar design and aesthetics. These guitars feature a distinctive offset body shape with aggressive contours and bevels, providing a modern and edgy aesthetic that stands out on stage. With high-output pickups and versatile electronics, the Ghost Fret Series is well-suited for players seeking powerful tones and expressive playability.

* Ghost Fret Pro:
  - Body: Mahogany
  - Neck: Maple, set-neck construction
  - Fingerboard: Ebony
  - Pickups: Chapman Primordial Zero humbuckers
  - Bridge: Chapman String-through hardtail

**3. ML-7 Series (Seven-String Guitars)**

For guitarists looking to explore the depths of low-end frequencies and extended range playing, Chapman Guitars offers the ML-7 Series. These seven-string guitars feature a longer scale length and extended range pickups, allowing players to delve into heavier genres like metal and djent while maintaining clarity and articulation.

* ML-7S:
  - Body: Mahogany
  - Neck: Maple, set-neck construction
  - Fingerboard: Ebony
  - Pickups: Chapman Titan 7 humbuckers
  - Bridge: Chapman String-through hardtail

**4. Traditional Series**

Inspired by classic guitar designs of the past, the Traditional Series pays homage to timeless instruments while incorporating modern features and improvements. These guitars boast vintage aesthetics, premium tonewoods, and traditional hardware, making them ideal for players who appreciate the nostalgia of vintage guitars combined with modern reliability and performance.

* ML2 Modern Traditional:
  - Body: Mahogany
  - Neck: Mahogany, set-neck construction
  - Fingerboard: Ebony
  - Pickups: Chapman Mojo Hand single-coils (neck and middle), Chapman 62 humbucker (bridge)
  - Bridge: Chapman String-through hardtail

**5. Baritone Series**

For guitarists seeking to explore lower tunings and expanded sonic possibilities, Chapman Guitars offers the Baritone Series. These guitars feature an extended scale length and specialized pickups, allowing players to achieve rich, resonant tones with enhanced clarity and definition in the lower register.

* ML1 Baritone:
  - Body: Mahogany
  - Neck: Maple, set-neck construction
  - Fingerboard: Ebony
  - Pickups: Chapman Stentorian Baritone humbuckers
  - Bridge: Chapman String-through hardtail

**Conclusion**

From the versatile ML Series to the edgy Ghost Fret Series and the extended-range ML-7 Series, Chapman Guitars offers a diverse lineup of instruments to suit every style and preference. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and community engagement, Chapman Guitars continues to push the boundaries of guitar-making while empowering musicians to unleash their creativity on stage and in the studio.