Chapman ML-3 Modern V2 Guitar Review

Introducing my current axe of choice: the Chapman ML-3 Standard!

Between you and me though, I really would have gone for the Pro series (but it's out of my budget lol).

Watch the Video Review:



Category: Electric Guitar
Release: 2019
Price: P19,500
Bought at: Guitar Pusher

"So what's up with the Chapman, Chad? I thought you're an Ibanez guy?" Well, I am- or was? For the past decade, I've always relied on my Ibanez RG321. Sure, I've had other guitars, other brands, but the RG is what I've stuck with ever since.

Now that it's gotten pretty old, I wanted to try something new. Probably something that has just entered the market but is already taking on the giants for a spin. New players are tasked to offer something worthwhile, after all, to stay in the game- whether it be at-par products or even better ones at more affordable prices.

I got to know Chapman at a birthday party of one my friends, James, he took out his new guitar. This guitar has this very bright and intense red color. And yeah, it's this guy. I borrowed it for awhile, and after playing some, it didn't take long for me to realize this is that 'something new and different' I was looking for.

I had no idea who or what Chapman was at the time. It was quite an interesting introduction to the brand. That was December 2018. Come January, I bought a grey one, called Lunar, from Guitar Pusher- GP, by the way, is Chapman's official distributor in the Philippines.

Great! But also sad since I had to send it back after discovering a crack on the fretboard. Not sure what the cause is, but the fretboard was really dry so maybe that's one of the reasons.

Thankfully, it was still within warranty and Guitar Pusher was quick to arrange a replacement. Great job guys. And to my surprise, the replacement was an upgraded version- dubbed the V2! It has the same price, but they removed the free gig bag to compensate for the additional expenses for the upgrades done.

I wanted the grey one, but they only had the Incarnadine Red in stock so here we are.

PHOTOS

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Chapman ML-3 Modern V2 Guitar ReviewChapman ML-3 Modern V2 Guitar ReviewChapman ML-3 Modern V2 Guitar Review

VERDICT

To be honest, I'm not that much of a guitar techie. I'm not overly particular with specs like what kind of wood is used, what type of parts are installed, etc. The important thing for me is that it feels good, it plays good, and it looks good. For the price, I think I got a pretty good deal. The quality is up there.

Out of the box, the ML-3 was pretty neat and tidy, almost no more setup to be done for the average player. The action was already low and there's no problem with the intonation- it's ready to rock on stage!

Comparing it to my old guitar, I like the neck of the ML-3 more though I can't describe exactly why. Maybe it's sleeker? Smoother? It definitely feels better.

I also like the fact that the Chapman is light yet it still packs a punch. It's a Tele-style guitar, but you can play both metal core and smooth jazz with it. I just love the versatility that the push-pull coil function brings. One second you're using humbuckers, and with just a flip of a switch, you'll be having single coil in the next.

Anyway, that wraps it up. Expect to see this baby on my future guitar videos. I hope you like the review. If you want to see more stuff like this, do check out my other articles and videos!

And if you have words, violent reactions, or tips on how I can make better videos, I'd love to hear your thoughts down on the comments section below. Ciao!

SPECIFICATIONS

HEAD
  • Straight Heritage Headstock
  • Chapman Classic Closed (18:1 Gearing) Tuners
  • String Retainers
NECK
  • 42mm Graph Tech Black Tusq XL Nut
  • Dual Action Truss Rod
  • Maple Recessed Bolt-On Neck with Satin Finish
  • C-Shape Neck Profile
  • Macassar Ebony Fretboard with Rolled Edges
  • 648mm (25.5") Scale Length
  • 24 Jumbo Nickel Frets
  • Pearl Side Dots and Pearl Dot Inlays
  • 12th Fret Pearl Infinity Inlay
  • Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound, 10-46 Strings
BODY
  • Chapman String-through Hardtail
  • Flame Maple Veneer on Flat top, Gloss Finish
  • Reveal Binding
  • Mahogany Body with Gloss Finish
  • Arm Carve
  • Front Lower Spoon Cut
  • Rear Tummy Cut
  • Rear Lower Spoon Cut
  • Rear Heel Contour
  • Chapman Classic Strap Buttons
HEART
  • Neck Pickup: Chapman Sonorous Zero Humbucker
  • Bridge Pickup: Chapman Sonorous Humbucker
  • Master Volume (500k), Master Tone with Push-Pull (500k)
  • 3-Way Blade Switch with Coil Split on Push-Pull Tone Knob

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1 Comments

  1. Thanks for the review. I'm trading an Ibanez for an ML3 V2 Abyss in a few days. I'm pretty excited.

    ReplyDelete