Chapman Pro Series Quality

X

Xandeeno

New member
I am looking into buying an SSS guitar so that I can get some sparkly, articulate and sweet clean tones as well as some grunty overdriven tones (but with a focus on nice cleans).
I am heavily considering a chapman ML1 pro traditional as it has a great spec and is currently discounted by about 1/4 of the price. I am wondering if anyone has any experience with quality/feel/tone of the chapman pro line? I have read some really mixed reviews, with some saying it feels incredibly premium and comfortable (and is durable) and others saying that it feels average and has unreliable electronics.
I am also considering an LTD sn1000w (which is HSS) that comes in at a similar spec and price but also has seymour duncan pickups, I can't hep but find the chapman slightly more appealing though in terms of looks woods and neck profile. Does anyone have any experience with this model as well?
(a G&L tribute or fender player strat is also on the cards, but i feel more inclined towards one of the other two) Does anyone have any more suggestions?
Many thanks
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

Never played one . . . but that's a great heel joint on the Chapman. Unreliable electronics really shouldn't make you concerned. A couple high quality pots and a new switch will set you back like 40$ tops.
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

No first hand experience, but I've heard much the same as you-inconsistent execution of a good design. For me, they're a 'only buy if you can play first' guitar.

Larry
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

I don't know, it's contract manufacturing in South Korea with no nothing but specification from the a small UK group. Gotta be careful and make sure the one you get is dialed.

I love imports don't get me wrong -but just make sure you are reading good things -as the smaller guitar companies who use big manufacture houses don't have the onsite people overseeing the quality like the big guys -they generally contract a local manufacturer rep firm and pay for a part timer.

I've been pretty impressed with LTD stuff but no direct Chapman experience.

Not sure exactly how Chapman is structured -but just be careful if you are ordering blindly -instead of getting from a store.
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

Thanks for the responses, I live in a place where there is only a tiny music shop with literally nothing in it, so I need to do all decision making based on what I see online. The fender deluxe roadhouse Strat is now also on the cards as an alternative....
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

NegativeEase said:
I don't know, it's contract manufacturing in South Korea with no nothing but specification from the a small UK group. Gotta be careful and make sure the one you get is dialed.

I love imports don't get me wrong -but just make sure you are reading good things -as the smaller guitar companies who use big manufacture houses don't have the onsite people overseeing the quality like the big guys -they generally contract a local manufacturer rep firm and pay for a part timer.

I've been pretty impressed with LTD stuff but no direct Chapman experience.

Not sure exactly how Chapman is structured -but just be careful if you are ordering blindly -instead of getting from a store.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure they're made in Indonesia now?

Larry
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

larryguitar said:
Pretty sure they're made in Indonesia now?

Larry
Click to expand...

-thanks -was not aware. I still wouldn't shake a stick at a guitar from Indonesia that I could try out in the store. It's just the blind mail order from contract manufacturing overseas that you have to be studious about -If ordering blindly, I'd buy from an online retailer that is easy to send back if there is any even minor issue -like Sweetwater etc...
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

I've tried a few and they seemed alright, well equipped and worthy of the price tag.

Nothing wrong with them at all.
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

Only ever tried one unplugged. Looked neat but the satin finish will wear quickly if it's anything like the matte finished Gibson use on some of their cheaper models. And the neck shape wasn't to my liking - very wide and thin, kinda like an Ibanez. I'd say try before you buy. They look nice enough though and IMHO, a cheaper finish that might wear isn't a deal breaker if it plays and sounds good.
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

The "Pro" series guitars are still made in Korea and are great instruments, easily on par with Schecter, etc.

I have an ML1 Norseman and it's fantastic in every way. Gorgeous guitar, top-notch fretwork, perfect finish, disturbingly low action, plays wonderfully. I've played other Pro-series Chapmans (Korean-made) and every one has been a very solid guitar.

However, I have noticed a greater number of manufacturing inconsistencies emerging with the non-Pro models, which are made in Indonesia. Reviews for those online are much more mixed. I haven't tried a non-Pro model in person.
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

Following this thread since I am quite interested in the Chapman ML2 Pro but have the same build concerns as the OP.
 
Re: Chapman Pro Series Quality

As long as you stick with the "Pro" series, you've got as good a chance of getting a dud or a dreamboat as with any other midrange to upper-midrange guitar brand. The fact that the OP can get one at a heavy discount is a no-brainer in my opinion

The Chapmans I have played remind me a lot of the Sterling guitars I've owned...obviously not as good as the top-notch MIJ and USA stuff, but certainly very good for the $$.

Customer ratings for most Pro models are consistently in the 4.5 to 5 star range (out of 5) on retailer sites and there's an entire forum devoted to Chapman guitars, which is another great place to inquire about player experiences and quality concerns.
 
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