NGD - Chapman Norseman!

[Masta' C]

Super excited to introduce you to my "new" Chapman Norseman! Kind of an unexpected purchase, but this is one of the coolest, sexiest guitars I've ever gotten my hands on.

The finish is a gorgeous grayish-blonde to black burst over a solid 1/4" quilt Maple top. The color is almost exactly the same as featured on the Ibanez Jiva10 (Nita Strauss sig guitar), for those that are familiar.

I can't believe the build quality on this thing. It's nearly on par with PRS USA in terms of fit and finish (yes, I've owned core models to compare). Just beautiful!

One thing worth noting: the weight. This thing is SOLID and weighs in at a whopping 10.2 lbs! Surprisingly, it balances really well when standing and, man-oh-man, does the satin Mahogany neck feel great! Plus, it sustains for days.

Previous owner put in a Tone Zone/Air Norton combo. They seem a bit dark and uninspiring. A pair of Black Winters would wake this thing up, I'm sure!

QUESTION: What color pickups should I go with?

 

[shupe13]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Man that is nice!

Congrats!!

Sent from my REVVLPLUS C3701A using Tapatalk

 

[orpheo]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

I'd go with burnt chrome covers or chrome covers. if you really wanna swap pickups cause I like this look!

Chapmans offer major bang for the buck! really like 'm too.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

I love all the reverse headstocks on the Chapman guitars. They seem like a lot of guitar for the money.

 

[Mincer]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Cool guitar! We don't see that brand over here a lot. I'd go with the standard black Black Winters for sure.

 

[Masta' C]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

I like the cream pickups, but my wife hates them, ha ha!

Was thinking black/creme zebra might look cool? The guitar would have had chrome covered pickups from the factory.

I might play with the Tone Zone a bit to see if I can get it to sound better, but, so far, it's not doing anything for me. Hot, overly thick and none too lively. Same with the Air Norton...pure "meh" upon first impression. I'm definitely used to more cut from both positions.

 

[Synapsys]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Mu suggestion is a Zebra TB-5 bridge / Zebra SH-PG1n set. Get push-pull pot for wiring them in series / parallel. It will do the heaviest of Metal to the cleanest of cleans, turning it into an extremely versatile axe.

I've that set in my PRS SE CU 24 Flametop, and it plays and sounds awesome for all the styles I play.

Congrats on the new axe, it looks awesome!

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Beauty! Creme seems to be working fine as is. Black wouldn’t detract from the vibe either.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Aged nickel covers would look sweet. Or the distressed Bare Knuckle style.

 

[Samick Lover]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

:bowdown::scared::yourock::approve::approve::approve:

 

[Masta' C]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Thanks for the input and feedback!

I went ahead and ordered a pair of cream bobbin toppers. I'm gonna make my own set of zebra pickups out of a pair of black OEM DiMarzio/IBZ humbuckers I've been holding onto.

The Tone Zone/Air Norton combo is very full sounding, but I miss the spank, clarity and harmonic characteristics of my typical pickups (Black Winter, JB, Screamin' Demon, etc).

The DiMarzio/IBZ set is an underrated oddity that still has a very DiMarzio quality to the response, but should yield a little more crunch and bite compared to the sonic molasses that is the TZ/AN combo.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

That’ll probably be a good move. Whenever I see a video of Rob demoing one of his guitars, the basic tone of the guitar always has a lot of attack and bite. It’ll probably suit it very well.

 

[greekdude]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Aged white for me too.

 

[BeKindRewind]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

For me, I'd go with black pickups, no logo. It already has enough flash going on with that top. Gorgeous guitar

Sent from my SM-G965W using Tapatalk

 

[Masta' C]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

For me, I'd go with black pickups, no logo. It already has enough flash going on with that top. Gorgeous guitar

That's what my wife suggested, ha ha!

And thanks! It really is a looker.

But, man, is this thing HEAVY! I forgot what 10+ lbs hanging around your neck feels like! Not selling it, though...just too dang cool!

 

[Aceman]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Noyce!

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Gorgeous axe... congratulations!

I’d either go zebras or chrome covers, but I actually kinda dig those double-creams.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dotsdad]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Hey @Masta'C! If you're interested I am parting with my red Norseman. I've ordered some pickups from you in the past so, if you're want it, I'll be glad to give you a forum bro discount

Deets here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/124075356135?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

 

[Coma]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Tone Zone/Air Norton is my fav set of pups ever... (Sorry Seymour, but the heart wants what it wants).

 

[Masta' C]

Re: NGD - Chapman Norseman!

Hey @Masta'C! If you're interested I am parting with my red Norseman. I've ordered some pickups from you in the past so, if you're want it, I'll be glad to give you a forum bro discount

Deets here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/124075356135?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Ugh...I was seriously tempted, LOL! Unfortunately, I'm trying to keep my collection under control. I've got it narrowed down to 5, possibly 6 "keepers" at the moment...my own Norseman being among them!

Wishing you luck on the sale, though. I'll definitely let you know if I change my mind!