2015 Chapman ML-1 BEA Signature Model

​Chapman Guitars is a guitar company established in 2009 by Rob Chapman, a guitarist best known for his success on YouTube. The company claims to be the first to design its guitars "collaboratively", and the design, features and specs of new models are selected by the votes of Chapman's YouTube subscribers in online polls on his website.

​With this guitar, serial # W150187ML-1, we present to you a unique purchasing experience from David's Guitar Vault. One of our few non-PRS guitars, this ML-1 Rabea Massaad Signature Series holds a special place in David's collection. The guitar is in like new condition just as it arrived from Riff City Guitars. It plays and sounds amazing and stays in tune all gig long thanks to the authentic Floyd.

The Story: Chapman Guitars

Please sit back and let the man himself (no, not you Rob!) introduce you to his Signature Model:

Images of David's Chapman Guitars Serial # W150187ML-1

Ok, that was really brief! Moving on... The ML-1 BEA is an upgraded version of the standard ML-1 and was Chapman's first signature model. The BEA is Rabea Massaad's (Dorje, Toska) signature guitar. With influences from Nuno Bettencourt's N4, the ML-1 BEA is a lighter, snappier take on the standard ML-1. It includes a custom set through maple neck with a very nicely done joint that is smooth as butter. The neck basically blends into the body seamlessly. It comes from the factory with an authentic 1000 series Floyd Rose locking tremolo system as well as Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups.

​David's Notes:

​          I'm going to come straight out and say it, I never want this guitar to be put up for sale. I don't want to see it go. First, I'm a huge Chappers fan. Secondly, ditto for Bea. Third, ditto for Nat. Fourth, I love this damned guitar. From the looks to the feel to the playability to the sound, there's no area this guitar is weak. Some might argue that the finish is a bit rough but to me that's part of the charm of a natural finish. This guitar is sanded wood covered with bees wax. No lacquer to be found here! This gives the instrument an amazing vibe and a natural, "woody" tone. Not to mention days of sustain.

        This particular guitar was actually used by Rob and Bea during their first official visit to the States as part of their East Coast American Expedition with Riff City Guitars. It has been authenticated as #20 of the first 50 Chapman guitars imported and sold in the United States (by Riff City) and is also hand signed by both Rob and Bea! I met the entire Chapman ensemble on the very first stop of their Expedition here in Atlanta. It was a crazy experience. Bea is so knowledgeable on guitars in general and took a lot of time to answer all the questions I had, regarding both the guitar as well as Musicisum.net, the online guitar school he's a part of (and of which I am a student). Rob emits this incredible vibe that is just non stop (as you can see by the blurry image of us two), and Nat was incredibly gracious and patient with my son Rory who was 4yrs old at the time. Meeting these three and coming away with a hand signed BEA guitar was an experience I'll not forget.

For the story behind this brand, let us turn to Wikipedia:

​​​Specifications

Top Wood: Figured Maple Vaneer
Back Wood: Alder
Number of Frets: 22
Scale Length: 25.5"
Neck Wood: Maple
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Fretboard Inlay: Infinity Pattern at 12th Fret
Neck Shape: Thin C Contour
Bridge: 1000 Series Floyd Rose
Tuners: Grover
Hardware Type: Chrome
Treble Pickup: Seymour Duncan SH5
Bass Pickup: Seymour Duncan SH1-59