Looking for a left handed Chapman guitar? In this article we’ll take a look at the entire current southpaw range!
UK based Chapman Guitars was established in 2009 by Rob Chapman, an English guitarist best known for his success on Youtube. The company claims to be the first to design its guitars “collaboratively”, as the designs and specifications of new models are selected through the votes of Chapman’s fans in online polls.
Chapman has recently revamped several of their guitars, and the good news is that lefties are included!
Does Chapman Make Left Handed Guitars?
Yes! At the time of writing there is currently 3 different left handed Chapman guitars, all from the Chapman Pro series.
The Pro Series is the higher quality range of guitars that Chapman currently offers. These instruments are made in South Korea and feature more premium appointments such as through-necks, solid carved tops, stainless steel frets, Hipshot tuners, and satin finishes.
Let’s take a look…
Left Handed Chapman Guitar Guide
ML1 Pro Modern Left Handed
The ML1 (Monkey Lord 1) was the first guitar that Chapman offered way back in 2009. This latest iteration of the original is part of a new revamp, released in 2020.
Main features include an eye-catching carved swamp ash body, with a sleek satin finish to help accent the figuring of the wood. The roasted maple neck also features a smooth satin finish for effortless playability. A dark, Macassar ebony fretboard completes the stealthy look of the ML1 Pro Modern left-handed.
On pickup duties are a set of medium output Seymour Duncan Pegasus and Sentient humbuckers, for the perfect blend of articulation and aggression. A 5-way switch with coil-split ensures that a wide variety of different tones are available.
Other highlights include a Chapman string through hardtail bridge for excellent tuning stability, ergonomic front and back contouring, glow-in-the-dark side dots, and comfortable rolled fret edges.
- Body : Swamp Ash
- Neck : Roasted Maple Neck-Through
- Fingerboard : Macassar Ebony
- Bridge : Chapman String-Thru Hardtail
- Pickups : Seymour Duncan Sentient (Neck) & Pegasus (Bridge)
- Tuners : Hipshot Grip-Lock Open Tuners (18:1)
- Finishes : Pitch Black
Watch the video below from Chapman artist John Connearn for a great demo and overview of the new ML1 Pro Modern.
ML3 Pro Modern Left Handed
The ML3 Pro Modern left-handed is a guitar that has been coveted for its fat and aggressive tone, coupled with blazing fast playability. As with the ML1 above, it has also recently been updated with newer materials and specifications.
Main features include a solid basswood body with a carved top and dazzling satin ‘hot blue’ finish. A matching hot blue reverse headstock helps tie the guitar together.
As with the ML1 above, the neck is also baked maple, but this time also features a baked maple fingerboard with stainless steel frets for added durability.
On pickup duties are a set of medium output Seymour Duncan Pegasus and Sentient humbuckers, for a balanced and responsive sound. A 5-way switch with coil-split ensures that a wide variety of different tones are available.
Other highlights include a Chapman string through hardtail bridge for rock solid tuning stability, ergonomic front and back body contouring, glow-in-the-dark side dots, and smooth, rolled fret edges.
- Body : Basswood
- Neck : Roasted Maple Set-Through
- Fingerboard : Roasted Maple
- Bridge : Chapman String-Thru Hardtail
- Pickups : Seymour Duncan Sentient (Neck) & Pegasus (Bridge)
- Finishes : Hot Blue
Check it out in action in the video from Chapman Guitars below
ML3 Pro Traditional Left Handed
Finally, we have the ML3 Pro Traditional left handed, which features more conventional design elements than its thoroughly modern sibling above.
Main features include a lightweight alder body with carved top and an elegant metallic black gloss finish. As with the ML3 Pro Modern, this Traditional version has a roasted maple neck and fingerboard for increased stability.
On pickup duties are a set of Seymour Duncan ‘Hot Tele; single-coils for a thicker true single coil sound with improved low-end growl.
Other standout features include a reverse headstock with Hipshot grip-lock open tuners, glow-in-the-dark side dots, elegant ivoroid binding, and gold hardware completes the sophisticated aesthetic.
This guitar combines the elegance and grace of a vintage instrument with the snarling engine to match!
- Body : Alder
- Neck : Roasted Maple Bolt-On
- Fingerboard : Roasted Maple
- Bridge : Chapman String-Through
- Pickups : Seymour Duncan Hot Tele Single-Coils
- Finishes : Classic Black
Check out the video demo below to see this new Chapman model in action!
Chapman Guitars Website
The Chapman website doesn’t currently have a left handed section, but it does clearly list southpaw models separately from the rest, making them very easy to find.
For more information:
Chapman Guitars Website