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Chapman ML3 Pro BEA
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern
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Playability
73
Sound
78
Build
82
Value
68
Score
78
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Playability
82
Sound
77
Build
79
Value
79
Score
79
FIND IT ON:
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Chapman ML3 Pro BEA vs ML3 Pro Modern

Reasons to Get
Chapman ML3 Pro BEA over ML3 Pro Modern

Decorative Top
Mapa Burl Solid Flat Top with Satin Finish vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Number of Frets
22 vs 24
Warmer neck pickup
Bridge
Tremolo vs Fixed
Simple vibratos without too much maintenance

Reasons to Get
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern over ML3 Pro BEA

Neck Joint
Neck-Through vs Bolt-On
Stronger neck and easier access to upper frets
Number of Frets
24 vs 22
Allows to reach higher notes
Bridge
Fixed vs Tremolo
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Value Score
79 vs 68
Better price/quality relationship

Other Key Differences
Chapman ML3 Pro BEA vs ML3 Pro Modern

Bridge Pickup
Bare Knuckle Silo Rabea Signature Humbucker vs Seymour Duncan Pegasus
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Seymour Duncan SL59 vs Seymour Duncan Sentient
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Alder vs Basswood
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Birdseye Maple vs Roasted Maple
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Birdseye Maple vs Roasted Maple
Different Fretboard Wood

Shared Features
Chapman ML3 Pro BEA vs ML3 Pro Modern

Headstock
R6
Same Headstock
Nut Material
Black Tusq XL
Same Nut Material
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
5
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
1
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
1
Same tone control
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.905'' (23mm)
Same neck comfortability
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.944'' (24mm)
Same neck comfortability
Nut Width
1.654'' (42mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Tuner Ratio
18
Same tuning precision
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Scale Length
25.5'' (647.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Fretboard Radius
13.78'' (350mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Type of Frets
Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Locking Tuners
  • High-Quality Nut
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand

Common Weaknesses

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Weight Relief
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern is probably the better product overall with its final score of 79 compared to the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA's 78 score, although not by a lot.

The Chapman ML3 Pro Modern wins when it comes to playability, value for the money. On the other hand, the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA has the upper hand when it comes to sound, build quality.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 6 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

New Player Friendliness

Chapman ML3 Pro Modern
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Locking tuners
  • Tall frets
  • Narrow nut
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Short scale

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA Overview

  • From Chapman's 2021 Signature series
  • Rabea Massaad Signature
  • Made in South Korea
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Mapa Burl Solid Flat Top with Satin Finish top
  • Alder body
  • Roasted Birdseye Maple neck
  • Roasted Birdseye Maple fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Bare Knuckle Silo Rabea Signature Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan SL59 (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Schaller 3802 Vintage Tremolo bridge
  • C Shape Bolt-On neck
  • 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Schaller M6 Locking (18:1 Gearing) tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Chapman ML3 Pro Modern Overview

  • From Chapman's 2021 Pro series
  • Made in South Korea
  • 6 strings
  • 25.5"'' scale
  • 13.78" Fretboard Radius
  • Basswood body
  • Roasted Maple – Dark Colour neck
  • Roasted Maple – Dark Colour fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Seymour Duncan Pegasus (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Seymour Duncan Sentient (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Dome knobs
  • 5-way Switch
  • Chapman String Through hardtail bridge
  • C Shape Neck-Through neck
  • 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel frets
  • Hipshot Grip-Lock Open (18:1 Gearing) tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA

Birdseye Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Birdseye Maple
Alder wood pattern used for guitar building
Alder

This wood has beautiful patterns only found in specific types of maple.

Alder is the most popular wood that Fender uses in most of their guitars nowadays. Even though they say it's because of its balanced tone with an emphasis in the upper midrange, it probably is because it isn't too expensive, and it's also pretty lightweight—more than Mahogany. Find out more about Alder.

Woods Used in the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern

Roasted Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Roasted Maple
Basswood wood pattern used for guitar building
Basswood

Roasted Maple is just maple without a finish. It's technically cheaper than regular maple, but it doesn't have any extra disadvantages because of this. The color is darker, and it's lighter weight and very stable even when there's a lot of humidity.

Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.

Winner: Chapman ML3 Pro BEA.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

However, the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA has a slight sound quality advantage when taking into account other factors like the type of pickups, magnet, position, etc.

You can purchase similar pickups to the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA's and use them on any guitar:

We found the same or similar pickups to the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern's online:

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Chapman ML3 Pro BEA.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

They both share the following switching options:

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA and Chapman ML3 Pro Modern pickups switch selector and push knobs diagram
Chapman ML3 Pro BEA and Chapman ML3 Pro Modern's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Chapman ML3 Pro BEA.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA
Pickups 90
Sustain 80
Versatility 67
Tuning Stability 75
Sound 78
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern
Pickups 85
Sustain 85
Versatility 57
Tuning Stability 80
Sound 77

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA compares to the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in South Korea.

South Korea was for many years the number one choice for mass-producing semi-premium guitars. They can build excellent guitars for a cheap price. Now, it's less common to find Korean guitars because Indonesia has proved capable of building guitars just as well, but likely for cheaper.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

In this case, both have Black Tusq XL nuts. TUSQ nuts are usually the highest quality you can get. Black TUSQs are made from a special slippery material that helps the strings get back to its original position (one of the keys to tune stability).

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Both in this comparison come with stainless steel frets. These frets will basically last for the entire life of the guitar. They will never need polishing nor replacement. And not only that, but some people also notice that bending and vibratos are much easier to perform when they upgrade to stainless steel.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

The Chapman ML3 Pro BEA's brige is a Tremolo. Tremolo bridges give you more versatility than fixed bridges. They let you perform the intense vibrato effects that would be impossible with a fixed bridge. However, since the bridge floats and there's less contact with the body, the strings lose sustain slightly faster. They can also be a bit harder to restring and set up correctly than fixed bridges.

On the other hand, the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern's is a Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

They both have locking tuners. They'll help to keep your guitar in tune because they allow you to tune it without wrapping the strings around the posts. This avoids variations in the tuning due to the strings changing position at the post after a bend. They come at the disadvantage of being slightly heavier than regular tuners. Also, it makes it a lot easier to restring.

Both of them have a 18:1 tuner ratio. This means that it will take 18 turns of the keys to give the tuning posts an entire turn. Higher ratio means more precise tuning (and more time spent tuning your gutiar). Most guitars have a 18:1 ratio, while the most precise tuning can be achieved with a 21:1 ratio.

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

The Chapman ML3 Pro BEA has a Bolt-On neck joint. This neck is joined to the body by 4 bolts that you can simply unscrew. This allows you to replace the neck or take it off for travel. It's the most common and cheapest way to build a guitar.

On the other hand, the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern comes with Neck-Through neck joint. This neck is a lot more resistant and lets builders give the neck joint a more comfortable shape for soloing at the upper frets. The disadvantage is that they're more expensive and that if you damage your neck, you can't simply replace it like with bolt-on necks.

Winner: Chapman ML3 Pro Modern.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Chapman ML3 Pro BEA
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Expensive Wood
  • Black Tusq XL Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Tremolo
  • Strap Lock
  • Made in South Korea
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
Strengths & Weaknesses
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern
  • Stainless Steel Frets
  • Locking Tuners
  • Black Tusq XL Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Neck-Through Build
  • Luminescent Inlay
  • Strap Lock
  • Made in South Korea
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio

Final Build Quality Scores

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA
Quality of materials 85
Features 75
Quality Control 85
Build Quality 82
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern
Quality of materials 81
Features 80
Quality Control 75
Build Quality 79

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42mm (1.654'').

This is considered a narrow width for a 6-string guitar. This means that this guitar will have a narrower string separation at the nut, which will affect your fretting hand.

If you are a player with big hands, you might find it difficult to play chords without muting strings. However, this is good for players who have smaller hands, as it will allow them to reach each string more easily at the nut.

Scale Length

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA and Chapman ML3 Pro Modern's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 25.5".

This is the scale used in most Stratocasters. It's slightly longer than the typical 24.75'' size found in Les Pauls, and it's one of the main reasons why Stratocasters have such a bright sound in general. A longer scale also means that the strings will have higher tension. This will help you get lower action without suffering fret buzz, which will also be helpful when playing in lower tunings without having to increase your string gauge.

However, this also means that there will be more separation between frets, which can make it more difficult to play. Also, bending the strings will require more strengths due to the increased tension, but remember that a tremolo guitar will offset this difficulty.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA Neck Profile
Both guitars have the same neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA and the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA Fingerboard Radius
Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both the Chapman ML3 Pro BEA and the Chapman ML3 Pro Modern have the same fretboard radius of 13.78". It's closer to the 12'' that most Les Paul guitars have, but it's a bit flatter. It'll make it easier to play single notes than chords, but it's still relatively comfortable for chords.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison favor small hands .

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA and Chapman ML3 Pro Modern Frets Size
Both have a similar Jumbo fret size

Both have a Jumbo fret size. This is one of the tallest frets you can get. You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings. It will give you the best sustain and all types of chords will be easier to play. However, you can end up changing the pitch of your notes if you press too hard, which is something people used to feeling the fretboard do when trying Jumbo frets for the first time.

Final Playability Scores

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 80
Playability 73
Chapman ML3 Pro Modern
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 60
Solo Playability 100
Playability 82

Specs Side-by-Side

Chapman ML3 Pro BEA vs ML3 Pro Modern
General Chapman ML3 Pro BEA ML3 Pro Modern
Brand: Chapman Chapman
Year: 2021 2021
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: South Korea South Korea
Series: Signature Pro
Colors: Black Burst White, Black, Blue
Left-Handed Version: No Yes
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Alder Basswood
Bridge: Schaller 3802 Vintage Tremolo Chapman String Through hardtail
Neck
Neck Joint: Bolt-On Neck-Through
Tuners: Schaller M6 Locking (18:1 Gearing) Hipshot Grip-Lock Open (18:1 Gearing)
Fretboard: Roasted Birdseye Maple Roasted Maple – Dark Colour
Neck Material: Roasted Birdseye Maple Roasted Maple – Dark Colour
Decoration: Glow-in-the-Dark Side Dots with Mother-of-Pearl Infinity Glow-in-the-Dark Side Dots with Black Infinity
Scale Size: 25.5" 25.5"
Shape: C Shape C Shape
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.905'' (23mm) - 12th Fret: 0.944'' (24mm) 1st Fret: 0.905'' (23mm) - 12th Fret: 0.944'' (24mm)
Frets: 22 Jumbo Stainless Steel 24 Jumbo Stainless Steel
Fretboard Radius: 13.78" 13.78"
Nut: Black Tusq XL Black Tusq XL
Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'') 42mm (1.654'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Bare Knuckle Silo Rabea Signature Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive) Seymour Duncan Pegasus (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Seymour Duncan SL59 (Humbucker / Passive) Seymour Duncan Sentient (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 5 Way 5 Way
Knobs: Dome Dome
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 1
Tone Controls: 1 1