How I Was Given A Guitar Company

www.faithguita...
This is the true story of how I was essentially given a guitar brand, 15 years later Chapman Guitars sell guitars all over the world. I am so thankful to all the amazing people who made it possible.
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►► Snake oil fine instruments, Chapman Guitars, Andertons, Thomann, Ernie Ball, Gravity, Victory, BadCat, Boss/Roland, Orange, Universal Audio ,Vans, Faith, Barefaced Audio, Mooer, Olimpus Music,
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#RobChapman #Chappers #RobChappers

[@ChrisBarnavilleMusic]

I’ve been watching your videos for years, and great to hear how Chapman Guitars was born. Amazing story and always enjoy what you do. 👊🏻

[@jamieb7799]

Thanks for sharing Chappers 👍 I always wondered how you made the transition to your own brand. No one does it alone. It’s great to hear you thank the people that helped you along the way and still support the Faith brand. We’re all in this together 😀

[@TheLambLive]

I used to take solitude from the responsibility of being a new dad by taking a long bath and watching Rob at Jeff's shop, Phil X at fretted Americana, and the sadly passed CGS. My daughter is 15 now.. 🥰

[@RobChappers]

Wow!! I know how you feel, I’ve got two kids, the oldest is 7… time has absolutely flown by

[@dcflake5645]

Didn't expect to see you here friend

[@madgebishop5409]

i used to deal with Alex 12-13 years ago when he came in to our store when he was the rep for B&M, never knew he was so ingrained in the chapman story!! What a fascinating yarn!

[@Benbenbenbenbenbenbenbenben]

Yep, thanks for making me feel old, haha! at school we watched your and PhilX's videos all the time. One of the few I feel like "growing up with". The screwing around with lee, your diet challenge, introducing Bea, you meeting your wife, you were playing Diablo 3 on a razer blade laptop even! A true (n ot only guitar) nerd. And although you've become a business owner, you, Lee and the rest at Andertons are genuine influencers, without faking it.

[@RobChappers]

Wow that’s crazy, this is really taking me back haha!! Thanks for supporting me over all these years man :-)

[@AdamIronside]

Man I'd completely forgot about the Eddie Kramer days! Insane. Always great to hear this story, from tiny acorns...

[@stiffmata]

Awesome origin story Rob! thanks for sharing it with us!

[@dastardlydave1455]

Amazing story Rob!! Quite the journey, here's to the next chapter. Cheers!

[@shanedaniels5191]

Great video!! I really enjoyed it! I've been a fan since way back then.. Glad Faith are coming to America. Always wanted to check one out..

[@allstopblue5717]

Same. They always look solid and reasonably priced but unavailable here in the U.S. Will be nice to check one out in person hopefully.

[@mobeus84]

Getting old sucks Chappers! Ur doing great man really. Guitars are gorgeous and play very well. Keep ur eyyes on the prize. Remember it wasnt that long ago. Cheers man

[@gerryloughran1676]

Great nod..to Faith and well deserved you. they seen your talent dreams..do the same for everyone you meet...and keep on doing it

[@mmiller6873]

See thanks to you Rob, I now know if a new acoustic to consider adding to my collection. Thanks again and congrats on your journey to where you are now. Well done on this informative episode.

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

Great hearing your story again Rob, especially from where you are at now. Haven't actually tried a Chapman yet (I'll rectify that one day), but I have seen a lot of Faith guitars out on the singer songwriter circuit here, and they are fantastic.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

I was in the market for a parlour guitar, but due to budget constraints went with an Alvarez. No regrets. Guitars are extremely expensive in my country, due to the value of our currency/exchange rates against the $, EUR and £.

[@HydraReign]

Hi Rob. I remember all of what you have said within this video. I remember the community coming together to help design and due to this I still have to this day my first 300 issue of the ML2. Paperwork included. Still to this day it’s my favourite guitar. I will never part with it. I replaced the pickups but I even still have the original stock ones. Just thought you would be interested. Keep up the good work. You are becoming a legend in the guitar world due to your hard work.

[@stevendearden8030]

Nice to hear the story Rob & totally agree...Faith make wicked acoustic guitars.

[@seanc8778]

Great to hear your story - and I now need to take a look at Faith guitars. I’ve also yet to see a Chapman in the wild, so may need to pop to Andertons, I’ve been looking for an excuse…

[@danieljdtaylor]

2:30 did NOT expect a song like that, absolutely beautiful song!

[@RobChappers]

I actually just made that up during this video.. it is quite cool, I’ll try to develop it.

[@danieljdtaylor]

@@RobChappers had big folk-cross-movie soundtrack vibes, love it!

[@2ndshooter688]

Got a Faith 12 string about 10 years ago. As you say, very well put together and a nice balanced tone. One of those rare products that delivers above its price range and offers great value for money.

[@RobChappers]

Those are basically the principles we founded Chapman with ❤

[@paulandhisguitars]

I've owned a faith Venus high gloss for about 8 years......absolutely love it.

[@charlie-obrien]

It's always great to hear you recount the history of "Chappers" (this time naming Names!) IMO, all of your success is well earned and would have come about regardless of any specific situation occurring or not. (But you might be right about meeting your wife..Lol) I'm pretty settled on the two acoustic guitars I own, but if there is ever a change, I will definitely give "Faith" guitars full consideration. I popped over to their site and what they are making looks simply gorgeous.

[@corbymodelboatclub]

Hi. I can only agree with your comments on the Faith guitar. After 50 years of not be able to afford a new guitar my first ever new guitar is a Faith. I bought it about 3 years ago (FG1HCE) and finally after about two years it has settled down and stays in tune. The best thing about it is it has a wide neck for my big mits and it sounds amazing, when strummed or picked each string is bright and clear. I will now check out the Chapman range. Martin in disguise as a boat club.😀

[@MashaT22]

I have heard you tell this story before in passing, but this is the best one yet. Helps for people to understand where Chapman came from. It’s nice for you to give back to a brand that gave you an incredible opportunity, but also to encourage your customers to do the same - especially as they’re now entering the major US market. I hope people will check them out if there weren’t already aware!

[@brusselssprouts560]

I bought a Faith Saturn about 8 years ago, and it is faantastic. My luthier and guitar tech (since the 1960s) says he thinks it is better than many Taylor and Martin guitars he has maintained. High praise for a beautiful range of guitars.

[@meanbean7953]

As a new owner of a Chapman, I'm enjoying getting to know more about you Rob and the brand. This is the kind of stuff I really enjoy-hearing about how you got involved with your own signature guitars. It should be a reminder to all of us, no matter what we do, we should do it with excellence. Chances are, our future may be impacted by someone that sees not only our potential but also recognizes our value. Thanks Rob, cheers from across the pond! -Keith

[@WalkerTrips]

Nice journey. It's good to see things progressing so well from just seshing in the pub. Still rockin my chapman baritone, my 2nd favourite after my green self painted warlock. Got my shredder and my abyss chapman does all my Type O and chunky goodness.

[@andygogocomics]

Man I’ve been watching you a very long time. You’ve been a big part of our lives, Rob. Always loved your playing as much as your personality. Definitely picking up a Faith parlor. 🤘

[@SimonH77]

Hi Rob. Followed you on here for a while now and always enjoyed your content. My first and only acoustic is also a Faith. A Venus Blood Moon and I absolutely love it and it’s helped me to continue my guitar journey and not give up like so many do. I’ve only been playing for 5 or 6 years and turning 40 was the catalyst to start. Anyway just wanted to say thank you for the videos and I can’t agree more about the Faith brand. Cheers. Si out!! Haha

[@FoodaFIISH]

Oh man I remember those times. That was so long ago! Feels like a different lifetime, but very humble times. Last time I got to see and meet you was at the Whisky a gogo chapman guitar tour. Was such a great event! Good memories!

[@RobChappers]

Wow yeah I remember that!! Iconic venue

[@BeardedGinger580]

I've been following you for years. Watching your videos have been a major reason I picked up a guitar and started learning...still very fresh in my journey, but picking up some solid cord progressions and what not. All that to say I have plans to get a chapman as my next guitar and now Ill have to add faith to the list.

[@ShaiEi]

Amazing story, and it would be really interesting to hear more about your journey in depth 🍻 Do them justice Rob and let them know they need to bring their site to this century, it was not a good experience to say it politely.

[@MrPhilbirkhead]

Excellent guitars Rob will keep a look out for faith guitars they sound & look lovely. Just got my first ML1 and it’s fantastic. Great stuff

[@RobChappers]

I’m very biased, Faith is the only acoustic brand I’ve ever used, but they have never let me down! Glad you love the ML1, have a great day man :-)

[@MrPhilbirkhead]

@@RobChappersthanks Rob I got a Sheeran by lowden acoustic and that’s really lovely and used to have a lowden S25 which I won from guitarist magazine in about 1994, that was fantastic, unfortunately I sold it in 2007, and miss it so much, but the Sheeran is a great cheaper alternative. Thanks all the best Rob, cheers

[@EasyHeat]

I'm genuinely loving these new videos Chappers! Cheers!

[@TheMiddleAgedMusician-mc6xo]

I've watched you for a long time, but I really enjoy watching you play acoustic. It is a bit outside what you normally do, so a nice side to see.

[@RobChappers]

Thanks man, yeah I should probably do more acoustic playing… aim just never sure that my audience wants it

[@froople]

No way! I own a few Chapmans and love them. I also owned a Gould strat copy a long time ago - an Argos special! I had no idea Chapman had roots in Gould.

[@itsrob2321]

I love your story Rob. I was always going to buy a Chapman. I love the reverse headstock and the price, but I played more acoustic and the piano. I still love what you’ve accomplished!

[@samhoppy5527]

As an owner of a faith Venus, I concur 🤘🙌

[@EdBender]

Life is indeed full of surprises, isn't it? I have been watching your videos for a long time, and have been amazed at your ability to discern tones in those Andertons blind tests. Glad for your success, mate. Cheers fom Brazil!

[@TimatorA]

Brilliant story and legacy bro. I'm just starting out trying to figure out a guitar company. Wish me luck 😅

[@shredenvain7]

Dude that headstock on that faith acoustic is the shiniest thing I have ever seen.

[@Russgallon]

I picked up a Faith Nomad mini Saturn from one of your vids many years ago. Great pick up and go anywhere guitar. 👍🏼

[@BrenQ99]

You are smart, funny, charming, and seem kind. Add to that your talent combined with well-honed skill. I am very glad the Universe recognized your specialness, and PROFOUNDLY grateful that the dreadlocks are gone for good!!! Much love from America.

[@Lez325]

Nice story and very well told - I have a Faith Guitar and would not want any other brand for acoustic

[@ilovegreenock]

Nice to hear the story behind the brand !

[@TheAverageGam3r]

Dude I remember watching you way back in the dreadlock days. Never knew your origin story until now. Big fan from TX!

[@heavybrett-al4082]

Nothing but respect! Your an example of a self made man. Very inspirational.🙏

[@RobChappers]

I appreciate that! but definitely didn’t do on my own, so many amazing people helped along the way

[@heavybrett-al4082]

@@RobChappers oh I realise many cogs within the machine, to make it work, but it's you and your personality and skill that started the ball rolling.

[@SpoonFinder]

Your bluegrass / folk playing is really soulful and pleasant! And also the origin story behind Chapman Guitars is way different from what I would've expected Great video

[@andyveale]

I remember recording you at those pub gigs in Wiltshire many years ago now. Crazy how things have turned out but totally chuffed for you dude!

[@davedavem]

I love re-hearing this story. I was on that forum a couple of years later. It was a great time

[@noeffnwaypal]

The myth - Subway Bandit, the legend - Monkey Lord, the man - Rob Chapman has a great history. I own a lot of Chapman guitars, and love them. Most are from 2015. That is the year I discovered Chapman through a funny Subway Bandit video I found on KZbin. That led me to other videos, including a bloke sitting on his deck in Brighton playing an ML3RC through an Orange amplifier (bet his neighbors loved that!). I was then introduced to Riff City Guitars (first USA distributer of Chapman guitars). I ordered an ML3RC and loved it so much that I ordered more over the next year. You deserve all of the success that you have gotten Rob. It's been a pleasure to watch you grow as a musician, artist, guitar manufacturer, and most of all as a father. Now your biggest challenge lays ahead; get Natassja to release a new Red Tower record! :). Cheers mate!

[@RobChappers]

Thanks man, this was lovely to read.., Bro I’ve learned early on that you can’t push Mediterranean wives ha ha!! I’ve written two new Red Tower tracks, but Nat’s very busy acting at the moment.

[@noeffnwaypal]

@@RobChappers Understood, lol! Have a great weekend!

[@barra6709]

I have been watching to you since the early days, Rob. It's brilliant to see. Love from 🇮🇪

[@nialljc32]

Brother, I have been following you since the days of Monkey Lord and the green suit! Not just did you bring me back to guitar, you restored my faith (what a confirmation this video and that beautiful acoustic of same is!) in my abilities, not just musically, but in all aspects. My now 16 year old daughter still knows you as Monkey Lord! 🙌😃 Cheers Mate

[@brianpateman2666]

Interesting story Rob - I was unaware of the Faith connection. As a primarily acoustic twanger, I love Faith guitars. They have to be the best value for money around.

[@shanewalton8888]

Love hearing about your journey, Rob. You are a true inspiration to me.

[@taz7058]

ohh how i miss the bedroom days haha, as many here i have been watching you for a very long time and you are an inspiration to many, not just for shredding the guitar but making dreams a reality ! thank you for sharing the journey with us sir!

[@TheWaynebridges]

Love the little scoop. I have never liked cutaways on an acoustic.

[@RhubarbRehab]

I remember the first video I ever saw of yours was the one with the Faith guitar demos, I think it was done outside and you had a mercy parlour. I had just bought a Venus hi gloss, the original one, in 2008…good times.

[@Bottomdweller]

I remember voting on the design of ML-1. That was ages ago! When I first heard Rob Chapman was even earlier: It was on the intro of the phenomenal airbrush (and now tattoo) artist Svee's KZbin channel. Svee had painted him a brilliant custom ESP guitar.

[@RobChappers]

Wow!! Yeah man, Svee made the first Monkey Lord logo… I met him through Llexi Leon and ESP.

[@c3920]

Always good to see you playing acoustic. Great journey and more years to come!

[@antonystevensmusic]

Rain here, nice to have been a small part of the Journey :)

[@amybell.]

Thank you for sharing this with us! This is brilliant!

[@MetalAzza]

Quality vid, faith and chapman both utterly rule!

[@JamesMears76]

I have a Faith venus blood moon, left handed, its georgous.

[@xferme]

Thank you ever so much for sharing this great story! p.s. Match the volume between the clips please ty

[@RobChappers]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Verzerror]

Dear Rob, maybe you all have time for a new DORJE album? I guess a lot of people are waiting for :) Could be also an EP about 7 songs (or more... hahaha) No stress please Would be fantastic. I really love the DORJE music. Cheeerrrrs

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

Dude, that is a parlour guitar that DEFINITELY does not sound like a parlour guitar. I know it is KZbin, but the evenness and clarity as well as nice bass is not what I would expect. Thanks for sharing this story.

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

All the naysayers that have been criticizing your success should hear this. They seem to think someone walked up and just handed you the keys to your incredible life. Truth is, you wouldn't have any of this, if you hadn't worked hard to become a standout guitarist, and if you didn't have such a warm and humble personality. Your studying and practicing got you noticed, your nature has allowed you to cultivate the right friends with whom your company was born, and has grown. Cheers, mate!

[@RobChappers]

Thank you dude I really appreciate that, I definitely had a few lucky breaks, but yes there are times when I sweat blood… I guess I’m also not afraid to suck at something really bad until I get better - that was always the hardest part!

[@dev--null]

@@RobChappersLuck is always on the side of the prepared one! You deserved it Rob! Keep up the good work brother!

[@Vortexafternoon]

Faith is available here in South Africa. Played it a couple of times. I prefer it to Martins and Taylors I've played.

[@HighlineGuitars]

I always have wondered about the Chapman Guitars' backstory. Now I know and it's cool.

[@xxxxx7876]

I will check them out.

[@MrBothandNether]

Love that cutaway

[@JuliusFawcett]

I got a Chapman ML1 pro from andertons 2 years ago, great guitar

[@brianknapp2000]

"If a song works just with an acoustic guitar and a vocal, it's a good song." is great songwriting advice and has been my own songwriting benchmark since I stumbled across that idea years ago.

[@Ŕụṣṣṣṣṭ]

I used to love playing Gould guitars on my lunch break at my local music shop. As a bass player I never bought one, but they were great to play for the money.

[@GarryParker]

I'm not a big acoustic player, but I did own one of the Faith naked series and it literally had the best build quality of any guitar I've owned. It was utterly flawless.

[@theponyneverstops]

Great video Rob! Love a Chappers history lesson 🤘

[@donny_doyle]

You rock dude- keep on. Been watching you since that old Johnny Hiland video you did, years ago! Good stuff...

[@ThePatster93]

Thanks for sharing this story, I love hearing about the history of music/songs/albums/artists/brands.. unfortunately I wasn't aware of your myspace, pribably because I would have been about 14 years old in Australia Hearing you talk about this guitar made me think of brand loyalty which most of the time I think is a little silly... you yourself have plenty of branded guitars, as do I (not as many... a gretsch, a couple epiphones, a PRS SE, and a partscaster). But acoustic guitars is the thing I hang my hat on and not move. For a long time I was staunchly for Maton Guitars but jumped ship to Cole Clark and bought my current acoustic. It's beautiful. Ben is doing a killer job on the acoustic side of the Andertons channel but I'd actually be really interested to watch you on an acoustic (Faith or otherwise) a bit more often! Cheers mate

[@stefpenfield5918]

That shirt is spectacular.

[@RobChappers]

Thanks be, I have an even better one that my wife hates 😂

[@mattjackson8133]

Great to hear the story again Rob! Would you ever think about doing bass guitars again?

[@RobChappers]

100% yes - we actually have a design already!

[@paulsmith6381]

Hi Rob, just wanted to to alert you as others my be reaching out out you

[@leek7412]

That`s awesome i remember the vids in the studio with kramer.

[@thedual2305]

Artist I manage Ben Denny Mo swears by his Faith guitar and is out gigging it several nights of the week in Gozo.

[@MajeticLuka]

Love the channel!

[@allstopblue5717]

That’s wild you got to record with Eddie Kramer. Insane.

[@RobChappers]

Yeah man, actually three times… we became friends and he basically developed me - great guy.

[@lasombra_br]

I didn't know this story. Very nice and touching.

[@charlief.]

Dude, Bleed the Light on acoustic sounds sooooo good!

[@stephenwalker3248]

I bought a Burny les paul off you around that time in Exeter ,still got it awesome guitar

[@richfroggatt2452]

Great to hear you play acoustic Rob.

[@RobChappers]

Thanks mate, I’ve got a few ideas coming up that I think you might enjoy :-)

[@richfroggatt2452]

@@RobChappers looking forward to hearing it.

[@leftyamazed]

I have a couple of Faith guitars, a naked Venus (oo er!) in Cherry Burst and a Venus Blue Moon, both left handed. They are the best instruments I've had.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

I remember Alex told me this story about a year ago and he told me to ask you about it next time I saw you but I totally forgot... but here it is... haha!

[@cnserviceuy]

Remembering "The Monkey Lord" and his BLS kind of music xD

[@SLICKTOP74]

Rob my favorite video of yours is picth axis theory....it blew me away the first time I viewed it and every time ever since

[@Fivemonthslater1]

Interesting that you said Faith just entered America…I’ve known about Faith here in the states long before I bought an original Chapman ML-2, and I know a few people in the states who have owned a Faith for a long time. They have always been too spendy for me, though, but I’ve wanted one for years.

[@mattmcdevitt2331]

Faith did sell limited numbers directly to end users, but now they have a distributor stocking and selling in the US. Spreading the Faith.

[@rollo316]

I love my faith acoustic it sounds great. I've got the cheaper version naked series acoustic

[@taz4965]

I saw a chap on the andertons channel demoing faith a few years ago. My Mrs bought me a moon blood for our anniversary and I adore it! Ever knew about the chapman connection though! Please be aware that someone pretending to be you is running a con for guitar kit. Says you’ve won X then asks for a sipping fee to be paid. I didn’t pay but there are those who would!!

[@naycnay]

As a lefty, I don't get to try many guitars, but my (only) local store had a lefty Faith once and it was the best acoustic I'd ever played. Being a pizza boy at the time, I didn't have the money, but do think what might be if I bought it. I didn't actually buy an acoustic till 10 years later.

[@user-er4xo2zl4r]

The guitar version of David Brent

[@EnJoony]

Yup - I really miss the early "underground" KZbin - Before it spiraled into "Look At Me!" "Look At Me!"

[@billybob-b7t]

riiiiight

[@jeffgualandijr9420]

fascinating! i never knew that was how the story went.

[@jonnyturbo100]

F*ck yeah!

[@lsdzheeusi]

Chappers: Class Act