Why Is Everyone Leaving Chapman Guitars?

[@devinsinderwitcz9134]

Bea is a good dude, regardless of his reasons for leaving Chapman Guitars can only wish him the best. He's a great artist!

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Smart people know when to jump off a sinking ship.

[@InTheSh8]

@@Neil-Aspinall Is he still in the band? If so, your theory is dumb!

[@35mmadventure5]

@@InTheSh8 Dorje has disbanded I think

[@fusionfan6883]

@@InTheSh8Why so aggressive???

[@LeprechaunGinger]

I was really sad to leave Chapman, but I had to deliver the next package on my route.

[@jcugnoni]

Concerning Rabea leaving Chapman, I think it simply because he wants to be free to choose his gear and develop other affiliations as he feels it. He seem a really honest guy (and obviously an amazing player) and just want to move forward on his own path. There is nothing wrong nor dramatic with that.

[@keithb5612]

Agreed. I think Vola or Ibanez might call BEA now that he has left Chapman.

[@BCarpenter2314]

Agreed! I think it's simply that he has other options open to him, whether more money or bigger brand power.

[@dpb22]

His channel is now full of Les Paul's and Strats in the last few years. Seems like he has evolved away from Chapman guitars.

[@Shaun0169]

Rob Chapman a dick. Maybe that’s why.

[@MaestroKatProductions]

I would say the same for Rob Scallon too! Dude's another nice and honest guy too

[@RNAMusic]

I have met Rabea several times. He’s a really nice dude and a killer player.

[@Forest_Fifer]

@@pharmerdavid1432 nice hair though....

[@ph0kused]

ever since the drama rob chapman created with some youtube beefs, the chapman brand seemed like it got stale, and Bea/Scallon just outgrew chapman... especially bea, he's probably more well known than the chapman brand at this point.

[@RickGraham]

Always top quality content - very informative and great to watch! HNY man!

[@maspesasmasperras5554]

You're welcome

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you, love your playing and your Charvel

[@svenben9868]

One of the reasons EVH left Musicman was due to Musicman not being able to keep up with demand. I remember EVH stating that he called several Musicman dealers to ask about his guitar possing as a interested fan. The dealer would tell him they were 6 months out from getting more or something to those lines.

[@JoshuaC923]

Yup, i rmb Phil saying that too

[@Music-oi2nf]

Very little demand for Chapman guitars, even the Bea models. Bea left because he wants his name on a decent quality guitar rather than the shoddy stuff Chapman puts out.

[@markrajfura4443]

Thumbs up for Eddie doing that.

[@InvisibleYetVisible]

​@@Music-oi2nf this guy gets it

[@razznote7586]

@@InvisibleYetVisible Chapman guitars are one of the best in its budget range, so what did that guy get?? shoddy stuff? - not even close.

[@allendean9807]

One thing I’ve noticed about not just Rabea Massad, but nearly all players, our interests vary minute to second. Over the years, Massad has used more single coil, bluesy guitars, strats and the like. This has shown an evolution in not only his playing, but his needs for a guitar. It might be simply a case of wanting something that doesn’t jibe with the chapman brand.

[@DriveCarToBar]

I think a brand like Chapman would be well served by a partnership with a company like Lace Musical. Lace Sensors and Alumitones are a natural choice for Chapman, especially if you're looking for the most flexible choices in a guitar. I have no idea what the costs would look like to add Lace pickups as a factory option, but I know Fender was really happy with them until they figured out they could make their own noiseless pickups in China for less.

[@johngillis7736]

Happy New Year, Phil! Thanks for continuing to be a voice of reason and kindness in a world gone mad.

[@Gene_Cali]

This has been a great year for KYG episodes! Thanks for your time and talent. You are appreciated! Thanks Phil and family, and KYG gang! Happy New Year!!

[@OnBendedKneeMusic]

Regarding Chapman guitars, I can only speak from my own experience: the ML3 Pro Traditional and the CAP10 super strat i have, are among the best guitars in my collection. Playability, design esthetics and factory specs are spot on.

[@biyvl]

I have a ml3 modern standard and it’s 2x better than most of the £1k+ instruments I have owned and played. Regardless of opinions I will alway keep my eye out for my next Chapman acquisition.

[@steveymoon]

Yes, but there is a major problem or flaw. That name on the headstock makes everyone within a 10m radius, vomit.

[@complexdevice]

@@steveymoon Additionally, that quality is very hit and miss due to Chapman's poor business dealings and inability to keep a manufacturer.

[@karlmartin849]

The Chapman stuff are no different from any "pro series" guitar from the Harley Benton catalogue. It wouldn't surprise me if they're both made in the same factory.

[@adamstein9333]

Thank You. I took a shit in the dark on a first Ml3 Modern Pro and it's phenomenal

[@Robster881]

People forget that Dorje, the band that Rabea was in with Rob, was basically just Toska with Rob Chapman in it. Toska was a far more successful prog band than Dorje ever was and most of the creative output of that band wasn't from Rob. Rob did give Rabea a signature guitar despite being relatively unknown, but the whole thing screamed of a callous business move. Rob knew he couldn't get big names, so he just got talented names that he then amplified through his existing social media activity so he could sell more guitars. I'm fairly convinced at this point that Dorje was just a marketing ploy. If you look on the Chapman site, Rabea is currently the only listed signature player - the rest are just people that have used Chapman at somepoint. Personally I feel like the whole situation started to feel very one-sided, Chapman guitars are fine but they're not great. Rabea playing Chapman was probably more beneficial for the brand than it was for Rabea. Same goes for Rob Scallon.

[@Barbarapape]

I can only agree, Chapman guitars started as a brand that Rob asked his KZbin channel members to design, even he stated that there were options that he would not have chosen. I have had the thankless job of rebuilding far too many of them, the first batches were realy bad. Rob Chapman and his guitars are just not desirable these days, they can be bought at way below list price even from Andertons.

[@Audfile]

Dorke was never going to be famous with Fred Flinstone in dreds at the lead. Unfortunately, I'm these days, you need a female audience.

[@diverdown631]

Just saw a video last night that he's leaving

[@GuitarBillCurran]

I like/liked Dorje, I love Rebea's playing and I really like Robs voice. I have all of the actual physical CDs! The instrumental Toska stuff doesn't really do it for me, I like rock songs with lyrics and singing like a normie, lol.

[@ostkorvification]

Rob has said that he plays music to promote and sell other products, not the other way around. I think that proves your theory.

[@bellywitchproductions2183]

Hey Phil, thanks for your dedication over the years. I receive my first tube amp tomorrow. I’m kind of excited because I’ve been playing for 18 years and have never owned one

[@bellywitchproductions2183]

@@pharmerdavid1432 Its an Egnater Tweaker 40 Head, it hasn't showed up yet unfortunately

[@bigtsshackfestival9563]

What kind ? I have a fender Hrd , Princeton blackface reissue , and a %13 amw 39 Love em all Tubes are the best!!!

[@RideZLightnin]

Great episode Phil, I purchased a Chapman Ghost Zero from defunct guitar store Riff City, between Chapman's QC and also Riff City, guitar arrived riddled with finish flaws, binding discoloration, scratches, and clear coat imperfections, sent it back and tried a different model of Chapman and same result. Last ditch effort with Chapman guitars. Have played several throughout the years and just never felt quality justified price. Played Squiers with better QC. Perhaps Rabea found better quality and royalty deals in a better brand that he enjoys playing more.

[@mehegama]

@Ralph Reilly he said nothing, just he wanted to move on. It is super clear Rob's name has been extremely toxic since the KDH thing and he s just going down without breaks. It will soon be over for Chapman guitars coz of Rob's toxicity

[@pastorofmuppets1968]

I live in Northern Minnesota and had been to Riff City several times. Always a good experience. I was actually shocked when they closed.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

@@mehegama so Rabea waits 3(?) years before leaving because of the toxicity. Yeh, that really makes sense. 🙄

[@dizzygunner]

@@mehegama before I say what I'm gonna say, let me make one thing clear, im not a chapman fan, want to one of his gigs about 2012, he stayed afterwards for drinks and was a grade A cunt, with that said, what you're saying makes no sense, if rabea had any hard feelings towards Rob he wouldn't still be doing bids with Anderson's, he also wouldn't be with victory, like pointed out in this vid.

[@andrewmcdonald5704]

He seemed quite upset about it. Whatever his faults, Rob Chapman gave Rabea his big break and Rabea is pretty open about that. He's still working with Andertons and Lee is a director of Chapman guitars. They still seemed on good terms. It's probably just a case that he has an opportunity to grow his career and being tied to a brand isn't working for him right now.

[@CarolDailey]

Wow, I'm 60. And I watch all your videos! Thanks for all of the great content! Happy New Year Phil and Family Phil!!!

[@msh6865]

I am another vote for Yamaha acoustics. In fact most Yamaha gear offers great bang for the buck and their acoustics are no exception. Even better deal if you can find them barely used.

[@robertlucas9867]

I agree

[@powellsa]

Totally agree. Bought a Yamaha FG800 a few years ago and I love it. Great build quality and it sounds amazing - especially for a sub $300 guitar.

[@bp7152]

Agree. Yamaha is a great choice for acoustic, electric, a piano, jet ski, motorcycle. Not even joking they make great everything.

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

Agree! Love my A3M. Great guitar that stands up to the more expensive big names.

[@driftless7134]

I recently played a Yamaha acoustic with a price tag of around $500. I was blown away by it. Seemed like it should be much more expensive.

[@StuK323]

Bea is an absolute Gentleman and one of the sweetest people I have ever met, the dude is a total legend and a proper salt of the earth dude.

[@MrCleitus]

Legend ?

[@filipeventura2729]

@@MrCleitus ?

[@stevestalock3200]

I can vouch for hearing loss and female voices. I attended too many concerts in the 70s and 80s that has damaged my hearing. The worst affect is trying to hear their voices over the phone. You can hear the sound, just not with enough clarity to understand what is said. It's not exactly like hearing adult voices in a Charlie Brown show, but kinda.

[@tomneil6830]

I just love this channel. Happy New Year!

[@moparbryan]

I don’t think Bea left Chapman for monetary reasons, I don’t get the impression that that was the nature of their relationship. He’s really branched out and plays different guitars all the time. I really think Chapman is not doing well and he’s distancing himself preparing for a time when there isn’t a Chapman to be endorsed by. It really even seems as Lee Anderton has distanced himself from rob personally even though he’s a partner in Chapman. I really don’t think Chapman is going to be around much longer.

[@WholeLottaBulldog]

This is the feeling I get, also

[@louissanderson719]

Doesn’t Rob live in Malta now?

[@hermanhawtrey8578]

I agree with this. The Chapman brand has permanently soured, it’s now an embarrassment to own a guitar with his signature on the headstock.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

The smart thing for Lee Anderton to do is stop bank rolling the C brand now and fire sale what's left. Then start a guitar company that sells only under a 1000 pounds guits and basses. A new name is absolutely needed yesterday.

[@JohnWiku]

Don't forget now that he owns a guitar shop in USA, alongside a pickup maker company. Two more companies to taint with his greasy chapping hands 🤣🤣🤣

[@T0tenkampf]

Loved to discover Bea with his work on Frog Leap music. He seems too cool and honest to be tied to the questionable character of the Chapman brand.

[@hulkslayer626]

Questionable? I used to watch Chapman videos a couple years ago, but haven't recently... what have I missed?! Give me the dirt please lol

[@judosailor610]

I’m curious. What do you find questionable about the character of the Chapman brand?

[@dinonuggies2276]

​@@judosailor610theres been several controversies, and the brand is just really sketchy in general. I personally think their guitars suck, but i guess there is people who like them. Also rob chapman himself is really fucking weird and very very probably a pedo

[@brianvillage5]

Just read up about Rob Chapman, he’s kind of a garbage person and the history of the brand kind of for along with it.

[@rgarcia4412]

I love listening to you in this format Phil. It is my favorite. You are very knowledgeable and honest in your views.

[@bobafett4889]

You know when Rebea leaves, the ship has sailed. His sig was the coolest guitar they had.

[@josuastangl7140]

without a doubt, it's always been their highest end flagship model (not counting the several failed attempts to build guitars in England)

[@JohnWiku]

@@josuastangl7140 not sure how they can justify that guitar being more expensive than Keith Merrow's 7 string signature guitars, those Schecters are just masterpieces, I highly doubt any chapping guitar comes close at any price.

[@josuastangl7140]

@@JohnWiku I agree, the Schecter KMs are one of the best bang for buck guitars out there and I'd take one of those over any Chapman. Just if I had to pick a Chapman, the BEAs have always been their best guitars.

[@uonadtehrrocks]

@@JohnWikuThe tuners and pickups from what I understood, and the special neck wood

[@jacksmith4460]

In Rabea's case, and this is a guess, I think it might simply be that his friends own the company so to him it feels a bit half assed, and he wants a legit deal with one of the big brands. think it probably that and likely that one of the big brands has been tapping him up. I would not be surprised if it an internal thing or Rabea where for himself he wants to get a deal with one of the big makes because that init self is an acheivement, and although Champan are cool its his friends brand so it maybe feels a little token. Thats my guess

[@josuastangl7140]

Maybe similar to Fluffs case, when he split with Balaguer to "be free and try something new", but immediately had a Musicman deal

[@StratsRUs]

Thank you, Phil and have a safe, wonderful, Happy New Year !

[@JackGladstoneHolroyde]

Wanted to comment on the 'womens voices' thing. I've been partially deaf since birth and made it a lot worse as a teen with loud headphones and metal. But this is absolutely true, and hearing isn't just about the vibrations but also attention and background noise. I can't hear anything in a car unless it's cranked. Hearing aids are tiresome and make the world real loud (and I have some of the best on the market). So like people who use a wheelchair because walking long distances is painful and exhausting, but *can* stand up and move around if needed, disabled people get dunked on and disbelieved all the time. If someone tells you about their disability, please believe them.

[@ChidOki]

I’m gonna call out Phil here for being old man in the 21st century. Not using an amp because you don’t want to update the app is like not playing a guitar because you don’t want to change the old strings

[@scottbranch5603]

You are so very real. Very honest, thanks for your knowledge.

[@bbrotherton6345]

About men's hi-freq hearing loss as we age....at 67 years, I got on my Harley and thought I had a blown head gasket. The sound was lower mid-range chirping with almost no higher freq. After freaking out, I went to the best ear, nose and throat doctor I could find. He said that it was a viral infection and prescribed anti-viral medication. On the next visit, he said my hearing had improved from 80% loss to about 80% plus. Phil McKnight is correct about male hearing loss. But, in some cases (guitarists), Doctors and drugs......

[@DimKAt21]

Thanks Phil and KYG team for a great year of entertaining and educational podcasts. I've had tons of fun watching, having a few drinks at late night on Fridays. Here's to a better 2023 with even better guitars and music!

[@kcyrowolf]

Really appreciate your honesty and transparency Phil. You have a great channel and solid integrity. 👌

[@MaTTheWish]

1:16. I own some cheap Martins and they are really nice. Literally perfect out of the box. Other than filing down the bridge, which is my preference.. So perfect. Solid tops and electric sounds perfect through an amp. Really impressed. But for some reason I don't feel like they will last decades. But that's okay.. Also I had an opportunity to play a guild BoB Marley edition, which is a very affordable guitar, and it was one of those guitars that just exploded in my hands and it felt fantastic.

[@brandonsergeon5915]

Glad you had good luck with Martin's I've bought a few in the past 5 years or so and returned/sold every one of them. Finally bought a Taylor and I'll never go back.

[@MaTTheWish]

@@brandonsergeon5915 I'd like to try a Taylor. I tried a PRS Angelis also, it felt and sounded great.

[@brandonsergeon5915]

@@MaTTheWish I've had some prs electrics they were all real nice guitars. Taylor's are great, I own a 110e and a Taylor big baby and both are great instruments. If I was going to buy vintage I'd definitely buy a martin but I haven't had luck out of any of their newer made guitars. I've had 2 now that had lifting bridge problems, bought both brand new and within a year they started to lift.

[@MaTTheWish]

@@brandonsergeon5915 ouch that's not good. Taylor is on my list. Someday.

[@brandonsergeon5915]

@@MaTTheWish you should check out the videos where Bob Taylor tells he story on ebony, and how he changed the way ebony is bought/sold. It's super interesting, their on Taylor's KZbin.

[@uberbeast113]

1:05:00 Anybody know what guitar is being hinted at?? Intriguing...

[@amandacoombs8270]

I have no idea how you read all of these!!! I actually watched a replay...that never gets to happen. Happy New Year Phil!

[@StudioChimiel]

Some people read comments like books 😀

[@amandacoombs8270]

@Studio Chimiel haha you're wonderful 🥰 now I must try this ...

[@mikepj1025]

Happy New Year Phil and to all the subscribers of this great channel. Thanks for your work man.

[@glennmartin4232]

I’ve been in the music industry for 40 years. There is no money in music unless you can write a hit song or album. Once you can digest that just play for your love and enjoyment and have another career for income.

[@melodicshredder5834]

100%

[@willgo7898]

Phil ... appreciate your time stamped content - works well for me

[@thatpodcastchap]

Watching this from 2 miles from where Rob comes from in Wiltshire. In fact I dropped my son at St Augustine's yards from John of Gaunt where Rob went to school. Rob is polarising but to go from being a guitar teacher part time in Southwick less than 20 years ago to be talked about by all of you guys. That's an achievement. Trowbridge massive

[@TheMuffington]

Chapman really is the David Brent/Michael Scott of guitars

[@fabulousfreddyisready]

I agree, he is a tool.

[@jleighwolfe]

I have had a takamine (my very first guitar) for over 20 years. Not in the best shape these days but man it sounds amazing. Love that thing

[@timchalmers1700]

I love the Phil's stories and the way he approaches the easily misunderstood subjects.

[@davey_tones]

Thanks for another great year of podcasts! Looking forward to next years content!

[@abnerpgonz]

Phil your business savy and well formed opinions are just top notch.

[@TheCandel34]

15:26 I respect your view on a signature guitar, but I would love to see one out there for people to buy. You still have valid input on what goes into a good guitar so I’m not sure what the holdback is. I appreciate your humility, but I would certainly look into owning a Philip McKnight signature guitar, I think it would be great for you.

[@aeon4214]

I think you hit it on the head with Chapman not being able to keep up with production of the Rabea signature models. They are almost constantly in back order for those models. I actually have a ML3 Pro Bea Baritone, and it took me almost a year of checking on a weekly basis for stock to get one ordered. And even once there was stock, the vendor (Anderton's) sold out of the 15 units within 48 hours...and back to backorder the models went for months.

[@BorisBidjanSaberi11]

Watch KDHs videos on Chapman guitars, they’re own builder/suppliers are all over the place

[@wjveryzer7985]

hey man, they dont make the baritone in a cheaper version right? also, you notice rabbea using strandberg on shred vid? Also notice his recent collab with PLINI? :)

[@BillyTheCheeseMonger]

Bro me too, back in 2018 it took 8 months for me to get my ML3 BEA

[@Music-oi2nf]

There’s almost no demand for any Chapman guitars including the Rabea models. Rabea left because he wants his name on a proper guitar’s headstock and it will soon happen.

[@razznote7586]

@@Music-oi2nf No demand?? After seeing something being sold, got bought immediately? Are you living under a rock?

[@BoneyBobsTreasure]

Excellent very welcome and authoritative thank you Philip.

[@limpindug]

All the very best to you and yours in 23 and thanks for all your graft and sharing in 22. Hope you enjoy a wee dram at the bells bud. 👍👍👍🥃Respect to you mate.

[@jondonnelly]

Happy New Year Phil. Thanks for another great year.

[@chasetherocknroll5144]

Thanks for another great informative video Phil, Happy new year.

[@therealtech833]

Happy new year, thanks for all the content. Kind of sad regarding the whole Chapman thing, if you're looking for a small brand that does it right, I suggest Reverend guitars. Joe Naylor is still designing things, and Ken Haas is running the place correctly.

[@bobbya8622]

Thanks for the very insightful information of some of the dynamics of the guitar industry. Much appreciated!

[@HansAaraas]

I'm pretty sure Rabea will launch his own guitar/gear brand like Tosin, Ola, Misha, Rob, Zakk etc. did. It makes the most sense financially.

[@keithb5612]

Or Vola /Ibanez may knock on his door.

[@HansAaraas]

@@keithb5612 I'm sure he has gotten quite a few knocks on his door by various companies, and by making that video, he's probably getting a bunch more. I still think it would be the wisest (and most fulfilling) to make his own BEA brand though. BEA Guitars?

[@rollingslothmachine3431]

@@HansAaraas As far as I know, starting a guitar company is not just not a guarantee for making big bucks or even to have a stable income, it also demands a whole lot of time and commitment. Rabea just seems more like the passionate musician, that rather spends his time playing then doing office work, to me for him to want to start his own brand.

[@jonathandulin8753]

Rob Scallon leaving is less of an issue for me because his Chapman looked like a Schecter. My guess is this is the arrangement he always wanted.

[@hookkups]

it's very kind of you to have timestamps in the description thank you

[@davethefed]

Happy New Years!! Thank you for what you do for us!!

[@cshades8026]

I see Rabea signing with Fender. He will have access to Gretsch , Charvel and Jackson. Would love to see a signature Charvel or Fender strat.

[@stringrip]

Another point of interest about Chapman guitars. They seemed to have moved away from models with 25 inch scale.

[@ksmusiclounge1648]

I think the backorder theory here is correct - the Bea models are constantly unavailable and they produce in batches that sell out and then its wait wait wait

[@jean-paulschelkens6930]

Hi Phil, Thanks for all the good info and best wishes for 2013!

[@_Julian__]

He may just want to go to a new company. Chapman guitars are actually great guitars for the price. But, no matter what I hope Rabea and Rob the best of lives. Both have had great content for years.

[@connorsme71]

Chapman is getting a new artist, Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry. He's a damn good player and tours frequently! Remember, artists look for the best deal for themselves. I remember Rob Scallon was playing anything and everything sent to him before he made his Chapman deal and it's not like he's dominating the music scene. Sometimes, it's just as much a Company leaving the artist as it is the artist leaving a company!

[@eldirtyfaygo5395]

Really?! Dude was on PRS and was very happy about his guitar. Damn. In a way this is kinda of good for Chapman and he looks a bit more professional.

[@tadge74]

Can't believe he left PRS for chapman🤔

[@michaeltaylors2456]

I thought I didn’t like soft v necks till I got my Cutlass. I got a great deal and snagged it online.. so glad I did. Really bonded with it.

[@Lance37a]

Maybe Rebea didn't like his signature guitar because I saw a lot of videos where he's playing another guitar and not his signature guitar

[@MrBoze-TicoCR]

I do think that his ML3 signature T-type with the paduk neck is awesome. I was lucky to play one when he and Rob toured the US that Riff City sponsored and it felt really good. And I’m a big fan of paduk as a neck wood. But at that time, asking for slight over $1100.00 for an over-seas guitar struck me off….. and then the next generation ML3-Bea T-types we’re even MORE $$…. I can’t see how they were selling of any significant qtys…… That’s a tough sell.

[@Lance37a]

@@tusharjamwal I just thought it was a little weird that he didn't play his signature guitar. Now he doesn't have to play it if he doesn't want to.

[@TheCandel34]

15:45 I mean to your point signature models die off anyway so what’s the harm in having a Philip McKnight signature guitar, I think it’s a nice touch.

[@LiteralApe]

Funny watching this after the kiesel sig model, very exciting stuff PM, also, amp wall is nice.

[@000MidnightSun]

Thumbs up for a fellow wine enthusiast! I'm drinking some right now.

[@JoeyB7615]

Talking about make it your own..I took a flat top prs se Santana and made it into an arch top with a Dremel..mistake maybe..but I have had dozens of guitars and I always turn back to it ..22 years old and still awesome

[@budgetguitarist]

Happy New Year (tomorrow night)! Interesting stuff on Rabea leaving Chapman - good theories.

[@budgetguitarist]

That said, there's no R at the end of Rabea! :)

[@PaulCooksStuff]

One can probably be ruled out.... In a vlog a fair while ago Chapman mentioned none of his signature/endorsees are contractually exclusive to their models. He actively encourages them to play other brands because he also wants to play other brands. So it's unlikely to be that, though it's also conceivable that if Rabea had wanderlust, his own integrity could've lelt him uncomfortable having a sig model with his friends company but playing it less and less. It's also odd that Chris Robertson / Black Stone Cherry signed with Chapman last week and nobody bats an eyelid. Rabea leaves this week and Chapman are apparently at deaths door.

[@aaronwebb1548]

@@PaulCooksStuff In fairness, Black Stone Cherry did one song that people know, and most people don't seem to know that it was them. I've learned this at work recently; almost nobody knows the name of one hit wonder bands.

[@budgetguitarist]

@@PaulCooksStuff There's a lot of Rob Chapman haters out there. I'm not one of them, but some people have all kinds of gripes. Rob is one of the reasons I started my own channel, because I loved the videos he did with Lee. I still follow Rob.

[@jimi272]

@@PaulCooksStuff same, I think the story is heavily one sided😂

[@DevilAndSons]

Thanks for your insights, the info on sponsorship was really interesting.

[@johnnymegabyte]

05:20 Do you think a signing is for 1 year, 2 years, 5 years etc? After that time, they go on to other brand?

[@arustydodge2111]

Happy New Year PHIL!🎊🍾🥂 THANK YOU!⭐️🙏😇⭐️

[@kevinbrunner4003]

Speaking of pedal boards, what do you think of the Boss ME-80? How do the sounds in it compare to the individual boss pedals they emulate?

[@bstoner1300]

I love using the Headrush, so easy to get good sounds

[@robinspat]

Hi Phil, on acoustics I say: Takamine Takamine Takamine ☝🏻👀🎈😜🤣. Natural Series ESN10c good enough for a certain Austin, Texas plucker… Monte Montgomery (another Patrick) Nordland ODR-C I ❤️ both because that’s the way I am 😜 And core to my tonal paradise is the Wampler Ego compressor, an 1176 in a box with 5x knobs on 👀🤣 Feel, feel, feel 🤫 Happy New Year with ❤️❤️❤️ to you and yours

[@scottclark7592]

thanks for explaining why paul stanley has so many signature guitars

[@metalhead1390]

As far as I’m concerned I have a signature Phillip McKnight his old 7 string strat the Sevender! Beast of an instrument

[@stevenheinje181]

I got a kingpin (1) and love it. I got a deal, very playable and I cant play loud. I use it both acoustically and electric. But it covers lots of range (pickup seems a little hot and of course is sort of am acoustic-electric. It can be hard to settle on a voice for it. I think piezo might work in it, but that spec’ is 6x money.

[@Jalliams]

Some very interesting insights into the business of signature / artist products, Phil! Could be any one or a combination of factors you outlined. Happy NY & thank you Cheers

[@drmagex]

Bea was a part of Chapman as a company also since the beginning... they are best friends, he his just going on to find his own way now, just that

[@ClintsGuitarStuff]

I reckon Chapman is done for. I've personally owned 3 Chapmans and as far as I'm concerned the current Chapman's are just far too expensive for what they are. As an example I payed about $1300 Australian for my Chapman ML3 Pro traditional which came in a hardcase and was an amazing top quality made on Korea instrument back in 2019. Now they want people such as myself pay about the same money for an ML3 Standard made in Indonesia without a hardcase and no hipshot hardware. People are not idiots. Anyone with half a brain knows this is rediculous. They're up against MIM Fenders and Ibanez guitars fitted with Dimarzio pickups as well as really well established and proven PRS SE models. And to add to this there are guitars just as well made and in some cases better equipped for around half the price. Chapman is just being really unrealistic.

[@jleighwolfe]

I love that youre conscience about using equipment in yout vids thats not outlandishly expensive for most of us and that youre up front about that. Ive seen too many demos of gear that are played through amps worth more than my entire rig and theyre usually not up front about that.

[@JonClemence]

I have a 2000 Seagull Artist Series acoustic guitar. I always tell people it's the closest thing to a high-end Martin that I can afford. It really does have a great sound.

[@Kyle-sr6jm]

Seagull is a great guitar for the money. I have one of their M series. Love it.

[@KenithCopeland]

i am one of those weird people who has both a silver sky (se) and a cutlass. i love the whole thing about the silver sky, i actually found a little different in the se neck which i liked better so i went with that and saved money. but i absolutely love the cutlass neck, im a big fan of V necks and after selling a clapton strat i wanted another V neck and stumbled across the cutlass. if i had to pick only one it would be hard because i like the silver sky for the body and everything but the cutlass neck is better in my hand

[@deanmlshredder]

I played a silver sky before the se came out and didn't like it at all. I've played 3 se models and loved them all and am seriously considering selling my 62' strat reissue in favor of an se silver sky. They're that damn good.

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Why is that weird?

[@KenithCopeland]

@@BkBk-gy6vr the neck shapes on the cutlass and silver sky couldnt be more different, one is a somewhat "normal" S type and the other is a narrower nut which some people hate, a soft V that runs half way down to about the 10th fret. a lot of people who play music man guitars dont like fender style necks and vice versa

[@thedude7726]

Ive had 2 chapman guitars and both had SO many issues and they where a pain in the ass to work with. I ended up with a ghost and returned it for a rob scallion 6 string and that had more issues then the ghost did. I sold it on marketplace and picked up a diamond series schecter and ive never looked back. Ive been thinking about a solar recently but after dealing with Chapman im very hesitant to try a "no name" brand. Ive been looking at a cheap firefly lp copy recently.

[@greggsheridan9325]

I’m just commenting to help ur channel but nothing in particular. I like all ur videos. Very informative. Thank you for mentioning the new PRS products because I was just getting ready to pull the trigger on a PRS S2 custom 24-08. I’m gonna wait a month and see what they come out with so thank you.

[@therealtech833]

PRS are some fine guitars, if you're looking for a smaller company that makes fantastic gear at a fair price I would suggest Reverend guitars.

[@alwaysevolving281]

Now that I think about it...I've never seen someone use a Chapman guitar live.

[@rogerhutchins9883]

Luke Appleton, formerly of Iced Earth and currently lead guitarist for both Absolva and Blaze Bayley, plays a Chapman Ghost Fret. Saw him in September and he/it sounds great.

[@richardsmith9615]

@@rogerhutchins9883 Good to hear Blaze Bayley is still gigging, killer voice.

[@CarsInDimension]

In most industries, royalty and licensing fees are 6 to 12 percent of the wholesale price.

[@christothegreat1]

Could you do a full breakdown of the Dumble circuit and possibly give the 10 best Dumble type pedals or amps or plugins at various price points ?

[@shorerocks]

I got a Chapman ML1 Pro in 2016. Had only to invest about 200 EUR extra to make it the instrument I was expecting. Wrong wiring anyone? Setup? Tuning stability? Anyway, did a (very fair, I find) review of it, even a 2nd review 'revisiting' it after the updates I had to invest in (I still liked the brand then). Posted links on the Chapman forum, felt I was part of a community. Boy was I wrong. I was banned sharing that link. First time ever. Inquiring why, I got banned again. Aha. I let it rest at that, the wiser gives way. Being a product manager for decades myself, I am old and experienced enough to say 'whatever'. Followed Rob a bit, but then more an more came to light so I chose to completely avoid the man, the brand, the music. Still like playing the ML-1 for heavy riffs. It's not the guitars fault, right?

[@antondiatonikk2256]

It's their particular style of English accent I believe. I've definitely noticed Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond do it too, sometimes inserting an R sound if they say a word ending in an A sound. For us who don't have that accent, the best way is to inunciate his name, as spelled.

[@thecolorhero1078]

Thank you for another fine show sir. Cheers!

[@BathBombTheRussians]

Wasn’t Rob Chapman cancelled or something?

[@stoneysdead689]

Well- I just got the Black CV Strat I was telling you guys about buying- and just got done repackaging it to send it back. 9th fret, bottom E string- completely dead- I don't mean a little buzzy or sort of flat- I mean like completely dead. How does that even happen- how can all the other strings be fine in the 9th fret but the bottom E- completely muted out and dead? I tried raising the action of the bottom E- raised it up level with all the other strings- still dead as a door nail in the 9th fret. So, I repackaged it and printed out the return label- I paid too much for it to start having it repaired out of box. Probably going to take a new fret being installed and then all of them leveled. Man, this sucks- not only the guitar- I also bought a JHS moonshine and when I went to return this I saw where they cancelled my order and refunded my money. Merry fuckin xmas everyone.

[@jefft5854]

Rabea posted a vid explaining he just wants to try something new on his own and there is no other reason.

[@robertpurdy4452]

I was going to ask if you still liked the Vntage Tone Prometheus since I use mine all the time and wanted to see how it held up over time for you. Thank you for answering the question unspoken. I find new wonderful sounds from it all the time and it stacks well with other overdrive/gain pedals...all the dirt pedals. It along with my KYG Zither guitar stand are two of my favorite splurge buys.

[@HBSuccess]

I don’t know him, but Rob Chapman has always impressed me (via his social media over-exposure) as the toxic combination of a bloviating snake oil salesman, an opportunistic endless self-promoter, and also (ironically) personally lazy and generally unlikable. I have never felt Chapman was truly interested in building and selling unique instruments and adding real value to the music industry (think Paul Reed Smith… THERE is a guy who did and does exactly that 24/7/365)….but instead he was more interested in finding the fastest and most lucrative way to plaster his name on thousands of mass-produced products. I knew the venture was doomed when Rob announced that some Korean mega-factory was going to do all the heavy lifting. Meanwhile he was prancing around on Malta or wherever because he was soooooo “exhausted” from all the effort he was expending. What a crock. Add the screwed-up relationships and bridges burned with the various players and characters in the Chapman “circle”, the Riff City debacle, the inevitable quality control issues when everything is outsourced to the lowest Asian bidder, and here we are. The guitars are/were nothing special, the service sucks because there are no adults in the room, and there are/were at least a dozen better options already in the marketplace for budget guitar buyers. So RIP Chapman Guitars. And…13 years really IS nothing in this industry. It takes decades of dedication to build a sustainable brand. Chapman Guitars is a fart in a windstorm but they are not the first and won’t be the last failed start-up in the MI.

[@therealtech833]

Of the far east made guitars, South Korea is second only to Japan in quality. However the large company referred to in Korea makes guitars to spec. A small company like Chapman, will not get the same deal as a bigger company like schecter. It sounds like Chapman decided to lower the quality, to hit a certain price point, big mistake. I own Schecters, fenders and now a new Reverend Jetstream RB, I can tell you quality wise the Reverend is the best far and away, it is not made by a large South Korean company, it is made by a boutique company called mirr music, and set up in Toledo Ohio. By the by the way, people living in South Korea get living wages unlike China and indonesia.

[@shredx81]

I bought an AZ Preztige not long back. Took it for setup and 6 of the frets were high and he gad to shim the neck pocket. So even premium guitars need a bit of 3rd party TLC. Chapman guitars are affordable guitars. I’d expect to have a tech work his magic on one.

[@k1ttyF158er]

Was Chapman Guitars ever actually a thing? It's kind of always felt like an over priced vanity brand.

[@tonybowen455]

I'm sure there's some examples I'm not aware of, but I'm surprised there's not a deal where the artists don't just use the standard stock models as they come out. Like a standard strat or lp. It seems like smaller artists more under these deals rather than having a sig with royalties.

[@guitar_gnome]

"I don't want to have to update stuff." God yes. This times 1000. I got a (the small) spark and didn't want to deal with that. Thought it might be a tiny pedal platform. Sounded awful, and didn't want to fidget with an app that has to get updated. Your story about lost presets makes me not regret sending it back. I don't want to rely on software when I'm going to play. Just knobs that work, on the piece of kit itself.

[@jimcamp2423]

Leaving Chapman, there's Ibanez & Schecter, there's Solar, That & artists grow for the next sponsor & deal. Sometimes the company drops, other times the artist leaves.