Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional

$899.00 to $1,250.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

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1 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.0 (7)

$899.00

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5.0 (3)

$1,250.00 2 available New

$695.00 4 available Used

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3.0 (3)

$899.00

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Average Price: $936

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional Electric Guitar. Designed for musicians who value simplicity and performance, this guitar is crafted to channel the essence of electric guitar in its purest form. The resonant carved swamp ash body not only looks stunning but offers a tonal richness that resonates with every strum. Paired with a satin-finish maple neck, you'll find a level of comfort and playability that's hard to match.

Equipped with dynamically responsive Alnico V Chapman Mojo Hand pickups, the ML3 Pro Traditional delivers a versatile range of tones, from crisp and clear to warm and soulful. Its 3-way switch allows for seamless transitions between pickup settings, giving you the freedom to explore your musical voice. Whether you're shredding on stage or crafting melodies in the studio, this guitar is your ideal companion.

The fixed string-through-body bridge with brass saddles ensures stable tuning and sustain, while the Hipshot Grip-Lock high-ratio tuners provide precise tuning adjustments. With this setup, you're guaranteed smooth, reliable performance every time you pick up the guitar.

Key Features:

Satin-finish swamp ash body with carved swamp ash top
Satin-finish 25.5" scale maple neck with 22-fret maple fretboard
Alnico V Chapman Mojo Hand pickups with 3-way switch
Fixed string-through-body bridge with brass saddles
Hipshot Grip-Lock high ratio tuners

Product specs

Brand	Chapman
Model	ML3 Pro Traditional
Finish	Classic Argent Metallic, Classic Black Metallic, Classic Sunburst Metallic, Shadow, Triton
Year	2017 - 2025
Made In	Korea, Republic of
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Alder, Ash
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Grey, Silver
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic, Satin
Fretboard Material	Maple
Fretboard Radius	10"
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.65"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Wood Top Style	Figured Veneer, Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional?: The Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional features a satin-finish maple neck with a comfortable modern C profile, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles and techniques.
What kind of tones can I expect from the Alnico V Chapman Mojo Hand pickups?: The Alnico V Chapman Mojo Hand pickups offer a versatile tonal range, providing warm, vintage-inspired tones with clarity and punch, ideal for genres like rock, blues, and jazz.
Is the Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional suitable for beginners?: While the Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional is designed with professional features, its comfortable neck and versatile tonal options make it accessible for dedicated beginners looking to invest in a high-quality instrument.
How does the string-through-body bridge affect the guitar's performance?: The string-through-body bridge with brass saddles enhances sustain and resonance, providing a stable tuning experience and improved tonal quality.
What is the fretboard radius on the Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional?: The fretboard radius of the Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional is 10 inches, offering a balanced feel that is comfortable for both chord playing and soloing.

Videos

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Andertons Music Co

Chapman Guitars Go Purple?! - NEW Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional In Purple Metallic

Andertons Music Co

Chapman Guitars ML3 Pro Traditional

Chapman Guitars

Chapman Guitars ML3 Pro Traditional demo

Guitar

Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional

Chapman Guitars

CHAPMAN ML3 PRO Traditional - Colemans Music

Coleman's Music

Chapman Guitars ML3 Pro Traditional Just The Tones Demo

Chapman Guitars

Chapman ML3 PRO TRD | Review | Guitar Interactive

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Chapman Pro Series ML3 Pro Traditional VS ML3 Pro Modern Review (No Talking)

Music Force Official

Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional, Talk and Clean Electric Guitar Tones

Yogi The Guitarist

Reviews

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PROS

Strong pickups with a chime reminiscent of Tex-Mex sound
High-quality build, especially in Korean-made models
Stays in tune for extended periods, ideal for gigs
Resonant body, playable even without amplification
Modern features like glow-in-the-dark side dots
Solid hip shot tuners and electronics
Great neck feel with a satin finish and round C profile
Beautiful wood grain and finish variations
Punches above its price point in quality and features

CONS

Significant quality control issues reported by some users
Neck may be too tall in the pocket, causing fret buzz
Requires adjustments for optimal playability out of the box
Higher action may make string bends challenging without adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional.

Other

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P90 pickups deliver a loud, clear, and present sound, which is particularly suitable for rock music styles.
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Mods and upgrades

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Upgrading to a Bare Knuckle Piledriver bridge pickup and retaining the stock neck hot rail is a popular mod among some owners.
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Build quality

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The satin finish on the neck is praised for its smooth feel, similar to Ibanez necks, providing a unique tactile experience.
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The guitar features jumbo stainless steel frets and a Graphtech TUSQ nut, contributing to its durable and high-quality construction.
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Features and functionality

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The ML3 includes a push-pull knob to convert the bridge pickup into a stacked humbucker, adding versatility in tone options.
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The Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional features a carved top design with hot Seymour Duncan pickups, offering a modern take on the classic telecaster style.
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This model includes locking tuners, enhancing tuning stability and making string changes more efficient.
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User experience

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Owners highlight the guitar's weight as a downside, mentioning its heaviness compared to other models.
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Owners appreciate the roasted maple neck not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its comfortable playability, enhanced by rolled fingerboard edges.
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Despite some concerns about Chapman’s quality control, multiple owners noted well-intonated setups with rolled fingerboard edges and no scuffs or markings upon arrival.
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Comparisons

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The ML3 is compared to guitars like LTDs and Schecters, offering a more technical play style compared to traditional Teles or Strats.
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Compared to a traditional Fender Telecaster, the Chapman offers a modern feel with more contours, appealing to players seeking a contemporary twist on the tele shape.
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The neck of the Chapman ML3 is somewhat thicker than typical telecasters, drawing comparisons to a 70s tele style, yet not as thick as a baseball bat.
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Setup and maintenance

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Some users note that the holes for strings in the body don't align perfectly with the bridge holes, requiring careful setup adjustments.
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Some owners report the guitar arriving with 9-gauge strings, preferring to switch to 10-gauge for improved playability and adjusting the action height accordingly.
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Value and pricing

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Considered by some as offering incredible value for money, especially with features like a dual action truss rod and premium hardware at a lower price point.
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Use cases and applications

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The ML3 Pro is favored for funk music due to its ergonomic cuts and traditional pickup configuration, offering comfort without sacrificing classic tone.
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Critic Reviews

Chapman ML3 PRO TRD | REVIEW - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional shines as a modern take on the classic T-style, boasting ergonomic design, a roasted maple neck, and Seymour Duncan Hot Tele pickups for versatile tones. Its classy Metallic Black finish and gold hardware add visual appeal. While its price may lean towards the higher end, this guitar's superb playability and sound make it a worthy contender for rock and metal enthusiasts seeking a streamlined, contemporary Tele experience.

positive

Full Review

Chapman Guitars ML3 Pro Traditional & ML1 Traditional

guitar.com

The Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional impresses with its robust build and vibrant tone, making it a standout choice for modern blues and hot country players. The guitar's swamp ash body delivers an acoustic volume akin to a "Tele on steroids," offering a lively high-end response. However, its tone controls lack subtlety, jumping from sharp to muffled too quickly. Despite this minor setback, the ML3’s quality and playability—complete with stainless steel frets and glow-in-the-dark side dots—are commendable at its price point. Overall, it's a compelling option for those seeking a unique sonic palette.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Jamie Hall

Singer, Guitarist

Tigercub

Verified via Photo

In the recent tour done by Tigercub supporting "As Blue as Indigo", Jamie has been using his Black and Gold Chapman ML3 Pro Traditional for most of the newer songs for Tigercub's repertoire. Here is the cleanest image that I can grab from the last time I saw them in March of 2022.