The Chapman MLV PRO Modern 60 is a cutting-edge hybrid guitar that combines classic design elements with modern playability and aesthetics. As one of the leading manufacturers in the custom guitar industry, Chapman Guitar has consistently pushed boundaries and set new standards, and the MLV PRO Modern is a testament to their commitment to innovation and quality.
Unveiled at the 2020 Winter NAMM Show, the MLV PRO Modern has quickly garnered attention and accolades from both seasoned guitarists and industry professionals alike. This guitar is more than just an update to the original MLV series; it's a leap forward in design, technology, and playability that truly sets a new benchmark for modern hybrid guitars.
The MLV PRO Modern: A Modern Take on a Classic Design
The MLV PRO Modern is built around a classic double-cutaway design, reminiscent of the iconic guitars from the '60s and '70s. However, unlike its predecessors, the MLV PRO Modern boasts a host of modern features and upgrades that bring it into the 21st century.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the new "Modern" contour. This subtle but significant change to the guitar's body shape provides better access to the highest frets, making it easier to play those intricate licks and solos typically reserved for instruments with a classic superstrat design.
Modern Playability
The MLV PRO Modern takes playability to the next level with its action height adjustability. Outfitted with aGraphTech Ghost Piezo system, the guitar's bridge allows for quick and easy action height adjustments. This ensures that the MLV PRO Modern can deliver a comfortable and ballsy playing experience, whether you're plugging in or playing acoustically.
A standout feature of the MLV PRO Modern is its neck, which is crafted from a single piece of maple. This one-piece construction provides exceptional stability and resonance, ensuring excellent sustain and tuning stability. The contoured heel and compound radius fretboard further enhance comfort and playability, making the MLV PRO Modern a dream to play.
Premium Tonewoods and High-Quality Components
The MLV PRO Modern is constructed using only the finest tonewoods. The guitar's body is made of swamp ash, known for its rich, warm tone and excellent resonance. The top is constructed from maple, which offers a bright and clear attack, perfectly complementing the warmth of the swamp ash.
The guitar is equipped with a host of high-quality components, including a Sustainiac SC1060B passive pickups system, which combines the sonic versatility of a standard humbucker with the warmth and dynamics of a single-coil pickup. The guitar also features a Gotoh 510 GE machine head set, renowned for their precision and durability, ensuring outstanding tuning stability.
The MLV PRO Modern: A Versatile Powerhouse
The MLV PRO Modern's versatility is not just about its playability; it's also about the tonal range it offers. With its Sustainiac SC1060B passive pickups, the MLV PRO Modern can deliver authentic humbucker tones, as well as the crisp, clear sound of a single coil, all with a single pickup configuration.
The guitar's 5-way switch offers a wide variety of tones, from bright and sparkly to warm and sultry. Whether you're a blues purist, a heavy metal shredder, or anything in between, the MLV PRO Modern has the tonal range to suit your playing style.
Sustainiac Technology: Expanding Sonic Possibilities
One of the most exciting features of the MLV PRO Modern is its Sustainiac SC1060B passive pickups. Unlike traditional passive or active pickups, Sustainiac pickups generate a continuously sustained note when the string is picked, even after the string has stopped vibrating.
This unique feature allows guitarists to create a wide range of unusual and innovative sounds, from feedbackjak on the fly to Gibraltar-style sustains. It's a testament to Chapman Guitar's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible on an electric guitar.
Built for the Stage and the Studio
The MLV PRO Modern's on-board preamp and active/passive operation make it an excellent choice for both live performance and studio recording. The preamp is equipped with an onboard volume control, a traditional tone control, and a blend control that allows you to mix the Sustainiac's signal with your guitar's passive signal.
This blend control is particularly useful in the studio, as it allows you to create unique and dynamic tones that you simply can't achieve with a standard passive pickup. Whether you're tracking a blazing fast solo or laying down a warm, mellow rhythm part, the MLV PRO Modern has the tonal flexibility to deliver.
The Chapman MLV PRO Modern is more than just a guitar; it's a statement. It's a declaration from Chapman Guitar that they're not content to rest on their laurels. Instead, they're continually pushing forward, seeking new ways to innovate and inspire guitarists of all stripes. If you're looking for a guitar that combines classic design elements with cutting-edge technology and unmatched playability, look no further than the Chapman MLV PRO Modern.