NBD: Chapman MLB1-5 Pro

[g-dude]

Just arrived yesterday...

Setup out of the box is good - going to give it a few days to settle in before I start checking everything in earnest.

Body seems a lot smaller in person. Weight is good, I’d say around 8.5-9lbs.

 

[Michael Jewels]

I just noticed this bass at Musiciansfriend.

How do you like yours?

Can you give us a review, please?

Mike

 

[g-dude]

I just noticed this bass at Musiciansfriend.

How do you like yours?

Can you give us a review, please?

Mike

So, here are my thoughts after having some chance to play it at home and live...

Setup was solid out of the box from Andertons and a transatlantic journey. Turns out the money I saved got eaten up by customs, so that was a bummer.

Tone is good, I tend to roll the blend slightly towards the bridge, and then roll off the tone slightly.

Neck has glow in the dark side dots, which is very useful. Lack of fretboard markers did take a little getting used to. Neck is nice and smooth, no issues with the frets or fretboard.

Body looks smaller in person than in photos. Weight feels good, not too heavy. Strap locks are decent, but the locking mechanism is a little stiff - also be sure to use hand tools to fasten them on.

Comes strung with 45-130 Ernie balls.

 

[Michael Jewels]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Two more questions, if I may:
1.) How's the B string?
2.) How is the tone? More vintage or modern?

Thanks.
Mike

 

[g-dude]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Two more questions, if I may:
1.) How's the B string?
2.) How is the tone? More vintage or modern?

Thanks.
Mike

So it’s my first five string, but the B string is good. If you’re playing metal, dig in hard and it sounds cool...and if you’re playing contemporary church music, a lighter touch yields good results.

I would definitely characterize the tone as modern - pickups are passive, but you’ll never mistake it for a vintage jazz bass.

 

[BVaccaro]

Wow nice looking bass. I was pondering this or a Fender American Professional Precision and due to not alot of reviews I went Fender. But wow I like the Pics and awesome review thanks. Keep on thumping.

 

[g-dude]

Wow nice looking bass. I was pondering this or a Fender American Professional Precision and due to not alot of reviews I went Fender. But wow I like the Pics and awesome review thanks. Keep on thumping.

Definitely is a different beast to a P-Bass!

That’s why you need both.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Thread revival- what's the string spacing?

 

[g-dude]

Thread revival- what's the string spacing?

Nut width is 1.771 (45mm) per Guitar Center’s website.

 

[PrimitiveMan]

Looking at the measurements on the Chapman site, seems to be same fingerboard width at nut and 24th fret as an 5 string Ibanez soundgear. Would love to try one