NAMM 2023: Chapman reveals classy new signature guitar for Black Stone Cherry’s Chris Robertson

Chapman Chris Robertson ML3 NAMM
(Image credit: Jackson Maxwell/Future)

NAMM 2023: Chapman Guitars has offered a first look at its new signature guitar for Chris Robertson of Southern hard-rockers Black Stone Cherry.

Formerly a PRS signature artist with his own Singlecut-inspired SE model, Robertson started endorsing Chapman guitars at the beginning of 2022, playing a variety of Telecaster-inspired builds.

Now his own signature Chapman ML3 has come to fruition, as demoed by a very enthusiastic Rob Chapman, who is clearly thrilled to be back at NAMM.

The Chris Robertson ML3 features an alder body with a maple top, finished in white with double gold binding right the way around the body, including the single f-hole.

A rosewood fingerboard is fitted to the maple neck, while the gold hardware really sets the whole thing off, giving it a classy White Falcon-esque aesthetic.

Given Chapman describes the guitar as “Bare Knuckle-loaded”, it’s safe to assume Chris Robertson’s signature Bare Knuckle Peacemakers – launched back in September – are onboard for hot PAF tones.

This isn’t the only new Chapman signature guitar in the works, either – Peter Honoré (aka Danish Pete of Andertons fame) is also in line for a Tele-inspired model in the not-too-distant future.

Chapman's new Chris Robertson signature ML3 guitar, displayed at the 2023 NAMM show

(Image credit: Jackson Maxwell/Future)
Michael Astley-Brown
Editor-in-Chief, GuitarWorld.com

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.