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Brian May Guitars

collapse expand iconDescription

The Brian May Guitars Special Electric Guitar Antique Cherry is a recreation of the iconic instrument that shaped Queen's inimitable sound. Crafted to Brian May's exacting standards, this signature model electric guitar offers musicians and collectors alike a chance to experience the renowned tone and playability that defined an era. Featuring a chambered mahogany body, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, and innovative Tri-Sonic pickups, the special conjures May's unmistakable tone and sustain. Its comfortable set-in neck profile and 24-fret ebony fretboard provide a familiar feel for players at any level. Available in a stunning Antique Cherry finish with chrome hardware, this signature ax is a work of art. Experience a legend reborn.

Tri-Sonic Pickups Deliver Iconic Queen Tone

The Special's trio of Burns Tri-Sonic pickups are key to capturing Brian May's distinctive sound. Positioned to reduce interference, these single-coil pickups produce a warm, rich tone with bell-like highs, resonant lows, and singing sustain. Adjust pickup height and pole piece spacing to fine-tune your tone.

Chambered Mahogany Body Resonates Like No Other

The Special's chambered mahogany body significantly contributes to its resonant, lively tone. Strategically placed sound holes allow the body to vibrate freely, producing rich harmonics and enhanced resonance. A molded plastic cover protects the guitar's electronics while maintaining an open sound.

Mahogany Neck and Ebony Fretboard Provide Superb Playability

The Special's mahogany neck and ebony fretboard make navigating its 24 frets effortless. Its comfortable set-in neck and 9.8" radius provide a familiar feel for players of all levels. Dot inlays help guide you up the fretboard, while medium gage frets facilitate bends and vibrato.

Recreation of a Legend

From its Antique Cherry finish and chrome hardware to its unique electronics and construction, the special electric guitar brings Brian May's iconic instrument to life. Built to his exacting standards, this signature model guitar allows musicians to experience the tone, playability, and legend of one of rock's greatest players.

Brian May Guitars BMG Special Electric Guitar Antique Cherry
Brian May Guitars BMG Special Electric Guitar Antique Cherry
Brian May Guitars BMG Special Electric Guitar Antique Cherry

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Acoustic chambered Indonesian mahogany body with pinstripe binding front and back
  • Classic antique cherry gold polyurethane finish
  • Indian mahogany set-in neck
  • BM brand series-wired, single-coil "Tir-Sonic" style pickups

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body Type: Double Cutaway Chambered Body
  • Body wood: Mahogany
  • Body finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Neck
  • Neck shape: C-shaped
  • Joint: Set-in
  • Scale length: 24"
  • Truss rod: Dual-action
Fingerboard
  • Material: Ebony
  • Fret size: Jumbo
  • Number of frets: 24
  • Inlays: Custom
  • Nut width/material: Graphite
Electronics
  • Configuration: SSS
  • Neck: Proprietary Single Coil
  • Middle: Proprietary Single Coil
  • Bridge: Proprietary Single Coil
  • Control layout: Master volume Master tone
  • Pickup switch: 5-Way
  • Special electronics: Coil-split Phase switch
Hardware
  • Bridge type: Tremolo/Vibrato
  • Bridge design: 6-point tremolo
  • Tuning machines: Locking
  • Color: Chrome
Other
  • Number of strings: 6 String
  • Case: Gig Bag
  • Orientation: Right Handed
  • Country of Origin:

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

9 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Best guitar I've ever bought
Unreal so good.
Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming9
  2. Practicing8
  3. Recording6
  4. Rock Concerts3
  5. Small Venues2
Cons
  1. Awkward body shape1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced6
  2. Professional Musician3
Pros
  1. Good Tone9
  2. Fun To Play7
  3. Good Feel7
  4. Good Pick Up7
  5. Solid Electronics7

Reviewed by 9 customers

  • Best guitar I've ever bought

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byBryan

    fromSan José CA

    The pickup switches give me his tones

  • Unreal so good.

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byRandal

    fromLayton utah

    Up until recently the only person on the planet with one of these was Brian May. Now you can hold, play, listen to, and enjoy this man's genius. I made a video and plan to make a couple more on this instrument. Check them out YouTube link below.

  • Extremely Good Guitar For Price

    4

    submitted3 years ago

    byS

    fromMusic City USA

    1. The pickup/phase switches - this is my #1 reason for buying the guitar. They work flawlessly. 2. Neck width and radius - I would compare it to a Gibson LP but it's not exactly the same. It's beefy and I love it. 3. Craftsmanship - this is very good for an overseas model. I liken it to the Peerless Casinos of the late 1990s/early 2000s. I love Queen but I didn't buy it to be a copycat. It's versatile. It's a darker sounding guitar which explains why Brian uses a treble booster. It's balanced pretty well. I am not a fan of the tremolo, but then again I don't use tremolos much. That's my only negative remark.

  • Fantastic instrument !!

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byRick D

    fromDenton TX

    I own many high end guitars and none of them has the variety of great tones and playability of this fantastic instrument. It surpasses guitars that are 3-4 times its price point. Buy IT!!. It's a no-brainer. P.S. The entire crew at the Guitar Center in Denton, TX are Super! Great Store! RD Denton TX

  • Stop Debating Brian May Red Special AND Buy It

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    bygreg

    fromMinneapolis Minnesota

    I'm not even a Queen fan, Brian May fan, of course, as a player and builder/designer of his famous ax. Build quality is 2X the price, double bound (wasn't even listed as such), Wilkenson Trem (although not authentic, so happy it's not home made thing he made). Not 1 flay, plays great

  • Great guitar if it had a working tremolo

    3

    submitted4 years ago

    byP.E.

    fromkansas city mo

    This is my second Brian May style guitar... This is a much better player than the first... However, The tremolo it came with, in a Brand NEW sealed box, would not fit... I contacted MF about this, and they were basically no help, although they said I could return it if I wanted... The manufacturer is in UK so it's not easy to figure out how the tremolo does not fit this guitar as it is unique to this guitar...So I would have given this an "A" rating had it not been for this critical oversite from BM guitars...As it sits, I give it a C+ for a critical part not functioning... They need better quality control and customer communications...

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted9 months ago

    asked bycmvox

    fromundisclosed

    What is the blemish that is mentioned in this listing?

    What is the blemish that is mentioned in this listing?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It's not blemished, it's a floor/display model.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byMando

    fromCoyanosa, TX

    does this come with a 2024 sixpence? the one showed in the Brian May website

    does this come with a 2024 sixpence? the one showed in the Brian May website

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it does come with a 2024 sixpence.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byRick

    fromWoburn ma

    Does it come with a case

    Does it come with a case

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    This includes the Brian May Guitars Electric Guitar Gig Bag.

  • submitted7 years ago

    asked byGregg

    fromNJ

    Does the guitar come in antique cherry?

    Does the guitar come in antique cherry?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please call a Sales Agent for Special Order placement
    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please call a Sales Agent for Special Order placement

  • submitted8 years ago

    asked byScott

    fromSF bay area

    do you have the Hiscox case that fits this guitar .. what case does it come with if any?

    do you have the Hiscox case that fits this guitar .. what case does it come with if any?

    Open Reply -
    We don't currently carry the specific case that fits that guitar, but give us a call and we can arrange a special order for it.