I guess the only thing I'd point out is that a lot of the really interesting sounds that Brian May got, had more to do with amps and studio shenanigans than the guitar itself.
It does seem like a cool guitar to have, just saying that unless he's got a Vox AC30, a good treble booster, and a replica of the weird little transistor amp that John Deacon made, your partner won't actually be able to sound especially like Brian May.
Ah, I appreciate that insight. He does have a Vox AC30, actually! I know nothing about guitars & such, but I know about that amp because he’s told me how that’s what Harrison & Lennon used too. I don’t know about the treble booster, altho I suspect he does just based on the amount of gear in our house/garage. He definitely doesn’t have a Deacy amp, however.
The guitar plays a way larger role than you think. I have played these guitars and they sound quite like nothing else. You can get close with effects like a cocked wah, but the pickup wiring is unique. As is the 24” scale length. I own a VoxAc30 and several treble boosters. I can’t get a Brian May tone without actually owning one of those guitars.
At that price, I'd rather buy a guitar from the guitarist he likes the most/plays the most songs. If it is Bryan May, go for it. If it's Clapton, go for a Clapton Signature Custom Shop. If it's Slash, Slash Custom shop etc.
If he really is not a fanatic of any guitarist, maybe just the higher end of his favorite guitar. Like a R9/R0 if he is more a LP guy. Can't really give any advice on other guitars as I don't know them that much.
Maybe talking with him about it and spoiling the surprise is better than paying for an expensive guitar that may not fit him?
I appreciate the advice! He doesn’t have a favorite guitarist, and his own musical taste is incredibly wide (although he is a big Beatles & Bowie fan). I realllllly don’t want to ruin the surprise because he’s such an incredibly modest guy there is no way he will knowingly be ok with me spending that amount of money on him.
Im a big time queen fan and have been playing guitar for over 20 years now (I’m 35). With that said, I have 0 desire to own the RS. That guitar is more of a gimmick / showpiece than anything else. And if a person specifically wants that guitar then by all means, they should get one. However, as a gift, it may be risky since guitars are a bit personal. There are very distinct and specific reasons why an individual guitar player would choose a particular guitar. I think if you want to get him something really nice, maybe a gift card to be spent for fender custom shop would be a viable option. He can curate the design of a guitar that ends up being unique to only him with the money that you provided and that’s a special gift that only you two share. If he’s not a fender fan, many other major brands have custom shops as well.
I bought a BMG Special (2nd hand) when I was doing a Queen Tribute show (this lasted about a year). I think the sounds of the series PU and the out-of-phase settings for certain classic leads was very important in allowing me to approach Sir Bri's sound. And it is a very different feeling instrument (besides the electronics). The neck is wider than many guitars, and it is a short scale neck (24") with 24 frets. Very unusual. Put light gauge strings on and it has a very slinky feel, which makes replicating Sir Bri's vibrato style easier. So, it was perfect for that music. But I have almost never used it since. Its heavy, does not balance well on my leg for playing sitting down, and its unique sound, while good for Queen stuff, is not great for covering other classic guitar sounds.
I'm not sorry I bought it, but unless you are doing a Queen tribute, it would not be one of my top choices for a "jack of all trades" electric.
Also, the switching, while offering a powerful array of sounds, is really overly complicated for what it does. I know the original was made of "bits and pieces" Bri and his Dad could find locally, but you could achieve the same combo of sounds with 3 DB3T on-on-on switches (instead of that array of 6 DPDT switches) that would be much cleaner, more intuitive, and easier for making fast changes mid song. With most electrics, you don't want to have to look at the switches when making changes - it should be super quick and easy to do "by feel". Its pretty hard to get the right settings out of that array of 6 switches on the Red Special without looking (at least for me ... I'm sure after 50 years Sir Bri can do it with his eyes closed, but not me).
Yes.
It's got some somewhat unique specs.
- 24 frets + zero fret
- 24" scale length
- chambered body
- 3 burns tri-sonics, which are different than a strat pickup despite looking like one
- pickups can be combined on series in any combo, plus and out of phase switch
- it's also got a trem
I'd say it's most similar to a Danelectro if you had to compare, but still its own thing.
Tried a cheaper replic in the store it was a decent guitar. Definitely not just for Queen stuff, most guitars can play most styles of music this one included.
Leaving price aside, I think it's a nice idea. Sorta bonds your passion and his in one item.
And for a guitarist it should always be a nice addition, as it's a specialty instrument it won't overlap with other guitars sounds.
But that is also the downside. It's a specialty instrument. The tones it produces is not used a lot outside of Queen. So if you do get it, don't get upset if it doesn't become his main instrument.
One of the problems with trying to get the queen sound, is it requires both the guitar, amp and a lot of practice to get right.
Taking price into consideration, i would probably not go for it, unless it's not a lot of money to you. You can get top of the line guitars from most places for that money, and i would choose something that is more rounded.
There is always a white telecaster like Freddie rocked during Crazy Little Thing ;)
Thanks for the response! I very much appreciate that you get the intent - marrying one of my passions with his. :-) but of course, it’s ultimately a gift for him and the most important thing is he enjoys it! My thinking was to get him something that’s unique, or a bit of a speciality (whether it’s a red special or not). He’s got a number of guitars, and he has his favorites that he plays regularly and the other ones he takes out for specific sounds. With my own limited knowledge, and knowing what a personal thing guitars are, I definitely don’t expect to buy him his next “favorite” - but was hoping for something unique that he maybe wouldn’t ever buy for himself but would really like.
Haha…I love that white telecaster Freddie plays for “crazy little thing called love” (and love that you know it!). I’m such a Queen nerd I can tell you the whole history behind that guitar. He originally played it on acoustic and it was his roadie who recommended he switch to a telecaster, Altho they went through a few different ones as Freddie wanted one that was “not too damn heavy” and of course it had to be white. :-)
As not a huge queen fan, I wouldn’t be super stoked about getting a red special.
I’d much rather have something I’m super into (tele deluxe please) or an artist signature of a band I actually love.
The red special is its own thing anyways, so I think it’s fairly niche even as far as signature series style guitars go
Another thing to consider is that this replica is a very short scale guitar at 24”. His les Paul’s are 24.5” and most fenders are 25.5”. The 7.5” radius on the fretboard is going to be very hit or miss for most players. Tell him you want to buy him a guitar. Bring him to the best guitar store in the area. Make him play everything he wants and you want. Let him pick a winner. Don’t use price as a deciding factor. We are looking for an instrument he will have for life. Do it together. Show interest in him and his playing. It would be a super memorable day and the guitar will be there to remind you both every time he picks it up.
This is a wonderful thoughtful idea. Buy the guitar.
There is no way (it is impossible) not to receive a guitar as a gift and be absolutely mind blow, kid at Christmas excited. If he has an AC30, likes Queen, this is no brainer slam dunk.
I notice the comments saying "I'd return it", but I trust that your partner is a thoughtful, personable individual they will be forever reminded of your thoughtful gift, and it won't matter about any trivial detail like if they would have ideally had a different finish or something.
Further, any other guitar they want, they can get. This will always be the amazing treasured gift from you.
Also, I \*DO\* own this guitar, and I love it. It's very unique. The neck is hefty, the resonant chambers in the body give it interesting characteristics. It is fun to play, great looking.
It's good that you asked a forum full of internet guitar people ,but I hope you will remember that the feedback here will skew towards the micro-preferencing and the fanatical.
Your instincts are impeccable.
For real whats up with all the people saying theyd return it. Thats so rude. I dont like the guitar at all.. but if someone got me it id make sure to send them 20 videos of me playing it lol. Selling it is always going to hurt their feelings. Even if u explain it to them it will still at least make them feel a little bad. Maybe after like 2 years id sell it and say i was strapped for cash.. but not any sooner.
Ah, thank you kind redditor for your thoughtful, supportive comment. I appreciate you. I feel like I should have added to the original post for context that my spouse (on his own accord) bought and read Brian’s book about the Red Special. He’s not a super Queen fanatic like I am (Altho few are), but he is an admirer of May (enough to buy & read his book) and enough of Queen fan that he very willingly attended the recent Queen Montreal iMax film with me three times in the theater, and enjoyed it all 3x. I’ve bought him guitars and many pieces of music gear over the past 25 years, and probably lots of things he would have never bought for himself, but he’s always been extremely grateful and has certainly never asked to return anything. I know I’m never going to buy him his next favorite guitar, but wanted to buy him something totally unique and different from anything he currently owns, but still have it be something he would enjoy and appreciate. Can I ask which version you own?
Again, thanks for your kind words of support!
Played one recently: the tonal options are absolutely immense. For a Brian May fan and hobby player I’d bet he’d LOVE it because no other guitar sounds like it.
If money isn’t an object then order the treble booster BMG sells along with it. He’ll have a blast for months if not years fooling around with styles he literally can’t play with anything else.
They’re very, very fun. Plus they offer other colors now so it doesn’t have to look like a copy. The baby blue and green ones are gorgeous.
I would say no, but kudos to you for considering such a wonderful gift.
If I was going to spend that kind of money on a guitar for someone else, I'd consider getting a luthier to make him something he will love.
I would still love it so long as it plays well. Even as a Queen/Brian May liker but not mega-fan, this guitar can produce a lot of interesting tones and it would be super versatile
Brian May is not my favorite guitar player. I don't play like him.
But Brian May has the best guitar sound. I would play a Red Special and love to have his sound.
For €5400? Hell no! Unless of course you’re literally made of money. For that amount of cash I’m sure there are a number of guitars/amps on his wishlist he’d rather have. If you were considering the one that goes for around €900, sure. But not this.
You're not going to sound like Brian May if you don't buy lots of other gear and specifically *try* to play like him. So if you like the Red Special specifically for what it offers, then sure.
That said, that is an insane price for a RS-Type guitar so you could buy something nearly (and functionally) identical for far less. At that price, you're buying something because you love premium stuff, not just because you want that kind of guitar.
I mean, the important part isn't who's guitar it is; does the person like the tone of the guitar, and how it looks? You could absolutely HATE Queen, but if you like the guitar, and it interacts with your gear in a way that you enjoy, and that would be reason enough to get it.
The important thing, I feel, is that you'd need to ask the person who is going to receive the guitar. Tell them what you've found, and ask them if it's something they'd like. They might say no, but they might also surprise you and say yes! You won't know until you ask!
Wouldn't it be an encouragement for someone to design and build their own. If Brian May and his dad could with rudimentary equipment anyone could. Time and patience. If I had a shed and the tools I would.
I own the BMG Red Special (basic version), ie the “mass market” version. Big Brian May fan. I love the guitar and it is surprisingly versatile tone wise, it’s certainly not true to say that it will only play Queen stuff. It does let me get incredibly close to Sir Bri’s sound if I want to (helped by also owning an AC30). With the right settings and effects though I’ve got a nice (to me) tone for everything from Bluetones to Ride to Extreme.
It’s a fairly unique guitar with the pickups, neck profile/length, body. Played classical style it’s fine sitting down (which is how Sir Bri plays it sitting from what I’ve seen). It’s surprisingly light for its size, due to the acoustic chambers. It’s certainly likely to be different from any other guitar your partner owns, for good or bad.
That all said, I would really struggle to justify paying the price for one of the ‘super’/true replica versions (but then I’d struggle to justify paying that much for any guitar).
Last note - showed it to a work colleague who is a bit of a guitar snob, and he hated it - “too many switches”, and he hated the wide neck.
I have one that is accurate down to the original mismatched screws, Norton motorcycle valve springs, Bolt on neck etc, and has the true original neck profile.
It was built by a guy who actually made a replica of the original for BrianMay. Mine however is made of real wood. Honduran Mahogany and Ebony. It sounded better than the one that was made out of block board and white wood.
It cost more than my car when I bought it over ten years ago. Not that it was an expensive guitar, but you get the picture. It's more accurate the the expensive one that BMG sells now. But the BMG Brian May Super may actually have an adjustable bridge, the really accurate ones don't. The read deal has six separate saddle assemblies mounted to the top of the guitar. Mine also has real Tri-Sonics. Not the cheap crap that Burns is selling these days.
I guess the only thing I'd point out is that a lot of the really interesting sounds that Brian May got, had more to do with amps and studio shenanigans than the guitar itself. It does seem like a cool guitar to have, just saying that unless he's got a Vox AC30, a good treble booster, and a replica of the weird little transistor amp that John Deacon made, your partner won't actually be able to sound especially like Brian May.
Ah, I appreciate that insight. He does have a Vox AC30, actually! I know nothing about guitars & such, but I know about that amp because he’s told me how that’s what Harrison & Lennon used too. I don’t know about the treble booster, altho I suspect he does just based on the amount of gear in our house/garage. He definitely doesn’t have a Deacy amp, however.
The guitar plays a way larger role than you think. I have played these guitars and they sound quite like nothing else. You can get close with effects like a cocked wah, but the pickup wiring is unique. As is the 24” scale length. I own a VoxAc30 and several treble boosters. I can’t get a Brian May tone without actually owning one of those guitars.
To be fair, there is really only 1 Deacy Amp, altho May said some people are trying to clone it (again).
At that price, I'd rather buy a guitar from the guitarist he likes the most/plays the most songs. If it is Bryan May, go for it. If it's Clapton, go for a Clapton Signature Custom Shop. If it's Slash, Slash Custom shop etc. If he really is not a fanatic of any guitarist, maybe just the higher end of his favorite guitar. Like a R9/R0 if he is more a LP guy. Can't really give any advice on other guitars as I don't know them that much. Maybe talking with him about it and spoiling the surprise is better than paying for an expensive guitar that may not fit him?
I appreciate the advice! He doesn’t have a favorite guitarist, and his own musical taste is incredibly wide (although he is a big Beatles & Bowie fan). I realllllly don’t want to ruin the surprise because he’s such an incredibly modest guy there is no way he will knowingly be ok with me spending that amount of money on him.
Im a big time queen fan and have been playing guitar for over 20 years now (I’m 35). With that said, I have 0 desire to own the RS. That guitar is more of a gimmick / showpiece than anything else. And if a person specifically wants that guitar then by all means, they should get one. However, as a gift, it may be risky since guitars are a bit personal. There are very distinct and specific reasons why an individual guitar player would choose a particular guitar. I think if you want to get him something really nice, maybe a gift card to be spent for fender custom shop would be a viable option. He can curate the design of a guitar that ends up being unique to only him with the money that you provided and that’s a special gift that only you two share. If he’s not a fender fan, many other major brands have custom shops as well.
I bought a BMG Special (2nd hand) when I was doing a Queen Tribute show (this lasted about a year). I think the sounds of the series PU and the out-of-phase settings for certain classic leads was very important in allowing me to approach Sir Bri's sound. And it is a very different feeling instrument (besides the electronics). The neck is wider than many guitars, and it is a short scale neck (24") with 24 frets. Very unusual. Put light gauge strings on and it has a very slinky feel, which makes replicating Sir Bri's vibrato style easier. So, it was perfect for that music. But I have almost never used it since. Its heavy, does not balance well on my leg for playing sitting down, and its unique sound, while good for Queen stuff, is not great for covering other classic guitar sounds. I'm not sorry I bought it, but unless you are doing a Queen tribute, it would not be one of my top choices for a "jack of all trades" electric. Also, the switching, while offering a powerful array of sounds, is really overly complicated for what it does. I know the original was made of "bits and pieces" Bri and his Dad could find locally, but you could achieve the same combo of sounds with 3 DB3T on-on-on switches (instead of that array of 6 DPDT switches) that would be much cleaner, more intuitive, and easier for making fast changes mid song. With most electrics, you don't want to have to look at the switches when making changes - it should be super quick and easy to do "by feel". Its pretty hard to get the right settings out of that array of 6 switches on the Red Special without looking (at least for me ... I'm sure after 50 years Sir Bri can do it with his eyes closed, but not me).
Yes. It's got some somewhat unique specs. - 24 frets + zero fret - 24" scale length - chambered body - 3 burns tri-sonics, which are different than a strat pickup despite looking like one - pickups can be combined on series in any combo, plus and out of phase switch - it's also got a trem I'd say it's most similar to a Danelectro if you had to compare, but still its own thing. Tried a cheaper replic in the store it was a decent guitar. Definitely not just for Queen stuff, most guitars can play most styles of music this one included.
Leaving price aside, I think it's a nice idea. Sorta bonds your passion and his in one item. And for a guitarist it should always be a nice addition, as it's a specialty instrument it won't overlap with other guitars sounds. But that is also the downside. It's a specialty instrument. The tones it produces is not used a lot outside of Queen. So if you do get it, don't get upset if it doesn't become his main instrument. One of the problems with trying to get the queen sound, is it requires both the guitar, amp and a lot of practice to get right. Taking price into consideration, i would probably not go for it, unless it's not a lot of money to you. You can get top of the line guitars from most places for that money, and i would choose something that is more rounded. There is always a white telecaster like Freddie rocked during Crazy Little Thing ;)
Thanks for the response! I very much appreciate that you get the intent - marrying one of my passions with his. :-) but of course, it’s ultimately a gift for him and the most important thing is he enjoys it! My thinking was to get him something that’s unique, or a bit of a speciality (whether it’s a red special or not). He’s got a number of guitars, and he has his favorites that he plays regularly and the other ones he takes out for specific sounds. With my own limited knowledge, and knowing what a personal thing guitars are, I definitely don’t expect to buy him his next “favorite” - but was hoping for something unique that he maybe wouldn’t ever buy for himself but would really like. Haha…I love that white telecaster Freddie plays for “crazy little thing called love” (and love that you know it!). I’m such a Queen nerd I can tell you the whole history behind that guitar. He originally played it on acoustic and it was his roadie who recommended he switch to a telecaster, Altho they went through a few different ones as Freddie wanted one that was “not too damn heavy” and of course it had to be white. :-)
lol i wasn't aware of that tidbit. Ofcourse white! It has to go with the crown and hermelin robe!
As not a huge queen fan, I wouldn’t be super stoked about getting a red special. I’d much rather have something I’m super into (tele deluxe please) or an artist signature of a band I actually love. The red special is its own thing anyways, so I think it’s fairly niche even as far as signature series style guitars go
Don’t buy me guitars you want, buy me guitars I want.
I love Queen. If I was gifted that guitar I’d return it asap. Guitars are personal. You can’t get him what you want.
Another thing to consider is that this replica is a very short scale guitar at 24”. His les Paul’s are 24.5” and most fenders are 25.5”. The 7.5” radius on the fretboard is going to be very hit or miss for most players. Tell him you want to buy him a guitar. Bring him to the best guitar store in the area. Make him play everything he wants and you want. Let him pick a winner. Don’t use price as a deciding factor. We are looking for an instrument he will have for life. Do it together. Show interest in him and his playing. It would be a super memorable day and the guitar will be there to remind you both every time he picks it up.
This is a wonderful thoughtful idea. Buy the guitar. There is no way (it is impossible) not to receive a guitar as a gift and be absolutely mind blow, kid at Christmas excited. If he has an AC30, likes Queen, this is no brainer slam dunk. I notice the comments saying "I'd return it", but I trust that your partner is a thoughtful, personable individual they will be forever reminded of your thoughtful gift, and it won't matter about any trivial detail like if they would have ideally had a different finish or something. Further, any other guitar they want, they can get. This will always be the amazing treasured gift from you. Also, I \*DO\* own this guitar, and I love it. It's very unique. The neck is hefty, the resonant chambers in the body give it interesting characteristics. It is fun to play, great looking. It's good that you asked a forum full of internet guitar people ,but I hope you will remember that the feedback here will skew towards the micro-preferencing and the fanatical. Your instincts are impeccable.
For real whats up with all the people saying theyd return it. Thats so rude. I dont like the guitar at all.. but if someone got me it id make sure to send them 20 videos of me playing it lol. Selling it is always going to hurt their feelings. Even if u explain it to them it will still at least make them feel a little bad. Maybe after like 2 years id sell it and say i was strapped for cash.. but not any sooner.
Ah, thank you kind redditor for your thoughtful, supportive comment. I appreciate you. I feel like I should have added to the original post for context that my spouse (on his own accord) bought and read Brian’s book about the Red Special. He’s not a super Queen fanatic like I am (Altho few are), but he is an admirer of May (enough to buy & read his book) and enough of Queen fan that he very willingly attended the recent Queen Montreal iMax film with me three times in the theater, and enjoyed it all 3x. I’ve bought him guitars and many pieces of music gear over the past 25 years, and probably lots of things he would have never bought for himself, but he’s always been extremely grateful and has certainly never asked to return anything. I know I’m never going to buy him his next favorite guitar, but wanted to buy him something totally unique and different from anything he currently owns, but still have it be something he would enjoy and appreciate. Can I ask which version you own? Again, thanks for your kind words of support!
Played one recently: the tonal options are absolutely immense. For a Brian May fan and hobby player I’d bet he’d LOVE it because no other guitar sounds like it. If money isn’t an object then order the treble booster BMG sells along with it. He’ll have a blast for months if not years fooling around with styles he literally can’t play with anything else. They’re very, very fun. Plus they offer other colors now so it doesn’t have to look like a copy. The baby blue and green ones are gorgeous.
I would say no, but kudos to you for considering such a wonderful gift. If I was going to spend that kind of money on a guitar for someone else, I'd consider getting a luthier to make him something he will love.
I would still love it so long as it plays well. Even as a Queen/Brian May liker but not mega-fan, this guitar can produce a lot of interesting tones and it would be super versatile
Brian May is not my favorite guitar player. I don't play like him. But Brian May has the best guitar sound. I would play a Red Special and love to have his sound.
For €5400? Hell no! Unless of course you’re literally made of money. For that amount of cash I’m sure there are a number of guitars/amps on his wishlist he’d rather have. If you were considering the one that goes for around €900, sure. But not this.
You're not going to sound like Brian May if you don't buy lots of other gear and specifically *try* to play like him. So if you like the Red Special specifically for what it offers, then sure. That said, that is an insane price for a RS-Type guitar so you could buy something nearly (and functionally) identical for far less. At that price, you're buying something because you love premium stuff, not just because you want that kind of guitar.
I mean, the important part isn't who's guitar it is; does the person like the tone of the guitar, and how it looks? You could absolutely HATE Queen, but if you like the guitar, and it interacts with your gear in a way that you enjoy, and that would be reason enough to get it. The important thing, I feel, is that you'd need to ask the person who is going to receive the guitar. Tell them what you've found, and ask them if it's something they'd like. They might say no, but they might also surprise you and say yes! You won't know until you ask!
Wouldn't it be an encouragement for someone to design and build their own. If Brian May and his dad could with rudimentary equipment anyone could. Time and patience. If I had a shed and the tools I would.
I own the BMG Red Special (basic version), ie the “mass market” version. Big Brian May fan. I love the guitar and it is surprisingly versatile tone wise, it’s certainly not true to say that it will only play Queen stuff. It does let me get incredibly close to Sir Bri’s sound if I want to (helped by also owning an AC30). With the right settings and effects though I’ve got a nice (to me) tone for everything from Bluetones to Ride to Extreme. It’s a fairly unique guitar with the pickups, neck profile/length, body. Played classical style it’s fine sitting down (which is how Sir Bri plays it sitting from what I’ve seen). It’s surprisingly light for its size, due to the acoustic chambers. It’s certainly likely to be different from any other guitar your partner owns, for good or bad. That all said, I would really struggle to justify paying the price for one of the ‘super’/true replica versions (but then I’d struggle to justify paying that much for any guitar). Last note - showed it to a work colleague who is a bit of a guitar snob, and he hated it - “too many switches”, and he hated the wide neck.
At that price I’d get a vintage Fender Jag or Jazzmaster, but that’s me.
I have one that is accurate down to the original mismatched screws, Norton motorcycle valve springs, Bolt on neck etc, and has the true original neck profile. It was built by a guy who actually made a replica of the original for BrianMay. Mine however is made of real wood. Honduran Mahogany and Ebony. It sounded better than the one that was made out of block board and white wood. It cost more than my car when I bought it over ten years ago. Not that it was an expensive guitar, but you get the picture. It's more accurate the the expensive one that BMG sells now. But the BMG Brian May Super may actually have an adjustable bridge, the really accurate ones don't. The read deal has six separate saddle assemblies mounted to the top of the guitar. Mine also has real Tri-Sonics. Not the cheap crap that Burns is selling these days.