For decades, the “Red Special” guitar has been synonymous with the unique and iconic sound of Brian May, legendary guitarist of Queen. Born from ingenuity and handcrafted by Brian May and his father, this instrument is more than just a guitar – it’s a piece of rock history. Now, Brian May Guitars brings the spirit and sound of the Red Special to a wider audience, offering a range of instruments designed to capture the magic of the original.
The BMG Special: The Heart of the Red Special Legacy
At the core of the Brian May Guitars collection lies the BMG Special, the flagship model meticulously crafted to embody the essence of the original Red Special. This guitar, available in the classic Antique Cherry finish, is not just visually striking but also built for exceptional performance. The BMG Special delivers superb playability and a remarkable tonal palette, capable of producing everything from warm, mellow tones to the searing, signature Brian May sound. It’s an instrument engineered to meet the exacting standards of a guitar legend, yet surprisingly accessible in price, making the Red Special experience available to aspiring and seasoned guitarists alike.
Explore the BMG Range: Red Special Variations for Every Player
The BMG range extends beyond the classic red, offering variations that cater to diverse tastes and preferences, all while maintaining the core DNA of the Red Special.
BMG LE Series: Colors Beyond Red
The BMG LE Series showcases the versatility of the Red Special design with a stunning array of alternative colors and hardware options. These limited edition models prove that the magic of the Red Special is not confined to a single color. Whether in Windermere Blue or other unique finishes, each LE model retains the exceptional playability and distinctive voice that defines a Brian May Guitar.
BMG Art Series: Celebrating Queen’s Iconic Albums
For fans who want to connect even deeper with Brian May’s musical journey, the BMG Art Series presents instruments adorned with artwork inspired by classic Queen album covers. These premium quality guitars are not just instruments but also collector’s items, celebrating Sir Brian May’s stellar career and the iconic imagery of Queen’s discography. Each guitar in the Art Series is a tribute to a legendary album, offering a unique blend of visual and sonic artistry.
BMG Vision: Stripped-Down Rock Power
The BMG Vision takes the Red Special blueprint and infuses it with raw rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Drawing inspiration from pre-1960 Les Paul Doublecuts and Guild designs, the Vision is a stripped-down, no-frills rock machine. Featuring a chambered mahogany body, solid mahogany neck, and twin humbucker pickups, the Vision delivers powerful, straightforward rock tones with exceptional playability. It’s a guitar built for players who want to plug in and rock.
BMG Super: The Ultimate Red Special Reimagining
The BMG Super represents the pinnacle of the Red Special evolution. Born from a collaboration between Brian May, his long-time guitar tech Pete Malandrone, and a team of expert luthiers and engineers, the Super is an officially licensed, modern reimagining of the original. Every detail, from the chambered mahogany body to the custom-made tremolo and exclusive BMG Super pickups, has been meticulously crafted to recreate the authentic Red Special experience at a more accessible price point.
BMG Arielle: A Parallel Dimension Red Special
The BMG Arielle marks a unique milestone as the first original guitar design Brian May has contributed to since the Red Special itself. Created in collaboration with American guitarist Arielle Schwartz, this model explores a “parallel dimension” of the Red Special, blending familiar elements with fresh perspectives. The Arielle offers a distinctive voice and aesthetic, showcasing Brian May’s continued innovation in guitar design.
BMG Mini May: Red Special for Travel
For guitarists on the go, the BMG Mini May offers the Red Special experience in a compact and travel-friendly package. With a shorter 22.9″ scale length and a single Tri-Sonic style pickup, the Mini May is perfect for practice, travel, or anyone who prefers a smaller instrument. Available in Metallic Cherry and Natural finishes, it’s a fun-sized guitar that doesn’t compromise on the essential Red Special DNA.
BMG Bass: Red Special in Bass Form
Extending the Red Special design to the lower frequencies, the BMG Bass offers a unique and visually striking bass guitar. Featuring the recognizable Red Special body shape and twin pickups, the BMG Bass delivers a powerful and versatile bass tone with a cool, retro aesthetic. It’s a standout instrument for bassists seeking a distinctive look and sound.
BMG Rhapsody: Red Special Electro-Acoustic
For acoustic performances with a Red Special flair, the BMG Rhapsody electro-acoustic guitar is the perfect choice. Played by Brian May himself on the 2023 North American Rhapsody Tour, this small-bodied guitar combines the Red Special’s double-cutaway design with pro-quality Fishman electronics. It’s a stage-ready electro-acoustic that delivers exceptional amplified acoustic tones.
BMG Tenor Uke: Red Special Ukulele Companion
Completing the BMG family, the BMG Tenor Ukulele offers a unique and charming instrument inspired by the Red Special. Featuring a tenor size, under-saddle pickup, and Fishman preamp, the BMG Ukulele is perfect for both acoustic and amplified playing. It’s a delightful companion to any BMG guitar and a testament to the versatility of the Red Special design philosophy.
Brian May Guitars offers a diverse range of instruments, each carrying the legacy of the Red Special and Brian May’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Explore the collection and discover the perfect Brian May Guitar to unleash your own unique sound.
