Burns Brian May Guitar

$1,045.92 Price Tier: Standard

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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5.0 (5)

$1,045.92 1 available Used

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Average Price: $1,046

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Burns Brian May Guitar is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Burns Brian May Guitar is a tribute to the legendary Queen guitarist's iconic sound and style. This meticulously crafted instrument captures the essence of May's original "Red Special," bringing its unique tonal characteristics within reach of musicians around the world. Featuring three Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, the guitar delivers a versatile range of sounds, from warm and mellow tones to bright, cutting leads that are perfect for any genre. The chambered mahogany body not only enhances the guitar's resonance but also makes it lighter and more comfortable for extended playing sessions.

Designed with a 24" scale length, this guitar offers a comfortable playing experience, ideal for intricate solos and expressive bends. The attention to detail reflects the craftsmanship that went into creating May's original masterpiece. Whether you're a die-hard Queen fan or a guitarist seeking a distinctive instrument to add to your collection, the Burns Brian May Guitar will inspire you to explore new sonic landscapes.

Key Features:

Chambered mahogany body for enhanced resonance and lightweight comfort
24" scale length for easy playability and expressive soloing
Three Burns Tri-Sonic pickups for a versatile range of tones
Inspired by Brian May's original "Red Special" design
Ideal for players seeking a unique and iconic guitar sound

Product specs

Brand	Burns
Model	Brian May Signature Special
Finish	Red
Year	2000s
Made In	Korea, Republic of
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Tremolo Bridge
Color Family	Red
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	24
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SSS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Burns Brian May Guitar for rock music?: The Burns Brian May Guitar features a unique pickup configuration that delivers a wide range of tones, from warm and smooth to bright and cutting, making it ideal for rock music. Its triple single-coil pickups allow for versatile sound shaping, reminiscent of Brian May's iconic guitar tone.
Is the Burns Brian May Guitar suitable for beginners or advanced players?: The Burns Brian May Guitar is suitable for both beginners and advanced players. Its comfortable neck profile and versatile tonal options make it accessible for new players, while its quality construction and signature sound appeal to experienced guitarists seeking a distinctive tone.
What is the neck profile like on the Burns Brian May Guitar?: The Burns Brian May Guitar features a set-neck construction with an ebony fretboard that provides a smooth playing experience. The neck is designed for easy playability, offering a comfortable grip for fast playing and complex chord changes.
Does the Burns Brian May Guitar have a tremolo bridge?: Yes, the Burns Brian May Guitar is equipped with a tremolo bridge, allowing players to incorporate pitch modulation effects into their playing, similar to those used by Brian May in his performances.
How is the pickup configuration on the Burns Brian May Guitar set up?: The Burns Brian May Guitar features a triple single-coil pickup configuration (SSS), providing a wide range of tonal possibilities. Each pickup can be individually controlled, allowing for a variety of sound combinations suitable for different musical styles.

Videos

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Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Burns Brian May Signature Guitar

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Burns Brian May guitar from 2005 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Burns Brian May Red Special - Guitar Review

Adi Hughes

Burns Brian May Red Special set up

Sam Deeks

Reviews

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PROS

Extremely versatile with trisonic pickups and out-of-phase options
Fat and wide neck ideal for long fingers
Unique switching configurations offer up to 15 tonal options
High ohm rating provides hot humbucker power
Pairs excellently with a treble booster for enhanced sound
Distinctive look and sound, highly recommended by users

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Burns Brian May Guitar.

Features and functionality

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The guitar's electronics include a master volume and tone, with individual on/off and phase switches for each pickup, offering numerous tonal combinations.
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Locking tuners and a straight string pull contribute to better tuning stability, despite the floating bridge.
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The single coils can be phased to mimic a humbucker sound, especially when the bridge and middle pickups are in phase for a thicker tone.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners have reported loose pickups frequently needing height adjustments, though they typically stay in their sockets.
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Blocking the tremolo can potentially improve tuning stability, as setup issues with the bridge have been noted.
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Some left-handed models suffer from persistent tuning and intonation issues, potentially indicating a production flaw.
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Switching to thicker strings, like 9 gauge, enhances the guitar's natural tone, especially its chambered bass notes.
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User experience

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The guitar excels with a soft touch, especially when played with a coin pick, revealing detailed sounds.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users have swapped stock pickups with real Burns Trisonic pickups for improved authenticity and tone quality.
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Comparisons

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The guitar's tone has been compared to a Strat but thicker due to its shorter scale length.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar effectively replicates Queen songs with the right effects, offering a versatile tonal range.
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Brian May's most-used sound is achieved by putting the bridge and middle pickups in phase, catering to those replicating his signature style.
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Build quality

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The guitar features a two-post Wilkinson tremolo design, aiding in maintaining tuning stability.
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Fret work is noted to be particularly well-executed, adding to the comfort of the neck and playing experience.
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Other

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The plastic cover next to the tremolo serves no practical purpose and is purely cosmetic, though removing it would leave visible screw holes.
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Artist usage

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Andy Dunlop

Guitarist

Travis

Verified via Photo

In this 2013 post from Instagram, Andy Dunlop is seen playing a Burns Brian May signature guitar during a show at The Ironworks in Inverness, Scotland.