Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $900

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Brian May's Red Special". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash your inner rock royalty with Brian May's Red Special, a meticulously crafted semi-hollowbody electric guitar that encapsulates the spirit of Queen's legendary sound. Designed to meet Brian May's renowned standards, this guitar is not just an instrument; it's a piece of music history. The chambered mahogany body, enhanced by strategically positioned sound holes, produces a vibrant resonance that echoes the signature tones of an era. The mahogany neck paired with a sleek ebony fretboard offers seamless playability across all 24 frets, making it perfect for both aspiring musicians and seasoned pros.

At the heart of this iconic instrument are the Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, which deliver the unmistakable warmth and clarity that defined May's sound. These pickups are specially positioned to minimize interference while offering rich, bell-like highs and smooth lows. Whether you're nailing those intricate solos or strumming powerful chords, the Red Special's versatile tonal range adapts to your playing style.

Designed for comfort and precision, the set-in neck profile ensures you feel right at home, while medium gauge frets make bending and vibrato efforts a breeze. Adorned with dot inlays, the fretboard provides easy navigation, ensuring you're always in control of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Chambered mahogany body for enhanced resonance
  • Mahogany neck with a 24-fret ebony fretboard
  • Burns Tri-Sonic pickups for rich, iconic tones
  • Set-in neck profile with a 9.8" radius
  • Medium gauge frets for effortless playability
  • Dot inlays for easy fretboard navigation

Product specs

Body Type Double Cutaway Chambered Body
Body wood Mahogany
Body finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck shape C-shaped
Joint Set-in
Scale length 24"
Truss rod Dual-action
Material Ebony
Fret size Jumbo
Number of frets 24
Inlays Custom
Nut width/material Graphite
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
Bridge type Tremolo/Vibrato
Bridge design 6-point tremolo
Tuning machines Locking
Number of strings 6 String
Case Gig Bag
Orientation Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of wood is used in the construction of Brian May's Red Special guitar?

Brian May's Red Special features an acoustic chambered Indonesian mahogany body with a set-in Indian mahogany neck, providing a warm and resonant tone.

What is the pickup configuration on Brian May's Red Special?

The Red Special has a proprietary single-coil pickup configuration with three pickups arranged in an SSS format, offering a versatile range of tones.

How does the tremolo system on Brian May's Red Special differ from standard models?

The Red Special features a 6-point tremolo/vibrato bridge, which allows for smooth pitch modulation and enhances the guitar's expressive capabilities.

Is Brian May's Red Special suitable for playing a variety of music genres?

Yes, the Red Special's versatile pickup configuration and coil-split phase switch make it suitable for a wide range of genres, from rock to blues.

What are the standout features of the neck on Brian May's Red Special?

The guitar features a C-shaped neck with an ebony fingerboard, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Cristián Castro G

Cristián Castro G

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen - Guitar solo - (Brian May Guitars "Red Special" - BMG Special)

Video thumbnail for Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen - Guitar solo - (Brian May Guitars "Red Special" - BMG Special) by Cristián Castro G

Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen - Guitar solo - (Brian May Guitars "Red Special" - BMG Special)

Cristián Castro G

Cristián Castro G

Video thumbnail for BMG Special v CQ Brian May Red Special - Cheap Guitar Compared To Expensive - with BM Digitech Pedal by James Rundle

BMG Special v CQ Brian May Red Special - Cheap Guitar Compared To Expensive - with BM Digitech Pedal

James Rundle

James Rundle

Video thumbnail for Brian May Guitars Red Special - Great Guitar? Or are you just paying for the name? by DG Sessions

Brian May Guitars Red Special - Great Guitar? Or are you just paying for the name?

DG Sessions

DG Sessions

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Brian May's Red Special.

Features and functionality

  • Unique wiring includes series connections and on/off and phase switches for each pickup, enabling diverse and unusual tonal combinations.

    Source
  • The 24" scale length is shorter than both Gibson and Fender scales, contributing to its thick sound and facilitating easier fret reach and bends.

    Source
  • The tremolo system is praised for maintaining tuning stability comparable to a Floyd Rose, aiding in dynamic playing without frequent retuning.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Capable of producing tones suitable for rock, blues, country, pop, ballads, funk, and disco genres, not limited to Queen's music.

    Source
  • Known for versatility in sound, allowing players to explore various musical styles beyond its iconic association with Queen.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the wide range of tones from experimenting with pickup and phase combinations.

    Source
  • Some players find the guitar's unique design inspires versatility beyond expected styles, comfortably playing songs like "Alphabet Street" by Prince and "Shakey Ground" by the Temptations.

    Source
  • Some find the neck shape uncomfortable, suggesting a try-before-you-buy approach due to its unique design, which may not suit everyone.

    Source
  • The guitar is considerably smaller than expected, influencing visual appeal and playability, particularly for larger players.

    Source

Build quality

  • The standard Strat-style tremolo bridge results in a neck-heavy balance, making it uncomfortable to play standing up for some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The signature model is rarely seen outside of Queen tributes, unlike more common models such as the Ibanez AZ, which offers similar functionality with additional features like stainless steel frets.

    Source
  • The Harley Benton version of the Red Special offers similar controls and is noted as a cost-effective alternative with good quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The guitar benefits significantly from the addition of a treble booster to counteract its inherent muddiness, especially for clearer high-end tones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Brian May Red Special Review - The Blogging Musician

adamharkus.com

While the Brian May Red Special captures the unique tones that define Queen's sound, it ultimately feels like a one-trick pony. The guitar excels with its 24 frets and versatile pickup options, making it a joy for Queen enthusiasts. However, the cumbersome switching system and uncomfortable neck may frustrate players seeking versatility beyond the band's catalog. With a plasticky feel and a price tag that rivals better-made options, it raises questions about its value. If you’re not solely focused on emulating May, there are superior instruments out there. In the end, it’s a charming homage with significant limitations.

negative

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian May uses Brian May's Red Special

Brian May

Keyboardist, Guitarist

Queen

...
Verified via Photo

As evidenced by this photo from a 2017 performance at London's O2 Arena (courtesy Wikipedia), and per this article from Guitariego, dated March 19, 2020.

Though there have been many replicas and reproduction made over the years, original Red Special, the actual guitar he built from scratch with his father when Brian was just a teenager, is still Brian's main guitar.

This is one of the few homemade guitars famous enough to have it's own Wikipedia page.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

10 alternative and related items for Brian May's Red Special, curated by the Equipboard community.

RS Guitars Brian May 1964 Red Special

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

The RS Guitars Red Special is a high end, highly detailed recreation of Brian May's original Red Special guitar, in its original 1964 specification.

Brian May Guitars BMG Special

$899.99 - $991.80

cheaper alternative

The BMG Special by Brian May Guitars is the standard level, reissue version of the Red Special. This guitar features more modern appointments such as a Wilkinson bridge and Polyurethane finish.

K’z Guitar Works Red Special

$289.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

The K’z Guitar Works Red Special is a high end, highly detailed replica of the Red Special, crafted in Japan by luthier Kazutaka Ijuin.

Dansan Guitars The Red Special

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

A high end replica of the Red Special, built in France. Dansan uses Kent Armstrong pickups, closer in spec to the vintage Burns Tri-Sonic set used in Brian's original Red Special.

Carpinteri Guitars Bohemian RS

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

The Carpinteri Guitars Bohemian RS, formerly sold as the CQuadro Red Special is a high end clone of Brian's original, featuring chambered construction based on X-rays and Yonderbosk Sovereign '60 pickups.

Greco BM-90

 

cheaper alternative

The Greco BM900, BM80, and later BM90 were early Japanese copies of the Red Special. These models take liberties with the electronics and use different construction techniques, but are still desirable to collectors.

More Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Community setups

Gear Guides