Brian May Original Red Special

Brian May's Red Special: The Guitar That Roared with Queen

The Red Special. Just the name conjures images of soaring guitar solos, powerful riffs, and the unmistakable sound of Queen. This isn't just any guitar; it's a testament to ingenuity, a symbol of DIY spirit, and a crucial component in shaping one of the most iconic bands in rock history. This article delves deep into the history, construction, and enduring legacy of Brian May's Red Special, exploring its unique design, innovative features, and the lasting impact it has had on guitar design and music.

Introduction: A Home-Built Legend

Unlike many guitarists who wielded meticulously crafted instruments from established manufacturers, Brian May's primary guitar, the Red Special, was built by hand, in collaboration with his father, Harold May, beginning in 1963. This wasn't a haphazard project; it was a meticulously planned and executed undertaking that resulted in a guitar with a truly distinctive sound and feel. This unique creation, characterized by its distinctive mahogany body, tremolo system, and unconventional pickups, has become one of the most recognizable and influential guitars in rock history. This article will explore the instrument's genesis, its construction, its sound, and its lasting impact on the world of music.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece: Conception and Construction

The Red Special wasn't born from a desire for a commercially available instrument; it was a necessity. A young Brian May, already passionate about music, lacked the funds for a high-end guitar. Instead, he and his father embarked on an ambitious project: crafting a guitar from scratch using readily available materials. This collaboration, lasting several years, fostered a unique bond between father and son, resulting in an instrument that's as much a family heirloom as a musical legend.

The process was methodical, reflecting Harold May’s engineering background. The body, crafted from a solid piece of mahogany, was a deliberate choice, contributing to the guitar's resonant tone. The neck, initially a piece of pine, was reinforced with a remarkable piece of 200-year-old deal (pine) that Harold had salvaged from an old mantelpiece. This detail alone speaks to the Red Special’s unique character. It wasn't just about purchasing the best materials; it was about carefully selecting and utilizing whatever was available to achieve the desired outcome.

Innovative Design: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The Red Special isn't merely a collection of parts assembled together; it's a testament to unconventional design choices that ultimately defined its iconic sound. Several elements stand out:

• The Body: The mahogany body, chosen for its warm tone, formed the foundation of the guitar. Its unusual shape, slightly asymmetrical and slightly smaller than a typical instrument, contributed to its unique balance and playability.

• The Neck: The distinctive neck, a combination of pine and that salvaged old deal, was carefully chosen and shaped to Brian May's specifications. The addition of the harder deal wood provided a remarkable strength and sustain. The fretboard, constructed from a unique combination of beechwood and glued-on ebony strips, adds yet another element to its already unique character.

• The TriSonix Pickups: The pickups are arguably the most distinctive feature of the Red Special. They are home-wound, creating a unique sound, brighter than most humbuckers, but with a warm, powerful low-end. The unique design contributed to the Red Special's powerful, yet clean tone, with a distinctive mid-range "bite."

• The Tremolo System: Another key innovation was the homemade tremolo system. This tremolo, often referred to as the "kaizer" tremolo, is a floating bridge system, unlike most tremolos of the time. It's known for its smoothness and sensitivity, which greatly contributed to May’s characteristic vibrato. While similar systems existed, the Red Special’s was unique in its design and integration with the overall construction.

• The Electronics: The electronics were as carefully chosen as the other components. Simple wiring and tone control elements work in harmony with the pickups, resulting in a surprisingly versatile instrument that can be used for a wide range of musical styles.

• The Finish: The iconic red finish, achieved through a simple process of applying multiple layers of car lacquer, is, like everything else, simple yet effective, and gives it the name, "The Red Special."

The Sound: A Defining Characteristic

The Red Special's sound is as unique as its construction. It's not simply the sum of its parts; the interaction between the mahogany body, the pine neck, the TriSonix pickups, and the tremolo system creates a powerful and distinctive tonal palette. Its sound has a remarkable balance of warmth, sustain, and clarity, which is further amplified by May’s unique playing style. It is often characterized by its powerful midrange, and distinctive shimmering highs, producing a sound that is both delicate and powerful.

The versatility of the Red Special is also notable. It can seamlessly transition between delicate, almost acoustic-like passages to powerful, sustained leads. This versatility is a testament to May's vision and the unique design of the instrument.

The Legacy: An Enduring Influence

The Red Special's influence extends far beyond Queen's discography. It's an icon, a symbol of DIY ingenuity, and a guitar that has inspired countless musicians and luthiers. Its distinctive sound and feel have had a profound impact on the world of rock and roll. While many attempts have been made to replicate the Red Special's sound and construction, none have entirely captured the magic of the original.

Many have tried to recreate the Red Special’s sound through commercially-produced models, most notably the Brian May Red Special guitar, manufactured in collaboration with Burns London. However, these reproductions, while impressive, often lack that certain something, the intangible quality which truly differentiates the original. The original Red Special's history, the care in its construction, and the intangible relationship between the instrument and its creator cannot be replicated.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

• What kind of wood is the Red Special made of? The body is made of mahogany, and the neck is a combination of pine and a piece of 200-year-old deal wood.

• What type of pickups does it have? It has Brian May's custom-wound TriSonix pickups. These pickups are known for their distinctive sound, which is both warm and bright, with a powerful midrange.

• Why is it called the Red Special? The name "Red Special" was bestowed by Brian May himself, a reference to the guitar's striking red finish and its special nature.

• Can I buy a Red Special? No, the original Red Special is not for sale. It is considered priceless both musically and historically. However, Burns London produces a replica, the Brian May Red Special guitar.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Guitar

Brian May's Red Special is more than just a guitar; it's a symbol, a testament to craftsmanship, and a piece of musical history. Its iconic sound, its unique design, and its enduring legacy make it one of the most important and influential instruments in rock history. The story of the Red Special is a story of ingenuity, passion, and the power of a well-crafted instrument to shape musical history. It is a story that continues to inspire musicians and luthiers alike, ensuring that its legend will live on for generations to come. The Red Special isn't merely a guitar; it's a legend, a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the magic that can be created when passion meets ingenuity. It's a symbol of what can be achieved when a musician and a skilled craftsman unite to build something truly extraordinary. The enduring legacy of the Red Special serves as a reminder that some of the most remarkable creations are born not in factories, but in the hearts and hands of those who dare to dream big and build their own path.