Dr. Brian May and Brian May Guitars are delighted to present a brand new addition to the BMG line for 2021, the result of a fresh collaboration with American singer, songwriter and guitarist Arielle and the first original build that the Queen virtuoso has actively contributed to since he and his father embarked on the construction of the Red Special almost 60 years ago. 

Inspired by Arielle's own BM-influenced 'Two-Tone' guitar and designed from the ground up by the two musicians as a competitively priced counterpart to the best-selling BMG Special, this exceptional instrument has been brought to vivid life by the House Music team to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their successful ongoing partnership with Brian May.

The new model takes its cue from Arielle's affection for classic 20th century guitar design, rocking a sleek, retro-futuristic look, striking burnt orange and translucent blue livery, distinctive raised centre-strip, vintage two-piece pickguard, chrome hardware and contrasting switch plate, alongside choice elements from Dr. May's storied, homespun creation - the distinctive 3-a-side headstock, familiar 24" scale, a trio of series wound, Tri-Sonic style pickups, and his famous phase switching system.

The result is an instant modern classic. "The Red Special in a parallel universe", as the maestro proudly proclaims, takes Arielle's novel design to a whole new level and, of course, infused with a liberal dose of RS DNA, delivers everything one should rightfully expect from a Brian May Guitar - impeccable design, superior quality, pro-spec construction, exceptional playability, and devastating tonal dexterity.

Striking Body Design

The flamboyant, asymmetric angles of the Arielle's lightweight body, at once timeless and forward thinking, clearly pay homage to radical American automotive and electric guitar designs of the 1950s and '60s, with a distinctive raised centre strip increasing the body mass for enhanced sustain and resonance and a split, 3-ply parchment pickguard and eye-catching, two-tone diagonal finish completing the cool, vintage look.

The solid body is constructed from Limba (aka 'Korina' by which it is more commonly known within the US luthier community). In keeping with Arielle and Dr. May's keen interest in utilizing sustainable sources, the use of this attractive African tonewood recognizes the importance and success of worldwide conservation programs; although considered severely threatened by over-exploitation in the first half of the last century, concerted efforts to preserve the species have seen Limba flourish well beyond its natural rainforest habitat, making its way into savannah areas and even penetrating regional evergreen forests.