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Brian May's Red Special: The Story of the Home-Made Guitar that Rocked Queen and the World
Get the full story behind the Red Special, Brian May’s hand-built guitar—a unique instrument that helped make May’s musical dreams come true.
In 1963, Brian May and his father Harold started to build the Red Special, an electric guitar meant to outperform anything commercially made. "My dad and I decided to make an electric guitar. I designed an instrument from scratch, with the intention that it would have a capability beyond anything that was out there, more tunable, with a greater range of pitches and sounds, with a better tremolo, and with a capability of feeding back through the air in a 'good' way'." (Brian May). Brian used the Red Special guitar on every Queen and solo album that he recorded and at the vast majority of his live performances: the roof of Buckingham Palace, Live Aid, the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics . . . and beyond. Here, Brian talks about his one-of-a-kind instrument, from its creation on. Along with original diagrams, sketches, and notes, May has included a great selection of photographs of himself with the guitar, in action from the last 40 years, and photographs of every stage of the Red Special's creation, which was fully dismantled and photographed inside and out just for this book, as well as close-ups and X-rays, and Brian will be commenting on it all. It is a unique guitar with unique sound. Any fan of Queen, Brian, or electric guitars will find this book utterly fascinating. 200 clr and b&w illus.
In 1963, Brian May and his father Harold started to build the Red Special, an electric guitar meant to outperform anything commercially made. "My dad and I decided to make an electric guitar. I designed an instrument from scratch, with the intention that it would have a capability beyond anything that was out there, more tunable, with a greater range of pitches and sounds, with a better tremolo, and with a capability of feeding back through the air in a 'good' way'." (Brian May). Brian used the Red Special guitar on every Queen and solo album that he recorded and at the vast majority of his live performances: the roof of Buckingham Palace, Live Aid, the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics . . . and beyond. Here, Brian talks about his one-of-a-kind instrument, from its creation on. Along with original diagrams, sketches, and notes, May has included a great selection of photographs of himself with the guitar, in action from the last 40 years, and photographs of every stage of the Red Special's creation, which was fully dismantled and photographed inside and out just for this book, as well as close-ups and X-rays, and Brian will be commenting on it all. It is a unique guitar with unique sound. Any fan of Queen, Brian, or electric guitars will find this book utterly fascinating. 200 clr and b&w illus.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2014
9 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Brian May
84 books124 followersBrian Harold May, CBE (born 19 July 1947) is a British musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the lead guitarist of the rock band Queen.
As a guitarist he uses his home built guitar, "Red Special", and has composed hits such as "Now I'm Here", "Tie Your Mother Down", "We Will Rock You", "Who Wants to Live Forever", "Hammer to Fall", "Save Me", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "I Want It All" and "Too Much Love Will Kill You".
May earned a PhD in astrophysics in 2007 and is currently the chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University.
He was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for "services to the music industry".
In 2005, a Planet Rock poll saw May voted the 7th greatest guitarist of all time. He was ranked 39th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time", reflecting the magazine's editorial opinion.
As a guitarist he uses his home built guitar, "Red Special", and has composed hits such as "Now I'm Here", "Tie Your Mother Down", "We Will Rock You", "Who Wants to Live Forever", "Hammer to Fall", "Save Me", "Fat Bottomed Girls", "I Want It All" and "Too Much Love Will Kill You".
May earned a PhD in astrophysics in 2007 and is currently the chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University.
He was made Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2005 for "services to the music industry".
In 2005, a Planet Rock poll saw May voted the 7th greatest guitarist of all time. He was ranked 39th in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time", reflecting the magazine's editorial opinion.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 25, 2014
Astounding.
Truly. Brian May is such a consummate guitarist. And as most of us fans who happen to be guitarists know, that with the help of his father, Brian designed and made a killer guitar. This book digs in and shows us how, and that is an amazing story of creativity, practicality, love, perfectionism, dedication, patience and freaking brilliance. In over 50 years, the truss rod has NEVER needed adjustment! What? And the frets? Never replaced!! Damn. If you're a guitarist, you know how unheard of that is. Plus, if you're not a guitarist, but you are a Queen fan...the book is a fantastic insight into Brian, as well. It touches on the relationship he had with his Dad, especially for the two years it took to make the guitar. Using hand tools and mostly parts that were lying around in Harold's shed in case they could be used for something someday, a priceless guitar was created. Brian's description of what it felt like to play on top of Buckingham Palace on the Queen's Jubilee Anniversary concert is worth the price alone. If you're a guitar geek like me, the fact that Brian let them take the Red Special APART in 2013 (except the tremolo block---wisely leaving that alone) to photograph all its insides...man, it sent ME into spasms of gear terror. Enough said. I find it hard to express how much I love this book, this story, this music, this guitar, this man. What a true genius.
October 15, 2018
Eccellente operazione commerciale che, tuttavia, vale il prezzo del biglietto. La storia che vi si narra ha il pregio dell'unicità. È esemplare e bella. La progettazione e la costruzione della chitarra. La povertà e la genialità. Amore paterno, pedagogia applicata e cooperazione fattiva. L'educazione e la sobrietà. L'attenzione ai dettagli, la cura estrema. Il desiderio che muove l'inventiva. Il bisogno che la stimola. La modestia. Il successo e l'umiltà.
Libro per cultori e appassionati. Ma farebbe bene a molti altri.
(PS - Per chi non sapesse, la chitarra con cui B. May ha inventato e suona, da sempre, tutta la musica dei Queen non è un prodotto commerciale: fu progettata e costruita tutta, di sana pianta, da Brian e da suo padre, con pezzi di fortuna e di risulta, nel tempo libero tra il 1962 e il 1964, poiché i mezzi della famiglia, allora, non permettevano l'acquisto per il ragazzo di uno strumento di quel tipo. È la stessa da allora. Non è mai cambiata.)
Libro per cultori e appassionati. Ma farebbe bene a molti altri.
(PS - Per chi non sapesse, la chitarra con cui B. May ha inventato e suona, da sempre, tutta la musica dei Queen non è un prodotto commerciale: fu progettata e costruita tutta, di sana pianta, da Brian e da suo padre, con pezzi di fortuna e di risulta, nel tempo libero tra il 1962 e il 1964, poiché i mezzi della famiglia, allora, non permettevano l'acquisto per il ragazzo di uno strumento di quel tipo. È la stessa da allora. Non è mai cambiata.)
December 27, 2020
This book is amazing. Brian’s writing style is so captivating and the pictures are incredible. The sketches and plans from the early stages of building are so cool to look at.
November 27, 2024
I've been a Queen fan for forty years - besides being a fan of the Flash Gordon movie where I had an informal introduction to their music at age ten in 1980 - I really started listening to them as I discovered different music from my parents around 1983/84.
Being a little more than just a casual fan of the group I knew that Brian & his father Harold built the "Red Special" themselves, but holy crap I had no clue as to "how much from scratch" that thing was built. The fact that most of the electronics were hand-built, and Harold & Brian had to build their own special tools just to create some of the components in the guitar..... good grief. It's easy to see how it has held up for 60 years considering the care with which it was crafted. (I just happened to finally get around to reading the book this month, and Brian mentions that it was 40-years ago in October of 1964 when it was finished.)
A fascinating look at one of the most famous, and probably the most original, guitars in Rock history.
Being a little more than just a casual fan of the group I knew that Brian & his father Harold built the "Red Special" themselves, but holy crap I had no clue as to "how much from scratch" that thing was built. The fact that most of the electronics were hand-built, and Harold & Brian had to build their own special tools just to create some of the components in the guitar..... good grief. It's easy to see how it has held up for 60 years considering the care with which it was crafted. (I just happened to finally get around to reading the book this month, and Brian mentions that it was 40-years ago in October of 1964 when it was finished.)
A fascinating look at one of the most famous, and probably the most original, guitars in Rock history.
May 8, 2022
I'd been thinking about getting this book for quite a while, but kept putting it back for one reason or another. If you are doing the same, stop buggering about and get it now. It’s a great read with loads of interesting info about Queen, Brian, and of course, the guitar itself.
Although the book goes into great detail about every component of the 'Red Special' it's not a book only luthiers will be interested in. If you are at all interested in Brian, Queen, or guitar building, this book really should be on your bookshelf.
Although the book goes into great detail about every component of the 'Red Special' it's not a book only luthiers will be interested in. If you are at all interested in Brian, Queen, or guitar building, this book really should be on your bookshelf.
February 10, 2018
This was excellent, a fascinating history of Brian May's iconic Red Special Guitar. I just wish there had been more info about the amps that John Deacon modified, which Brian used to use in Queen.
February 20, 2025
🎸 Siguiendo con esta semana temática dedicada a Queen, hoy traigo un libro que, de entrada, no es para todo el mundo. Más bien está dirigido a fans y a quienes quieran profundizar en la historia de un instrumento mítico: la Red Special, también conocida como Old Lady, la guitarra que ha acompañado durante casi 60 años a Brian May.
📖 Escrito por Brian May con la colaboración de Simon Bradley, este libro se encuentra a medio camino entre una breve autobiografía y un manual técnico.
🎼 Los primeros capítulos contextualizan el nacimiento de la Red Special a través de episodios de la juventud de Brian May: su relación con la música, su primera guitarra y la imposibilidad económica de adquirir una eléctrica. Esta limitación lo llevó a construir, junto a su padre, su propia guitarra a lo largo de dos años.
🔧 La parte central del libro se enfoca en la anatomía de la guitarra, detallando cada una de sus piezas a través de fotografías tomadas durante un minucioso proceso de restauración. Cada componente se analiza en profundidad: su construcción, el origen de sus materiales (en su mayoría procedentes del pequeño taller casero de su padre) y su ensamblaje. Un dato curioso es que el mástil de esta legendaria guitarra proviene de la madera de una antigua chimenea de más de 100 años.
🎤 En la parte siguiente, el libro se centra nuevamente en Brian May y su relación con la Red Special a lo largo de los años. Se incluyen entrevistas con los técnicos que han trabajado en la guitarra durante seis décadas, aportando detalles sobre su mantenimiento y evolución. Como cierre biográfico, se reproduce un artículo del propio May sobre su icónica interpretación de God Save the Queen en el tejado del Palacio de Buckingham durante el jubileo de la reina Isabel II.
🛠️ La parte final del libro incluye una actualización en la que el lutier responsable de la última restauración completa de la Red Special detalla los trabajos realizados y las mejoras implementadas en la guitarra, asegurando su conservación y adaptación a los tiempos modernos.
🎸 El último capítulo está dedicado a un repaso gráfico de la colección de guitarras de Brian May, todas ellas vinculadas a la Red Special. Se incluyen modelos comercializados bajo su propia marca, prototipos que nunca llegaron a fabricarse y reproducciones anteriores que ha conservado a lo largo de los años, algunas de las cuales han sido utilizadas en conciertos.
📖 Mi única objeción sobre el libro es el tamaño de la fuente elegida. Un par de puntos más grande habría mejorado considerablemente la experiencia de lectura.
🎶 Un libro ideal para seguidores interesados en profundizar en la figura de Brian May. Además de conocer mejor la estructura y los secretos de la Red Special, permite entender su estilo único y cómo ha logrado un sonido que ha perdurado a lo largo del tiempo.
📖 Escrito por Brian May con la colaboración de Simon Bradley, este libro se encuentra a medio camino entre una breve autobiografía y un manual técnico.
🎼 Los primeros capítulos contextualizan el nacimiento de la Red Special a través de episodios de la juventud de Brian May: su relación con la música, su primera guitarra y la imposibilidad económica de adquirir una eléctrica. Esta limitación lo llevó a construir, junto a su padre, su propia guitarra a lo largo de dos años.
🔧 La parte central del libro se enfoca en la anatomía de la guitarra, detallando cada una de sus piezas a través de fotografías tomadas durante un minucioso proceso de restauración. Cada componente se analiza en profundidad: su construcción, el origen de sus materiales (en su mayoría procedentes del pequeño taller casero de su padre) y su ensamblaje. Un dato curioso es que el mástil de esta legendaria guitarra proviene de la madera de una antigua chimenea de más de 100 años.
🎤 En la parte siguiente, el libro se centra nuevamente en Brian May y su relación con la Red Special a lo largo de los años. Se incluyen entrevistas con los técnicos que han trabajado en la guitarra durante seis décadas, aportando detalles sobre su mantenimiento y evolución. Como cierre biográfico, se reproduce un artículo del propio May sobre su icónica interpretación de God Save the Queen en el tejado del Palacio de Buckingham durante el jubileo de la reina Isabel II.
🛠️ La parte final del libro incluye una actualización en la que el lutier responsable de la última restauración completa de la Red Special detalla los trabajos realizados y las mejoras implementadas en la guitarra, asegurando su conservación y adaptación a los tiempos modernos.
🎸 El último capítulo está dedicado a un repaso gráfico de la colección de guitarras de Brian May, todas ellas vinculadas a la Red Special. Se incluyen modelos comercializados bajo su propia marca, prototipos que nunca llegaron a fabricarse y reproducciones anteriores que ha conservado a lo largo de los años, algunas de las cuales han sido utilizadas en conciertos.
📖 Mi única objeción sobre el libro es el tamaño de la fuente elegida. Un par de puntos más grande habría mejorado considerablemente la experiencia de lectura.
🎶 Un libro ideal para seguidores interesados en profundizar en la figura de Brian May. Además de conocer mejor la estructura y los secretos de la Red Special, permite entender su estilo único y cómo ha logrado un sonido que ha perdurado a lo largo del tiempo.
August 9, 2019
One of the most iconic guitars has to be Brian May's Red Special. We've heard of the burning Stratocaster of Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstrat, BB King's Lucille, George Harrison's Gretsch and Rickenbacker guitars... but not so much as this homemade miracle conceived by a teenage Brian May and his father Harold in the middle of the 1960s - at the height of rock 'n roll's popularity. Who would've thought that the main axeman of Queen is actually a mathematics and physics whiz kid? Built from mostly stuff found around their home, Brian meticulously built this unusual electric guitar with the help of his dad, who was an electronics engineer for the Royal Air Force.
Kudos to Mr Simon Bradley for helping Dr May realizing this amazing book. Those who are not into guitars might get dizzy with the intricate details written by Brian, but I can't list them all here in this review.
Some bonuses can be found, like Brian's replica guitars (some of which he still uses on tour) and interviews with his former guitar techs and also his current right-hand man, Peter Malandrone. And before I forget, one of the best chapters there is Chapter 5, which is Brian's recollection of doing the UK's National Anthem atop the Buckingham Palace; a moment that could be equaled to the 'Star Spangled Banner' rendition of Hendrix at Woodstock 1969, and more royal than the Windsors. Lightweight yet heavy with details like how the acoustic 'pockets' were built in the guitar's body up to the restoration process done in 1998 with the help of guitar luthier Andy Guyton, plus close-ups of the Red Special herself.
BRI-lliant and a-MAY-zing.
Kudos to Mr Simon Bradley for helping Dr May realizing this amazing book. Those who are not into guitars might get dizzy with the intricate details written by Brian, but I can't list them all here in this review.
Some bonuses can be found, like Brian's replica guitars (some of which he still uses on tour) and interviews with his former guitar techs and also his current right-hand man, Peter Malandrone. And before I forget, one of the best chapters there is Chapter 5, which is Brian's recollection of doing the UK's National Anthem atop the Buckingham Palace; a moment that could be equaled to the 'Star Spangled Banner' rendition of Hendrix at Woodstock 1969, and more royal than the Windsors. Lightweight yet heavy with details like how the acoustic 'pockets' were built in the guitar's body up to the restoration process done in 1998 with the help of guitar luthier Andy Guyton, plus close-ups of the Red Special herself.
BRI-lliant and a-MAY-zing.
October 27, 2020
He comprado este libro porque soy fan de Queen. Al principio tenía mis reservas, porque no tengo ni idea de los aspectos técnicos de una guitarra y pensaba que me iba a encontrar con un montón de datos indescifrables.
No ha sido el caso. Sí, el proceso de creación de la guitarra es comentado en detalle, pero he entendido lo suficiente para apreciar el formidable trabajo de Brian May y su padre. Además, hay otros capítulos, como el detalle del día en que el mítico guitarrista tocó en el tejado de Buckingham Palace, un recorrido desde los inicios de Queen hasta la actualidad o la creación de la película Bohemian Rhapsidy.
La presentación es magnífica, en tapa dura, con una sobrecubierta muy bonita en cuyo interior sale la guitarra al completo, y fotos de la misma en las pastas, una normal y otra con rayos x. También se incluyen numerosas fotografías que aderezan el volumen a la perfección.
El libro está en un 95% escrito por Brian May, con algunas entrevistas a sus técnicos a lo largo de los años y del actor que hizo del guitarrista en la pantalla grande.
En resumen, si te interesa la guitarra o eres fan de Queen, tienes que hacerte con este libro, lo vas a disfrutar.
No ha sido el caso. Sí, el proceso de creación de la guitarra es comentado en detalle, pero he entendido lo suficiente para apreciar el formidable trabajo de Brian May y su padre. Además, hay otros capítulos, como el detalle del día en que el mítico guitarrista tocó en el tejado de Buckingham Palace, un recorrido desde los inicios de Queen hasta la actualidad o la creación de la película Bohemian Rhapsidy.
La presentación es magnífica, en tapa dura, con una sobrecubierta muy bonita en cuyo interior sale la guitarra al completo, y fotos de la misma en las pastas, una normal y otra con rayos x. También se incluyen numerosas fotografías que aderezan el volumen a la perfección.
El libro está en un 95% escrito por Brian May, con algunas entrevistas a sus técnicos a lo largo de los años y del actor que hizo del guitarrista en la pantalla grande.
En resumen, si te interesa la guitarra o eres fan de Queen, tienes que hacerte con este libro, lo vas a disfrutar.
November 1, 2021
Truly a geek's read; well, a great read for someone who likes a good memoir too. Brian May is sure a lovable person, so it was nice to hear about his prized possession in his own words. And as a hobbyist/builder, an electrical engineer, and the father of a luthier, I was interested to read all the geeky details about how Brian and his father built the guitar, and how it has survived for half a century. This book is a treasure and I'd love to hide it away, or display it proudly on my coffee table, but I'll be passing it down to my dear, talented son.
July 3, 2024
While reading this, I felt the childlike wonder of reading a picture book. But instead of learning about planets of the solar system or dinosaurs, I was learning about one of the most legendary musical instruments and the legend himself who built and plays it. I may not build a guitar, but this story inspires me to be all-in on whatever things I do craft.
September 30, 2019
A very interesting and insightful book. Reading how the 'Red Special' was made by Brian and his dad proves just how special and unique a guitar it is. And "upcycled" at that!
The story about playing God Save the Queen on the roof of Buckingham Palace was particularly entertaining.
The story about playing God Save the Queen on the roof of Buckingham Palace was particularly entertaining.
December 14, 2020
Glad I didn’t buy this when it cost like $200. Probably best for guitar players rather than Queen fans. It became a slog about 40% through. One of my favorite bands and musicians but I need more autobiography and less guitar minutiae.
November 2, 2021
Guitar geeks of the world unite! This was a great walkthrough of this iconic guitar. It was amazing how innovative they were in the very early days and how well the guitar has withstood the sands of time.
I also enjoyed the ending story of his solo performance
I also enjoyed the ending story of his solo performance
June 18, 2017
In depth information on the guitar that was an integral part of Queen's sound.
July 31, 2019
I want to read this book
July 6, 2020
A thoroughly excellent book. I'm hoping the second book on this topic delves even further
December 16, 2021
Super geeky book.Xrays,parts,tolerances.Loooved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
Awesome insights on an iconic guitar that Rocked the world
July 29, 2025
A fun read about the classic story behind Brian May's homemade Red Special, with tons of awesome pictures. My only complaint is that I wish the book were longer!
March 31, 2021
I've always loved Brian May's guitar playing style in Queen. I knew he has a Phd in Astrophysics. But, after reading this book, the guy is a genius. He and his Dad not only built a guitar from scraps out in their shed but, they ended up inventing and building some of their own tools to do this. They created one of the most iconic guitars in Rock history. One of a kind. Brian built the guitar how he wanted and not how the "norm" in the industry was at the time. Just, all the meticulous detail and like any good scientist, they kept notes all along the way.
For anyone interested in Guitars, Brian May and/or Queen, this is a MUST read.
For anyone interested in Guitars, Brian May and/or Queen, this is a MUST read.
November 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot; it exceeded my initial expectations and I am thankful to Brian and Simon for putting it together. After getting into the construction and electronics bits, I found myself wanting even more in-depth information, which is the only justification I can offer for the 4/5. A truly unique story for guitar lovers which makes Brian May even more interesting, if that’s possible for a rock legend astrophysicist.
December 24, 2014
I'm biased, but I think that for anyone interested in the technical side of making a guitar, it's an excellent book to buy. I didn't buy it specifically for that aspect, but it was interesting and informative all the same. I loved the auto-biographical information and the stories associated with the Red Special. A well written book. Thank you Mr's May and Bradley.
March 25, 2015
Very interesting start to the book where he talks of the construction of the guitar. I haven't seen another book out there where the guitarist walks you through the history of a particular guitar so this was new and exciting. Later part of the book talks more about his concert particulars.
February 3, 2015
Great book. Really interesting to find out how the Red Special was made. No wonder it sounds so unique.
January 9, 2015
WOW !! Amazing. Must read for any Queen-fan and/or guitarist.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews