Unsupported Browser
The web browser that you are currently using is no longer supported, and as such features of this website may not work as expected. We advise you to update to a currently supported browser (such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) to improve your security, speed, and overall experience.
We currently have this product in stock and available for dispatch.
Stock Location
| UK Distribution Hub: | 1 |
| Swedish Distribution Hub: | 1 |
"Get it" shows the next available date that we will be able to deliver this item to you on, depending on the delivery option you select, and the stock availability of anything else that you add to your shopping basket.
3-year warranty & 30-day money-back guarantee included
If you decide your order isn't suitable for any reason you can return it - just let us know within 30 days of receiving it. Please keep hold of all the original packaging until you're sure you want to keep the order.
Eligibility for Money Back Guarantee
Important: For hygiene and software licensing reasons, some items are only eligible for our Money Back Guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging with all software still "unregistered." Details of exclusions are shown within the product descriptions. Products include:
- Monitors and Headphones
- Earplugs and Ear Protection
- Reeds and mouthpieces for woodwind and brass instruments
- Mouth and Lip-Care Products
- CDs, DVDs and Software
We can collect your return for a small fee, or you can send it back to us yourself. The collection fee can be found in the returns information on each product's page on Gear4music.
In the unlikely event that any item in this order is faulty, damaged or incorrect on receipt, notify us within 14 days and we'll arrange a free collection.
When returning an order please ensure products are appropriately packaged and protected, to prevent them from getting damaged.
This table provides an overview of your statutory consumer rights, compared with our standard returns policy and optional extended money back guarantee and warranty.
| UK & Europe | EU Standard | Gear4music Standard | Gear4music Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Period | 14 days | 30 days | up to 180 days |
| Standard delivery charges refunded? | Yes | Yes | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Upgraded delivery charges refunded? | Standard costs only | Standard costs only | Standard costs only |
| Free collection on cancellation | No | No | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Free collection if defective, delivered damaged or incorrect item | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 30 days |
We are unable to accept returns of any custom made items designed to work together as a unique package and some items are only eligible for money back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging. For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information guide.
10-year warranty & 180-day money-back guarantee included
If you decide your order isn't suitable for any reason you can return it - just let us know within 30 days of receiving it. Please keep hold of all the original packaging until you're sure you want to keep the order.
Eligibility for Money Back Guarantee
Important: For hygiene and software licensing reasons, some items are only eligible for our Money Back Guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging with all software still "unregistered." Details of exclusions are shown within the product descriptions. Products include:
- Monitors and Headphones
- Earplugs and Ear Protection
- Reeds and mouthpieces for woodwind and brass instruments
- Mouth and Lip-Care Products
- CDs, DVDs and Software
We can collect your return for a small fee, or you can send it back to us yourself. The collection fee can be found in the returns information on each product's page on Gear4music.
In the unlikely event that any item in this order is faulty, damaged or incorrect on receipt, notify us within 14 days and we'll arrange a free collection.
When returning an order please ensure products are appropriately packaged and protected, to prevent them from getting damaged.
This table provides an overview of your statutory consumer rights, compared with our standard returns policy and optional extended money back guarantee and warranty.
| UK & Europe | EU Standard | Gear4music Standard | Gear4music Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return Period | 14 days | 30 days | up to 180 days |
| Standard delivery charges refunded? | Yes | Yes | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Upgraded delivery charges refunded? | Standard costs only | Standard costs only | Standard costs only |
| Free collection on cancellation | No | No | Yes, up to 30 days |
| Free collection if defective, delivered damaged or incorrect item | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 14 days | Yes, within 30 days |
We are unable to accept returns of any custom made items designed to work together as a unique package and some items are only eligible for money back guarantee if they are returned to us unused and sealed in the original packaging. For full information on our returns policy, please refer to our returns and refunds information guide.
The product price includes 3 years' warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.
However, the Gear4music extended warranty scheme provides an enhanced service, and is designed to offer a higher level of protection than many 'free' warranties offered by some retailers and manufacturers.
The highlights of this enhanced warranty service are:
Please note that this extended warranty is currently only available on products sold within the UK, EU or EEA, and is subject to the terms and conditions as detailed on the extended warranty certificate provided.
For customers in outlying areas of the country, the price of the Extended Warranty may be marginally higher, due to the potential for higher collection and redelivery transport costs.
This enhanced warranty is in addition to the standard Gear4music and manufacturer warranty policies, and the Gear4music terms and conditions of trade. No statement or condition of sale contained within these terms affects or restricts your statutory rights as defined under the Consumer Contracts Regulation 2014.
Finance from £22.81 per month (14.9% APR Representative)
Buy on finance from £22.81 per month Finance from £22.81 per month
Please note: This is only available where all items in the order are dispatched in a single delivery. Gear4music Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 706272) and acts as a credit intermediary and not a lender, offering credit products provided by a limited number of finance providers, including Klarna Financial Services UK Limited (company number 14290857), which is authorised and regulated by the FCA for carrying out regulated consumer credit activities (firm reference number 987889), and for the provision of payment services under the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (firm reference number 987816)
More infoTo make it as easy as possible for you to get the gear you want, we offer a range of instant finance options. If you spend £250 or more online, you can choose to pay over 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. The majority of decisions are given instantly, so you could get your new gear sooner than you thought!
Representative Example
To help you understand how our finance options work, the examples below are based on a total order value of £250:
| Finance | APR Rep. | Deposit to Pay | Payments | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 21.90% | £25.00 | 12 months: £21.51Final Payment: £21.51No settlement fee | £283.12 |
| 24 months | 21.90% | £25.00 | 24 months: £11.92Final Payment: £11.92No settlement fee | £311.08 |
| 36 months | 21.90% | £25.00 | 36 months: £8.77Final Payment: £8.77No settlement fee | £340.72 |
| 48 months | 14.90% | £25.00 | 48 months: £6.34Final Payment: £6.34No settlement fee | £329.32 |
How to Apply
Applying for finance couldn't be easier - if your order totals £250 or more, simply proceed through the checkout as normal. If your order qualifies, during the Payment step you'll see options available underneath the Flexible Payment Options heading. Select your preferred option and then click the orange PLACE ORDER USING FINANCE button. This will start your application with our finance partners. Completing this form should take approximately 10 minutes.
You should get an instant answer on whether your application has been successful, though in some rare cases our finance provider may need to look at the application in more detail.
Please note: This is only available on orders placed via the website consisting of a single delivery, and is not available in store or via phone currently. Warranties can not be purchased on finance. If you wish to purchase warranties, please choose another payment method or contact us after placing your order and we'll be happy to help you. Additionally, please note that software downloads are subject to a £300 maximum spend.
To make it as easy as possible for you to get the gear you want, we offer a range of instant finance options. If you spend £250 or more online, you can choose to pay over 12, 24, 36 or 48 months. The majority of decisions are given instantly, so you could get your new gear sooner than you thought!
Representative Example
To help you understand how our finance options work, the examples below are based on a total order value of £250:
| Finance | APR Rep. | Deposit to Pay | Payments | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 months | 21.90% | £25.00 | 12 months: £21.51Final Payment: £21.51No settlement fee | £283.12 |
| 24 months | 21.90% | £25.00 | 24 months: £11.92Final Payment: £11.92No settlement fee | £311.08 |
| 36 months | 21.90% | £25.00 | 36 months: £8.77Final Payment: £8.77No settlement fee | £340.72 |
| 48 months | 14.90% | £25.00 | 48 months: £6.34Final Payment: £6.34No settlement fee | £329.32 |
How to Apply
Applying for finance couldn't be easier - if your order totals £250 or more, simply proceed through the checkout as normal. If your order qualifies, during the Payment step you'll see options available underneath the Flexible Payment Options heading. Select your preferred option and then click the orange PLACE ORDER USING FINANCE button. This will start your application with our finance partners. Completing this form should take approximately 10 minutes.
You should get an instant answer on whether your application has been successful, though in some rare cases our finance provider may need to look at the application in more detail.
Please note: This is only available on orders placed via the website consisting of a single delivery, and is not available in store or via phone currently. Warranties can not be purchased on finance. If you wish to purchase warranties, please choose another payment method or contact us after placing your order and we'll be happy to help you. Additionally, please note that software downloads are subject to a £300 maximum spend.
Pay with Klarna
Get more time to pay with Klarna
Split the cost into 3 equal monthly payments of £299.67 - interest free
Klarna's Pay in 3 / Pay in 30 days are unregulated credit agreements. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+. Subject to status. Late fees may apply. Ts&Cs apply.
Key Features
The Brian May Special LE is the result of a remarkable collaboration between Sir Brian May, his trusted guitar tech Pete Malandrone, and House Music. This exceptional model combines the iconic aesthetics and sound of the legendary Red Special with modern features and exceptional craftsmanship. The BM Special is much more than a replica. Equipped with three series-wired, single-coil pickups, modelled after the vintage '60s Burns design, the Special captures the powerful sonic character of May.
Its instantly recognizable double-cutaway mahogany body is pinstripe-bound and features an acoustic chamber, inspired by Brian's original design, that enhances the natural resonance and reduces weight. The glued-in mahogany neck offers a contemporary feel, with a 45mm nut width, comfortable "D" profile, and a smooth 24-fret ebony fingerboard. Completing the package, the Special features a Wilkinson knife-edge tremolo bridge for smooth performance and exceptional stability, as well as locking tuners for precise tuning and enhanced stability during string bends and vibrato use. A perfect fusion of vintage inspiration and modern innovation.
Product Ref: 81728
The Special from Brian May Guitars combines the distinctive aesthetics and sound of the original Red Special model with a selection of modern appointments and superb quality, production-line craftsmanship. Faithfully reproducing the original's unique character and tonal versatility, the Special is not just a standard replica model. This new edition is especially designed to provide modern players of all musical levels with an affordable pro-grade instrument that is perfect for any performance environment.
Sculpted with an acoustic chambered mahogany body, the Brian May Special stays true to the look and spirit of the iconic "Old Lady" Red Special. The instantly recognizable pinstripe-bound, double cutaway mahogany body is designed with an acoustic chamber, inspired by Brian May's original design. This chamber enhances the guitar's natural resonance and reduces weight while maintaining the distinct BM sound.
Engineered with a contemporary feel, the glued-in mahogany neck offers a comfortable and modern playing experience. Additionally, the neck of the guitar features a generous 45mm nut width and a comfortably spacious "D" profile, which provides ample space for the fingers to move and allows for greater control over the instrument. Another key feature is its smooth and luxurious ebony fingerboard. Equipped with 24 frets, this model provides an extended range for players who want to push their technical skills to the limit. The ebony wood adds a rich and warm tone to the instrument, while also providing a smooth and fast surface that makes it easy to navigate.
Equipped on this guitar are Tri-Sonic style pickups, specifically designed to replicate the vintage '60s Burns design units. These provide a unique and powerful sonic character that is highly sought after by guitar players around the world. The pickups are wired in series and in phase, which allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities. With the bridge and middle pickups switched together, the guitar produces a fat, humbucker-style overdrive that is perfect for rhythm playing. The unique magnet alignment and retro-styling of the pickups also contribute to the iconic Brian May sound.
In terms of tonal qualities, the electronics are highly versatile. The bridge pickup delivers bright and cutting sounds that are ideal for lead guitar, while the middle pickup offers warm and full-bodied tones for rhythm guitar. The neck pickup provides a smooth and mellow sound that is perfect for solos and melodic playing. Additionally, each pickup is height adjustable, which allows for even greater control over the overall output of the guitar. Get May's highly sought-after sonics.
Staying faithful to the original design, the Brian May Special features a switching system featuring six white-capped slider switches. These allow individual pickup on/off and phase reversal, giving you a vast range of tonal variations to explore. With this versatile system, you can easily dial in the perfect tone for any musical style or performance situation.
Also equipped a Wilkinson WVP 2-point, knife edge tremolo bridge with brass saddles. Designed by Trevor Wilkinson, this tremolo bridge not only adds a striking modern look to the guitar but also provides smooth and comfortable performance. Its bridge ensures exceptional stability and sustain, allowing you to experiment with expressive bends and subtle vibrato techniques while maintaining a solid tuning. What's more, its tuners have an 18:1 gear ratio, ensuring precise and accurate stability. The thumbwheel locking mechanism securely clamps the strings, making string changes quick and easy. With fewer string wraps and rock-solid tuning stability, you can confidently perform with lots of vibrato and string bends.
