As a young guitar player Brian May could not afford a decent electric guitar, so he designed and built one from scratch with the help of his father. After two years spare-time work, using only hand tools, the legendary "Red Special" guitar was finished and was to become Brian's main instrument through 30 years of live gigs and recording with Queen.

Through the years there have been a multitude of replicas of the Red Special, built by amateurs and professionals, including two major commercial issues, with Guild Guitars of the USA, and Burns Guitars of the UK. In 2006, the commercial Red Special at last came home when Brian teamed up with Barry Moorhouse of House Music, and Pete Malandrone, Brian's long-time tech man. The BRIAN MAY GUITARS brand produces a range of replicas of the famous Red Special, as well as a miniature travel version.