Up for sale is a 2008 Brian May Special in the iconic Antique Cherry Red finish, complete with a fitted hardshell case and tasteful upgrades inspired by Brian May’s original Red Special.

Built in South Korea during the highly regarded World Musical Instruments era, these early Brian May Specials have developed a strong reputation for quality construction, excellent playability, and authentic Red Special tones.

This guitar features the signature three Tri-Sonic-style pickups, individual pickup on/off and phase switches, 24” scale length, ebony fingerboard, and chambered mahogany body that make the Brian May Special unlike virtually anything else on the market.

The guitar has been upgraded with:

  • Aftermarket aluminum volume and tone knobs styled closer to Brian’s original Red Special
  • Upgraded tremolo arm for a more authentic Red Special appearance and feel

These upgrades preserve the spirit of the original instrument while bringing the aesthetics closer to Brian’s famous handmade guitar.


Features

  • 2008 Brian May Special
  • Made in South Korea
  • Chambered mahogany body
  • Set mahogany neck
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • 24 frets
  • 24” scale length
  • Three Tri-Sonic-style pickups
  • Individual pickup on/off switches
  • Individual phase-reversal switches
  • Wilkinson-style tremolo bridge
  • Upgraded Red Special-style tremolo arm
  • Upgraded aluminum volume and tone knobs
  • Includes fitted hardshell case


Condition

Excellent overall condition.

The finish remains glossy and presents beautifully. Hardware is clean, electronics function properly, and the neck is straight with comfortable action. The guitar shows only light cosmetic wear / scratches consistent with careful ownership and remains an excellent example of an increasingly sought-after Korean-made Brian May Special.

Frets show minimal wear and have plenty of life remaining.

Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description. I did my best to capture light scratches in the finish / pick guard, black paint that has rubbed off of the screws around the pickup controls. For an almost 20 year old guitar it is in great shape!


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Listed16 days ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • BMG Special
Finish
  • Antique Cherry
Categories
Year
  • 2008
Made In
  • Korea, Republic of
Pickup Configuration
  • SSS
String Type
  • Steel
Body Material
  • Mahogany
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Scale Length
  • 24"
Body Shape
  • Double Cutaway
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Fretboard Radius
  • 9.5"
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Nut Width
  • 1.75"
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Tremolo Bridge
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Finish Features
  • Matching Headstock

Product safety information may be available here.

Rob’s Guitars

Napa, CA, United States
Joined Reverb:2021

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