Brian May — Rig Network
9 gear items · 3 artist connections · Brian May profile
Guitars
Built by Brian May and his father from a 19th century fireplace surround. Burns vibrato unit. Three single-coil pickups with series/parallel/out-of-phase switching options. The only guitar he has used for virtually his entire career.
Unique to this artist in the database
Accurate replica of the Red Special.
Unique to this artist in the database
His own brand replica — closest affordable replication of Red Special tone.
Unique to this artist in the database
Amplifiers
Wall of AC30s run in a complex switching arrangement. Class A natural compression and chimey British tone.
Unique to this artist in the database
Modern replica voiced to his specifications.
Unique to this artist in the database
Pedals & Effects
Essential to the Queen sound — boosts treble and upper mids into the AC30 input.
Phaser used on tracks like "Brighton Rock" and "One Vision".
Unique to this artist in the database
Digital effects unit used later in career.
Unique to this artist in the database
Custom switching and buffering system for his complex live setup.
Unique to this artist in the database
Most Similar Rigs
Artists who share the most actual gear with Brian May — ranked by equipment overlap.