Sound Like Brian May
Brian May stands as one of rock's most enduring tonal references — powerful and driving by nature and endlessly studied. Brian May built his guitar — the "Red Special" — from an oak fireplace mantelpiece with his father. Paired with a sixpence coin pick and a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster into Vox AC30s, it produces one of the most harmonically rich and immediately recognisable tones in rock history. These complete rig guides at four budget levels show exactly what gear it takes to get there.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£500 · Sweet Spot
~£467
- BoostPaul Cochrane Timmy
- AmpVox VT20X Valvetronix
- DelayTC Electronic Flashback 2
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£927
- GuitarBrian May Guitars Mini
- AmpVox AC30C2
- BoostElectro-Harmonix LPB-1 Linear Power Booster
£2,500 · Premium
~£2495
- GuitarEpiphone ES-339
- BoostPaul Cochrane Timmy
- ModulationWalrus Audio Julia
- AmpVox AC30C2
- DelayStrymon Timeline
Tone Profile
Brian May's Sound
The Red Special (three Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, out-of-phase switching) into a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster into Vox AC30s. The treble booster sharpens the top end and drives the AC30 into harmonic saturation — the result is bright, complex and layered. May uses a sixpence coin as a pick for a brighter, more articulated attack.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Brian May's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.