Steve Vai has partnered with a UK guitar builder to reimagine Brian May’s iconic Red Special, with a few tweaks of his own – and the result is quite something.
The Queen guitar hero’s legendary Red Special is one of the most well-known electric guitars of all time. Originally built by a young May and his father, it laid the foundation for a huge selection of Queen hits and, later, nspired the creation of Brian May Guitars – a brand that offers accessible remakes of the instrument.
As such, we’ve seen a few different takes of the Red Special over the years, but trust us when we say you’ve never seen one like this. And, what’s more, it was built for none other than Steve Vai, bolstered by a few tweaks that take it closer in line with the shredder’s Ibanez signature guitars.
Showing off the build on social media, Guyton Guitars writes, “What a pleasure it is to finally be able to share this. It’s been a long term project, but now it’s finally in the very talented hands of its owner, the one and only Mr. Steve Vai!!
“Steve specified woods, electronics and scale length, all subtly different from the original RS [Red Special]. The scale length is 25.5″, with the neck being much closer to his Ibanez Jem/Pia guitars than Brian’s Red Special.”
To compensate for the longer scale length – the OG is 24” – Guyton made the body itself slightly bigger. It comes with Yonderbosk Vai-Sonic pickups (custom-wound pickups made for Vai that fit the Red Special schematic), and some faithful expansive switching, including Series/Parallel and a built-in KAT treble booster.
Oh, and we should probably say, it looks absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. That veneered 5A quilted maple top – which has a matching headstock – is sensational. The birdseye maple fingerboard? Phwoar. Even the smallest details are exquisite; just look at those Yin Yang fingerboard inlays, cut from mother of pearl and Tahitian black pearl, with 9ct gold dots. Double phwoar.
And we haven’t even mentioned the pickguard yet. Crafted by Greg Goodwillie of Goodwillie Guns and Guitars, it depicts Vai’s logo among a swirl of elegant motifs, and raises the humble pickguard to high art levels.
“It’s not every day you get to work for a guitar player rightfully belonging on the pantheon of rock gods,” Goodwillie writes on Instagram. “There’s loads of little bits added into the scroll work .. the more you look the more you see, it was a seriously fun job and I’m very VERY proud to have been part of the build.”
“Mr. V is ELATED with his new guitar,” Guyton Guitars adds. “Rumour has it, Steve and his tech Doug have filmed an unboxing video, watch this space…”
At the time of writing, an unboxing video has yet to be shared by Vai, but we’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for when it lands. Here’s hoping we see him play it soon, too…
It might not be the only high-end Red Special that we see land. Gibson struck up an official partnership with May last year – and, when we spoke to May in June 2024, he dropped a heavy hint about the prospect of US-made Murphy Lab replicas of the Red Special.
Steve Vai Reimagines Brian MayS Red Special Wiht UK Boutique Guitar Builder
A Legendary Collaboration Inspired by rock Royalty
“It’s not every day you get to work for a player rightfully belonging on the pantheon of rock gods,” said Steve Vai, reflecting on his unique possibility to reimagine Brian May’s iconic Red Special. This legendary guitar, originally handcrafted by May and his father in the 1960s, has become synonymous with Queen’s distinctive guitar tone and style.Now, Vai brings his visionary approach and technical mastery to this emblematic instrument with the help of a respected UK boutique guitar builder, creating a fresh, inspired take while honoring the legacy of one of rock’s greatest innovators.
The Origins and Significance of Brian May’s Red Special
Before delving into Vai’s reinterpretation, it’s vital to understand the red Special’s rich history: a guitar with a soul, designed and built by hand with a unique voice that defined the sound of an era.
- Custom craftsmanship: Built by Brian may and his father in the early 1960s using unconventional materials such as wood from an old fireplace.
- Distinctive sound: The guitar’s unique pickups, wiring, and tremolo system contribute to its signature tonal versatility.
- Iconic status: Played by Brian May throughout Queen’s legendary career, the Red Special has earned a permanent place in rock history.
Steve Vai’s Vision: Modern Artistry Meets Classic Heritage
As a virtuoso guitarist with a flair for pushing boundaries,steve Vai approaches the Red Special not as a mere replica but as an inspired evolution. Partnering with a UK boutique guitar builder known for exacting attention to detail, Vai blends innovation with reverence, resulting in a guitar that respects tradition while celebrating modern craftsmanship.
Key aspects of Vai’s reinterpretation include:
- advanced playability: Refined neck profiles and ergonomic modifications for enhanced comfort and speed.
- Innovative electronics: Custom-wound pickups designed to expand tonal range without losing the original’s distinctive voice.
- modern materials and finishes: High-quality tonewoods coupled with state-of-the-art finishes that preserve and enrich natural resonance.
- Enhanced hardware: boutique tremolo systems crafted for superior stability and expression.
The Role of the UK Boutique Guitar Builder
Collaborative craftsmanship defines this project. The chosen UK builder brings decades of experience tailoring high-end guitars to legendary players.
Why UK boutique builders stand out:
- Historic expertise: Deep knowledge of classic and modern guitar design traditions.
- Meticulous quality control: Every component undergoes rigorous inspection and custom tweaking.
- Customization capabilities: Ability to fine-tune every element to suit Vai’s precise artistic needs.
Together, Vai and the builder maintain the essence of the Red Special’s unique voice while pushing its potential to new creative frontiers.
Breaking Down the Guitar’s Unique Features
| Feature | Original Red Special | Steve Vai’s Reimagined Version |
|---|---|---|
| Body wood | English walnut fireplace mantle wood | European walnut & sustainable tonewoods |
| Neck Profile | C Shape, vintage thickness | Streamlined modern C shape for fast playability |
| pickups | Original single-coil, hand-wound by May | Custom-wound boutique pickups with wider tonal range |
| Tremolo | Whammy bar system using motorcycle valve springs | Refined boutique floating tremolo for stability |
| Finish | Hand-applied acrylic paint & shellac | High-gloss nitrocellulose with protective seal |
Benefits and Practical Tips for players
For guitarists inspired by Steve Vai’s reimagined red Special or those curious about boutique guitars, several benefits and practical takeaways emerge:
- Expanded tonal palette: Custom electronics allow players to achieve versatile sounds ranging from classic rock warmth to modern high-gain articulation.
- Ergonomics matter: modern neck profiles and body contours can reduce fatigue, letting you play longer and more comfortably.
- Invest in craftsmanship: Boutique guitars often deliver superior build quality,ensuring longevity and excellent play experience.
- Customization is key: Tailor your instrument to your style, whether modding pickups, adjusting neck shapes, or fine-tuning hardware.
Tips to Embrace boutique Builds Inspired by Legends
- Research: Explore builders’ backgrounds and player testimonials to find one matching your style.
- Test play: Whenever possible, try boutique guitars in person to understand feel and tone.
- Communicate: Work closely with builders to specify your ideal features, ensuring a personalized instrument.
- maintenance: Boutique guitars often require segmented maintenance-keep up with set-ups, cleanups, and electronics checks.
firsthand Experience: Vai’s Perspective on Reimagining a Rock Icon
Steve Vai has shared candid reflections on working closely with the UK boutique builder to honor Brian May’s legacy:
“Collaborating on this project has been a dream. To take a guitar so deeply woven into the fabric of rock history and enhance it with modern innovations challenges you to balance respect and creativity. The Red Special is not just an instrument; it’s a voice, a statement. Every piece from the wood grain to the pickups was crafted to honor that. The feeling of holding the guitar and hearing that familiar yet fresh tonal character-there’s truly nothing like it.”
The Takeaway for Rock Guitar Enthusiasts
This project reaffirms the enduring value of iconic guitars while embracing the spirit of innovation.Steve Vai’s version of the Red Special offers:
- An inspirational example of how legendary designs can evolve with modern luthiery.
- A blueprint for guitarists seeking powerful tone and playability married with historical reverence.
- A testament to how collaboration between artists and boutique builders leads to extraordinary craftsmanship.
