Brian May Unveils His Gibson SJ-200 12-String: A Heartfelt Tribute to Freddie Mercury
After decades of musical innovation with his beloved Red Special guitar, Brian May has finally introduced his first official signature guitar: the Gibson SJ-200 12-string.This instrument not only showcases May’s unique style but also serves as a touching homage to the legendary Freddie Mercury, whose influence continues to resonate.
Joining the Gibson Family
Last year, May made headlines by joining the ranks of Gibson artists, sparking speculation about a potential Gibson version of his iconic Red Special. In a follow-up interview, he hinted at exciting developments, further igniting the curiosity of fans and guitar enthusiasts alike.
A Unique Design for a Unique Sound
Before the anticipated Red special model, May’s first signature guitar addresses his immediate musical needs with its distinctive 12-string configuration.In a promotional video with a cosmic theme, he shared the story behind the guitar’s creation: “The 12-string I had wasn’t meeting my expectations. Gibson generously offered to craft something special for me,” he explained.
“One of my requests was to reverse the placement of the octave strings,” he continued. “I prefer to pick upwards, allowing the higher notes to resonate more prominently.”
For those unfamiliar, a 12-string guitar typically includes six standard strings, with the E through G strings paired with an octave-higher counterpart, while the high E and B strings are doubled in the same octave. This setup produces a fuller, more vibrant sound compared to standard acoustic guitars. Though, May’s model flips the arrangement, placing the higher octave strings below the standard ones, enhancing their prominence to suit his picking technique.
Channeling Freddie Mercury’s Spirit
Beyond its technical specifications, this guitar embodies the spirit of Queen’s iconic frontman, Freddie Mercury. It symbolizes May’s dual passions for music and astronomy, while also serving as a reminder of Mercury’s enduring legacy, especially during live performances.
In recent years, May has been performing “Love of My Life” from Queen’s 1975 album, A Night at the Opera, as a solo piece, accompanied by audio and video of Mercury. This arrangement allows May’s 12-string playing—previously executed on a Godin or Ovation model—to truly shine.
“Freddie originally composed ‘Love of My Life’ on piano,” May noted. “I contributed with harp and even a Japanese koto in the intro.” However, after experimenting with a 12-string, he discovered a new way to connect with the song, leading to its evolution for live performances.
A Tribute to Their bond
“More importantly, it became a staple of our set,” he reflected.“We would frequently enough strip down the performance, allowing just Freddie and me to play together. It created a beautiful atmosphere.”
“After losing Freddie, I wanted to perform ‘Love of My life’ just as we used to, turning it into a moment where the audience sings along, allowing Freddie to be part of it,” he added.
Designing with Freddie in Mind
When conceptualizing the guitar, May ensured it reflected Mercury’s essence through its elegant design. “I believe that the best science is done artistically, and the best art is informed by an understanding of the universe,” he mused. “Look at the craftsmanship that went into this guitar.”
He highlighted the intricate pickguard, adorned with a constellation of stars and planets. “They managed to capture the universe in a figurative sense,” he said,pointing out the representation of Mercury at the center.“That’s a little nod to my dear friend.”
“Freddie was like a brother to me. The bonds we formed in queen outlasted any of our marriages. It was a significant part of our lives,” he concluded. “Even though Freddie is no longer with us, I now have a piece of him on my guitar, which brings me immense joy.”
Reflecting on His Journey
In a recent interview, May revealed that guitars were prohibited at his school, and he initially had reservations about his Red special. Though, after hearing Queen’s debut album, 1973’s Queen I, he was inspired to pursue his musical ambitions with renewed vigor.
