Brian May Unveils His First Gibson Signature Guitar: A Stunning Departure from the Red Special!
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1 year ago
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Brian May and Gibson Collaborate on a Unique 12-String SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar
In a surprising turn of events, Gibson and legendary Queen guitarist Brian May have introduced thier inaugural signature guitar, and it’s not the anticipated Murphy Lab Red Special.
Instead, May has been celebrated with a custom 12-string SJ-200 acoustic guitar, a model that stands out in the world of stringed instruments.
When the partnership was first announced, many fans speculated that it would lead to recreations of the iconic Red Special, possibly even through Custom Shop or Epiphone versions. The excitement grew when May hinted to Guitar World about potential reissues of the guitar he crafted with his father. However, it appears that fans will have to wait a bit longer for a Gibson version of the Red Special.
A Unique Design for a Unique Artist
For their initial collaboration, the focus shifted to a 12-string SJ-200, specifically tailored for May’s touring needs. This guitar is not your typical 12-string; it’s a rare breed,modified to accommodate may’s distinctive strumming technique.
As May elaborates in a press release, his signature SJ-200 redefines the customary 12-string setup by reversing the order of the octave and standard strings. “The inspiration for this guitar came when I needed a 12-string for touring, and the one I was used to just wasn’t cutting it on stage,” he shares. “The team at Gibson generously offered to create something special for my performances.”
“One of my requests was to switch the octaves around, as I prefer to pick upwards and hear the higher notes while playing. I want the high octave to resonate clearly so I can play melodies effectively,” he adds.
Craftsmanship and Features
The foundation of May’s first Gibson is built from premium tonewoods, featuring AAA rosewood for the back and sides, complemented by an AAA Sitka spruce top finished in a stunning Vintage Sunburst. This combination not only enhances the guitar’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its rich sound.
Additionally, the guitar boasts a rosewood fingerboard adorned with agoya shell eight-point star inlays, a planetary-themed pickguard designed by May himself, and gold Grover Mini rotomatic tuners. It also includes a solid rosewood moustache bridge, walnut stringer, and Fishman Matrix electronics.
While the SJ-200 is visually striking, it also showcases advanced acoustic engineering. The decision to reverse-mount the strings—placing the thicker strings above the thinner octaves—significantly influences its tonal quality and playability. According to Gibson, this design choice results in “a unique sound that sets it apart from other Gibson 12-string acoustic models.”
May’s Enthusiasm for the Collaboration
May is clearly impressed with the final product: “when you look at this guitar, the beauty of its design, the richness of its sound, and the intricate craftsmanship involved, it’s evident how much technology and artistry have gone into creating it.”
He also notes a personal touch: “Gibson managed to incorporate a cosmic theme into the design, with the planet Mercury featured as a tribute to a dear friend who is always with me.”
Brian May Gibson SJ-200 12-String | Vintage Sunburst – YouTube
the collaboration between Brian May and gibson has resulted in a remarkable instrument that not only pays homage to May’s legacy but also pushes the boundaries of acoustic guitar design.
Brian May and Gibson Launch Exclusive 12-String SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar
in an exciting collaboration, Gibson has partnered with the iconic Brian May of Queen to introduce a unique signature guitar: the 12-string SJ-200 acoustic.this release marks a significant moment for both the legendary guitarist and the renowned guitar manufacturer.
Initially, fans anticipated that this partnership would yield a reimagined version of May’s famous Red Special guitar. Speculation intensified when May hinted at potential reissues of the guitar he built with his father. However, the first product of this collaboration is a stunning 12-string SJ-200, specifically crafted to meet May’s performance needs on tour.
A Guitar Tailored for performance
This SJ-200 is not your average 12-string guitar.It has been meticulously designed to accommodate May’s distinctive playing style. As he explains, “The concept for this guitar emerged when I needed a reliable 12-string for touring, and the one I was using just wasn’t performing as was to be expected on stage. The team at Gibson generously offered to create something exceptional for my live shows.”
May’s innovative approach includes reversing the traditional string order, placing the octaves in a way that enhances his upward picking technique. “I wanted the high notes to resonate clearly, allowing me to play melodies effectively,” he adds.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Features
The SJ-200 is constructed from premium tonewoods, featuring AAA rosewood for the back and sides, paired with an AAA Sitka spruce top that showcases a beautiful Vintage Sunburst finish. This combination not only enhances the guitar’s visual appeal but also contributes to its rich, resonant sound.
Additional features include a rosewood fingerboard with agoya shell inlays, a custom-designed planetary-themed pickguard, gold Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, and Fishman Matrix electronics. The solid rosewood moustache bridge and walnut stringer further enhance its aesthetic and functional qualities.
Gibson emphasizes that the reversed string mounting—where the thicker strings sit above the thinner octaves—creates a distinctive tonal quality that sets this model apart from other 12-string acoustics in their lineup.
May’s Enthusiasm for the Collaboration
Brian May expresses his excitement about the collaboration,stating,“The beauty of this guitar,both in its design and sound,reflects the astonishing craftsmanship that has gone into it. Gibson has managed to incorporate a cosmic theme into the design, featuring the planet Mercury as a tribute to a dear friend.”
Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, shares his admiration for May, stating, “Collaborating with Sir Brian May is a tremendous honor. His influence on music and culture is unparalleled,and we are thrilled that he has entrusted Gibson with this remarkable SJ-200 12-string guitar.”
Limited Availability and Pricing
Only 100 units of this exclusive 12-string SJ-200 will be produced, each priced at $7,999. They will be available for purchase at Gibson Garages in Nashville and London, as well as on the Gibson website.
For more details on this exceptional instrument, visit Gibson’s official site.
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(Image credit: Gibson)
Introducing the Brian May Signature SJ-200: A Unique 12-String Acoustic Guitar
Gibson has officially launched the Brian May Signature SJ-200, a remarkable 12-string acoustic guitar that showcases the legendary Queen guitarist’s distinctive style. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in both May’s career and Gibson’s legacy.
Initially, fans speculated that this partnership would yield a reimagined version of May’s iconic Red Special guitar. However, the first product to emerge from this collaboration is a beautifully crafted SJ-200, designed specifically to meet may’s performance needs during his tours.
Designed for the Stage
This SJ-200 is not your typical 12-string guitar. It has been meticulously engineered to accommodate May’s unique playing style. “The idea for this guitar came about when I needed a reliable 12-string for my tours, and the one I was using just wasn’t performing well enough on stage,” May explains. “The team at Gibson generously offered to create something exceptional for my live performances.”
One of the standout features of this guitar is its reversed string order, which allows for a more pronounced high note when playing. “I wanted the high notes to come through clearly, enabling me to play melodies effectively,” he adds.
Exceptional Craftsmanship and Features
The SJ-200 is constructed from premium tonewoods, featuring AAA rosewood for the back and sides, paired with an AAA Sitka spruce top that boasts a stunning Vintage Sunburst finish. This combination not only enhances the guitar’s visual appeal but also contributes to its rich, resonant sound.
additional features include a rosewood fingerboard adorned with agoya shell inlays,a custom-designed planetary-themed pickguard,gold Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners,and Fishman Matrix electronics. The solid rosewood moustache bridge and walnut stringer further enhance its aesthetic and functional qualities.
Gibson emphasizes that the reversed string mounting—where the thicker strings sit above the thinner octaves—creates a distinctive tonal quality that sets this model apart from other 12-string acoustics in their lineup.
May’s Excitement for the collaboration
Brian May expresses his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The beauty of this guitar, both in its design and sound, reflects the incredible craftsmanship that has gone into it. Gibson has managed to incorporate a cosmic theme into the design, featuring the planet Mercury as a tribute to a dear friend.”
Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, shares his admiration for May, stating, “Collaborating with Sir Brian May is a tremendous honor. His influence on music and culture is unparalleled, and we are thrilled that he has entrusted Gibson with this remarkable SJ-200 12-string guitar.”
Limited Availability and Pricing
only 100 units of this exclusive 12-string SJ-200 will be produced, each priced at $7,999. They will be available for purchase at Gibson Garages in Nashville and London, as well as on the Gibson website.
For more details on this exceptional instrument, visit Gibson’s official site.
Brian May Unveils his First Gibson Signature Guitar: A Stunning Departure from the Red Special!
Brian May Unveils His First Gibson Signature Guitar: A Stunning Departure from the Red Special!
Overview of the Gibson SJ-200
Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, has officially launched his first signature guitar with Gibson, marking a critically important moment in the world of music.This new model, the Gibson SJ-200 12-string, represents a bold departure from his iconic Red Special, showcasing a unique design and innovative features tailored to May’s distinctive playing style.
Key Features of the Gibson SJ-200
12-string Configuration: Unlike the customary 6-string guitars, this model features a 12-string setup, providing a richer and fuller sound.
Reversed String Order: The SJ-200 has a unique string arrangement that enhances the clarity of high notes, allowing for intricate melodies.
Premium Tonewoods: Crafted from AAA rosewood for the back and sides,and an AAA Sitka spruce top,this guitar not only looks stunning but also delivers exceptional sound quality.
Custom Pickguard: Designed by May himself, the planetary-themed pickguard adds a personal touch to the instrument.
Fishman Matrix Electronics: Equipped with advanced electronics for amplified performances,making it ideal for live shows.
Specifications Table
Feature
Specification
Model
Gibson SJ-200 12-string
Body Type
Acoustic
Top Wood
AAA Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides
AAA Rosewood
Fingerboard
Rosewood with Agoya Shell Inlays
Electronics
Fishman Matrix
Price
$7,999
Benefits of the Gibson SJ-200
The gibson SJ-200 offers numerous advantages for musicians, particularly those who admire Brian May’s unique style:
Enhanced Sound Quality: The 12-string configuration provides a lush, resonant tone that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking.
Customizable Features: With options like the reversed string order and custom pickguard,players can tailor the guitar to their personal preferences.
Durability: Made from high-quality materials, this guitar is built to withstand the rigors of touring and regular use.
Visual Appeal: The stunning Vintage Sunburst finish and intricate design elements make this guitar a visual masterpiece.
Brian May’s Vision for the Guitar
In a recent interview, Brian May shared his thoughts on the creation of the SJ-200. he emphasized the importance of sound clarity and playability, stating, “I wanted a guitar that not only looks stunning but also allows me to express my musical ideas effortlessly.” His vision was to create an instrument that would resonate with both seasoned musicians and aspiring guitarists alike.
First-hand Experience: What Musicians Are Saying
Early reviews from musicians who have had the prospect to play the gibson SJ-200 have been overwhelmingly positive. Manny have praised its:
Rich Tone: Players have noted the guitar’s ability to produce a warm, full-bodied sound that is perfect for various musical genres.
Comfortable Playability: The neck design and string arrangement make it easy to play, even for extended periods.
Stunning Aesthetics: Musicians have commented on the guitar’s eye-catching design, making it a standout on stage.
Practical Tips for Using the Gibson SJ-200
To get the most out of your Gibson SJ-200, consider the following tips:
Regular Maintenance: Keep your guitar in top condition by regularly cleaning the strings and body, and storing it in a protective case.
Experiment with Tuning: The 12-string setup allows for various tuning options; experiment to find the sound that best suits your style.
Use Quality Accessories: invest in high-quality picks and straps to enhance your playing experience.
Case Studies: Accomplished Performances with the SJ-200
Several artists have already incorporated the Gibson SJ-200 into their performances, showcasing its versatility:
Live Concerts: Artists have reported that the guitar’s sound projection is exceptional, making it ideal for large venues.
Studio Recordings: The SJ-200 has been used in various studio sessions, with producers praising its ability to capture rich acoustic tones.
Where to Purchase the Gibson SJ-200
The Gibson SJ-200 is available for purchase at select retailers, including:
Gibson Garages: Located in Nashville and London, these stores offer exclusive access to the guitar.
Online Retailers: The guitar can also be purchased through the official Gibson website and other authorized online platforms.
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