---
product_id: 7216404
title: "Brian May's Red Special: The Story of the Home-made Guitar that Rocked Queen and the World Hardcover – October 1, 2014"
brand: "brian may"
price: "A$173"
currency: AUD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/7216404-brian-mays-red-special-the-story-of-the-home-made
store_origin: AU
region: Australia
---

# Brian May's Red Special: The Story of the Home-made Guitar that Rocked Queen and the World Hardcover – October 1, 2014

**Brand:** brian may
**Price:** A$173
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Brian May's Red Special: The Story of the Home-made Guitar that Rocked Queen and the World Hardcover – October 1, 2014 by brian may
- **How much does it cost?** A$173 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.au](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/7216404-brian-mays-red-special-the-story-of-the-home-made)

## Best For

- brian may enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted brian may brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Description

Full description not available

## Images

![Brian May's Red Special: The Story of the Home-made Guitar that Rocked Queen and the World Hardcover – October 1, 2014 - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Il8bUpjOL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    OMG - Gotta have it!
  

*by S***L on Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2019*

What an amazing book about Brian May's faithful lady companion the "Red Special" guitar that has been his faitful sidekick for almost 50 years.The book goes into great detail of how Brian and his father made the Red Special in their garage over almost 2 years when Brian was a teenager (16-18).  They were so poor back then that Brian could not afford to buy even a used electric guitar and so his dad convinced him that they could make one out of things they found around the house.The body was made from an old oak table top, the neck from a more than 100 year old fireplace, the tremulo arm from a bicycle saddle bag holder and the end of the tremulo from one of Brian's mum's knitting needles (glad it wasn't fluorescent pink right?).  The only things Brian purchased were the pick-ups and the frets and strings.  He even made the mother of pearl inlays from buttons he found in his mum's sewing basket button box.If you've ever wondered what makes Queen and Brian May's "sound" so special - it's definitely Brian's love affair with his guitar.  The Red Special is one of a kind... Brian describes it as his "voice".

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Now I understand fully what the word "Astounding" means.
  

*by B***A on Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2014*

Astounding.Truly. Brian May is such a consummate guitarist. And as most of us fans who happen to be guitarists know, that with the help of his father, Brian designed and made a killer guitar. This book digs in and shows us how, and that is an amazing story of creativity, practicality, love, perfectionism, dedication, patience and freaking brilliance. In over 50 years, the truss rod has NEVER needed adjustment! What? And the frets? Never replaced!! Damn. If you're a guitarist, you know how unheard of that is. Plus, if you're not a guitarist, but you are a Queen fan...the book is a fantastic insight into Brian, as well. It touches on the relationship he had with his Dad, especially for the two years it took to make the guitar. Using hand tools and mostly parts that were lying around in Harold's shed in case they could be used for something someday, a priceless guitar was created. Brian's description of what it felt like to play on top of Buckingham Palace on the Queen's Jubilee Anniversary concert is worth the price alone. If you're a guitar geek like me, the fact that Brian let them take the Red Special APART in 2013  (except the tremolo block---wisely leaving that alone) to photograph all its insides...man, it sent ME into spasms of gear terror. Enough said. I find it hard to express how much I love this book, this story, this music, this guitar, this man. What a true genius.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Great Insight to an incredible man and one of a kind instrument.
  

*by M***S on Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2019*

Dr. Brian May is an incredibly talented artist and The Red Special is an incredibly crafted and unique instrument. When Brian plays The Red Special he becomes one with the instrument and creates magical music. Brian is the most generous, intelligent humanitarian. We should all strive to live to his standards.  Oh, the book was fabulous and if you are a Brian May fan or a Queen fanatic like me you will treasure this book.  I highly recommend this book.

---

## Why Shop on Desertcart?

- 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016
- 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories
- 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price
- 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members)
- 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection
- ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews

**Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/7216404-brian-mays-red-special-the-story-of-the-home-made](https://www.desertcart.com.au/products/7216404-brian-mays-red-special-the-story-of-the-home-made)

---

*Product available on Desertcart Australia*
*Store origin: AU*
*Last updated: 2026-02-14*