Brian May’s new $8k Gibson 12-string signature acoustic features a subtle nod to Freddie Mercury
Gibson has partnered with Queen’s Brian May for a new signature model – the Brian May SJ-200 12-String acoustic guitar.
Made in close collaboration and with “significant design input from May”, only 100 of these SJ-200 12-String models will be available worldwide in a limited run. Each one has been handcrafted by the luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana.
READ MORE: “I always felt like I needed a rhythm guitar”: Brian May wanted Queen to have a second guitar player in their early days
The model features AAA rosewood back and sides, an AAA Sitka spruce top with a Vintage Sunburst finish, and a two-piece AAA maple neck with a Rounded profile. It also has a walnut stringer, and a rosewood fretboard with agoya shell eight-point star inlays.
Expanding on the space-themed inlays is an especially unique planetary-themed pickguard, which has been designed by May as a nod to his love of science. Fittingly, one of the planets featured is Mercury, which May says is a reminder that the great Freddie Mercury is always by his side. The strings are also mounted in reverse order – with the thicker strings at the top, followed by the octave strings beneath – giving it a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other Gibson 12-String acoustics.
The headstock also features an eight-point agoya shell star inlay, along with a Gibson logo in mother-of-pearl and gold Grover Mini Rotomatic tuning machines. The iconic moustache bridge is made with solid rosewood accompanied by four 60s-style agoya inlays, and Fishman Matrix electronics are fitted to make this guitar “stage and studio-ready from the moment you take it out of the included hardshell case”.
“The idea for this guitar came when I needed a 12-String on tour, and the one I was accustomed to wasn’t performing right on stage. The guys at Gibson very kindly said, ‘We’ll make you something special that you can use on the tours,’” shares May in a statement. “One of the things I asked for was for the octaves to be placed around the other way from where it is normally done, because I like to pick upwards and hear the top notes when I’m playing. I like to hear the high octave coming through as then I can play tunes on it.
“If you look at this guitar, the beauty of it, and the beauty of the sound, and look at the science in this guitar – look how much technology and craftsmanship has gone into this guitar. Gibson was able to put the universe on it in a figurative way and the planet Mercury is here, and that is a little nod to a friend of mine that is always with me.”
Image: Gibson
Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, adds, “As a trailblazing sound pioneer, trendsetter, and one of the most influential musicians of all time, it’s an absolute privilege to be collaborating with Sir Brian May. Brian’s impact on music and culture is second to none and was a transformational influence on my personal music journey. We are deeply honoured that Brian has trusted Gibson with this SJ-200 12-string guitar, and we are excited to finally bring it to music lovers around the world. Thank you, Brian.”
The Sir Brian May SJ-200 is priced at $7,999 and is available now via the Gibson Garage Nashville and London, authorised Gibson dealers, and the official Gibson website.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
