Official Brian May Signature Guitar Introduced in North AmericaBurns London Releases Replica of Original "Red Special"
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February 12, 2002
Burns USA announced the introduction of the Brian May Signature Guitar in North America.
The Burns Brian May Signature Guitar is the product of 22 prototypes with the goal of creating an affordable replica of Brian May's handmade "Red Special" that he has played throughout his career. Mr. May, of Queen fame, insisted that the Burns model not only be affordable, but it should also be manufactured to the highest standards -- using only the best quality timber and components available. Mr. May inspected every prototype, changing only small details to achieve the best possible match to his original guitar.
The Official Brian May Signature Guitar features "wired-in-series" Burns Tri-Sonic Pickups, handmade to the original design used in Mr. May's guitar. When tested alongside the original Red Special guitar, Mr. May was astonished by the close sound replication. The pickup switching system is identical to the original, with on/off and phase reversal switches for each pickup. This provides the musician an exceptionally broad array of tone combinations. Two rotary knobs provide master control for volume and tone.
For greater tuning stability the Burns Brian May Signature Guitar uses, locking Grover Tuners selected by Mr. May. The guitar's mahogany neck is glued into the mahogany body and is fitted with a grade-A ebony fingerboard. The neck is equipped with 24 fully-accessible medium frets, plus a zero fret, and a 24 inch (610mm) scale. The body shape faithfully replicates the original Red Special. The inclusion of an acoustic chamber in the area above and behind the bridge maintains the resonance characteristics of the original.
The Burns Brian May Signature Guitar is available in two colors -- a Vintage Cherry and a three-tone Sunburst that was Mr. May's personal request. The guitar will be available at an introductory price of $1095 (US) with an MSRP of approximately $1,395 (US). The Guitar is currently available through Codel Enterprises, the exclusive North American distributor for Burns London. Codel will be building a dealer channel to make the guitar available locally throughout the United States and Canada.
About Burns USA
Burns USA is the North American distribution operation for Burns London, a leading designer and manufacturer of professional guitars and accessories based in London UK. Burns USA is operated by Codel Enterprises, a Bethel, CT (USA) distributor of musical instruments and accessories. The Brian May Signature Guitar is the first Burns London product being sold in North America. Additional Burns models will be available later in 2002.
For more information, visit their web site at www.burnsusa.com. | 
