Ask Mark Reynolds
information about everything else related to the Red Special and Brian May


 

Mail your question to Oliver Tamminga
and the most interesting questions will be forwarded to Mark and answered by  him  right here. So please check regularly.

Please don´t forget to state your full name and country.
 

Francesco Intagliata (Italy):

This is not a question but an answer to all fans like me.
That's what Maxima String Company wrote me some day ago after I ask them about Maxima Gold strings:

Dear Mr. Intagliata,
Thank you for your query of January 16.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide the requested info as we sold our
business of musical strings two years ago. The company which has taken over our
 production and sales  has ceased all it's business activities in the meantime
so that your e-mail cannot even  be passed on to them for further action.
We are very sorry for not being able to help you in this case.
Regards from Germany.

So, dear fans, good luck and let me know when you'll know what strings Brian will use.
Bye, Francesco.

Andreas Rauscher (Germany):

Hi there,
respect for the great work!
You answer nearly every question....but mine ist VERY special as it is about the Strings that Brian May uses now! Because I heard that Maxima Strings http://www.maxima-lines.com/stringsmain.htm do not exist any more my question is what Strings Brian uses now! I know he used Maxima for the  last few years and as I did so for the last 12 years, I very sad about not beeing able to use them any more, as they are a huge part of my sound....
 I would love to hear from you!
 Thank you so much and keep up the good work! I know it´s hard but there are thousands of people appreciating it!

Andreas Rauscher
 
 

Dear Andreas,
 Thankyou for your E-mail.
Yes, Brian has used Maxima Gold strings for many years.
To be honest, I have only recently heard about Maxima no longer producing strings. I have no idea which strings Brian will change to.
Back in the 1970's and early 1980's he used Rotosound. They used to be great strings. I used them myself in the 70's but early in the 1980's they changed the way the made them and they did not sound so good. I now use Ernie Ball.
I will try to find out what Brian will now be using and let you all know.
Thank you for your kind comments on Oliver´s www.brianmayworld.com in general and my Red Special part as well. It is appreciated.

Best wishes,
Mark Reynolds
 

Fabian Gardener (Germany):

I have read on your homepage that the original treble booster of brian is also available for normal human beings, but i cannot find a webpage
of mr fryer, where i could order it.  Perhaps you can tell me a way how to buy it.
Furthermore i would like to know which booster you would recommend - i know there are a lot. is the fryer booster really that pedal Brian uses at the moment? What pedal did he use during the Magic  Tour especially at Live at Wembley 86 and which one during the 70ies?
Where can I order them?

Thanx a lot, Fabian

P.S: Wonderful webpage ride on!
 
 

Dear Fabian,
Thank you for your questions.
Greg Fryer does not have a webpage yet.
Oliver has very kindly let me use much space of the "Red Special" section of his website (www.brianmayworld.com) to advertise Greg Fryers pedals
and also to offer Brian's fans technical information about his guitar and equipment.
Greg Fryer provides me with lots of technical information about his products as well as Brian's gear.
All of which appear on www.brianmayworld.com. As you say, Olivers site is wonderful!
It is correct to say that Brian is currently using the Brian May Fryer treble booster.
During the Magic tour, Brian had a pedal board system created by Pete Cornish which incoporated his treble booster.
It also had a second treble booster built in for extra gain should it be required.
Check out this webpage for further information:
http://www.brianmayworld.com/PeteCornish.htm

Brian used this pedalboard system up to the end of Queen. It was later stolen before the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.
The Pete Cornish Treble Booster had been used by Brian from 1975 to the end of Queen. Prior to that Brian use the Rangemaster treble booster (whish was lost by a roadie) and then used a replacement Treble Booster made by his father until the Pete Cornish Booster was introduced.
I personally would use the Brian May Fryer treble booster. It depends on what equipment you are using it with.

You can contact Greg Fryer personally by writing to him, ringing or faxing him. The details are below:
Fryer Guitars
9/505 Pittwater Rd
Brookvale
SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
2100
Tel: 612 9938 3379
Fax: 612 9938 3099

Speak with Greg about how you are planning to use a treble booster and he will advise you on which is the best.

Best wishes,
Mark Reynolds
 

Gerd Kaindlstorfer (Austria):

 Hello,
My name is Gerd Kaindlstorfer from Austria (again).
Is the zero fret at the red special the same size (hight - wide) as the other frets, or is this a special fret (if yes, where can I get  it)?

Special thanks to you, because i had several kind of questions,  and i always get a soon and friendly answer from you.

 Best regards from Austria
Gerry
 
 

Dear Gerd,
                   Thankyou for your question regarding the Zero fret.
I did some research, before I made my own replica, regarding the zero fret.
I was told by a guitar maker in theory the zero fret should be the same height as all the other frets. He also told me that he generally fits a slightly higher zero fret, than the other frets, and when the frets are dressed he dresses the zero fret so that it is a fraction higher than all the others. This is because the strings tend to cut into the zero fret. (The width of the fret is the same as the others)
I did as he said and I have never had any playing or tuning problems.
I hope this helps.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Gary Lambert (USA):

I love the site.  I check it every day hoping for something new.  Thanks for your work.
I just recieved my new Burns Brian May guitar(finally)!  It is much fun.  Anyways, would you have info on, or a way to find all of the settings for the
pick-up switches?  I know there are 16 different combinations, but I don't know what they are, or what they are supposed to sound like.  I don't know if there is a guide for the pickup phase switches, but it would be helpful.
Thanks much,
Gary Lambert,
Minneapolis, MN
 
 

Dear Gary,

Thanks for your compliments concerning my website.
I got in touch with Mark Reynolds and we can offer you this:

This is the information supplied with the Guild Brian May signature in 1993. This will apply to the Burn's Brian May guitar also.
The pick-up closest to the fingerboard will be pick-up number 1, the pick-up in the middle will be pick-up number 2 and the pick-up closest to the bridge will be pick-up number 3.

Setting 1 - standby
Top On/Off Switches: ON-none OFF-1,2,3
Bottom Phase Switches: (doesn't matter)
The guitar has a true "off setting", in this position it can be used as "standby". Volume can be preset at a level, switching one or more on/off switches, brings the guitar on at a pre-set level. Phase switches can be set anywhere in the standby mode.

Setting 2 - fingerboard pickup only
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1 OFF-2,3
Bottom Phase Switches: (doesn't matter)
This setting will give you a warm sound with a distinctive "plunk" that is ideal for blues playing. Be careful that the phase switch isn't half way between, or there will be no sound at all.

Setting 3 - middle pickup only
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2 OFF-1,3
Bottom Phase Switches: (doesn't matter)
This pickup has a slightly harder sound, being situated nearer one end of the string and picking up different harmonies.

Setting 4 - bridge pickup only
Top On/Off Switches: ON-3 OFF-1,2
Bottom Phase Switches: (doesn't matter)
This pickup gives a very treble type sound being near the bridge and picking up high harmonics. This setting is very clear, even at high levels of amplification. It is very useful for playing patterns where more than one string is played at one time. If you back off the tone control to take off a little of the edge, it produces sounds reminiscent of "Woman" tone.

Setting 5 - pickup 2 and 3 in phase
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2,3 OFF-1
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-2,3 (1 doesn't matter)
This setting produces a humbucker sound, however with presence giving it a very distinctive sound. Brian has used this sound more than any other. It sustains great for solo work and it has a thick and full sound for reinforcing chords without it getting woolly.

Setting 6 - pickup 2 and 3 out of phase
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2,3 OFF-1
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-3 UP-2 (1 doesn't matter)
This is a very interesting setting. For example if you hit a chord using setting 5 and then flick phase switch 2 to the up position and hit the chord again, you'll hear a dramatic change in the sound. The two pickups are canceling out the low harmonics and all that is left are a mixture of high harmonics. It's a kind of crunchy sound.

Setting 7 - pickups 1 and 2 in phase
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,2 OFF-3
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-1,2 (3 doesn't matter)
(no notes on this setting)

Setting 8 - pickups 1 and 2 out of phase
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,2 OFF-3
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-1 UP-2 (3 doesn't matter)
A dramatic change from setting 7 and also one of Brian's favourites. Scratchy at low levels, but at high levels piercingly pure and still able to sustain.

Setting 9 - pickups 1 and 3 in phase
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,3 OFF-2
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-1,3 (2 doesn't matter)
A cutting but rather sweet sound.

Setting 10 - pickups 1 and 3 out of phase
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,3 OFF-2
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-1 UP-3 (2 doesn't matter)
Very harsh and dirty, contrasting the pickups which are most different in sound.

Setting 11 - pickups 2 and 3 against 1
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,2,3 OFF-none
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-2,3 UP-1
This uses all three pickups and sounds a little bit like a Rickenbacker tone, or a harder version of Brian's favourite sound, setting 4. Funky rhythms at low levels, hard and hollow at high levels.

Setting 12 - pickups 1 and 2 against 3
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,2,3 OFF-none
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-1,2 UP-3
A very rich sound at very high levels (Violin type tone)

Setting 13 - pickups 1 and 3 against 2
Top On/Off Switches: ON-1,2,3 OFF-none
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-1,3 UP-2
Brian calls this "Bread and butter" after that rhythm sound. Makes a strange clang on the low strings. piercing at high levels.
Note: In phase settings
Don't be intimidates by the pickup switches - they're easy to feel out after a while. Don't forget that "phase" is a relative term - all that matters for an in-phase situation is that both pickups have the same phase. So phase switches can be both up or both down etc.

For example:
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2,3 OFF-1
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-2,3 (1 doesn't matter)
is the same as
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2,3 OFF-1
Bottom Phase Switches: UP-2,3 (1 doesn't matter)
The same applies to out of phase settings:
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2,3 OFF-1
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-3 UP-2 (1 doesn't matter)
is the same as
Top On/Off Switches: ON-2,3 OFF-1
Bottom Phase Switches: DOWN-2 UP-3 (1 doesn't matter)
Note: all of these settings can be modified by using the tone controls.

(This is an excerpt of the original manual supplied with the Guild Brian May signature 1993)

Best wishes,
Oliver Tamminga
 


 

Jörg Wittgen (Germany):

Hello.
First of all,this is the best site of the whole internet!!!
My question is about the electrical impedanz (kohm)of the trisonic pickup coils.And how many wounds the coils have.
A standart Fender Singlecoil has 5000-7000 wounds.(i think).Maybe u can help me.
Thanks a lot!!!
Jörg
 

Dear Jörg,
                   Thankyou for your compliments regarding www.brianmayworld.com. It is much appreciated.
To answer one of your questions, please take a look at  http://www.brianmayworld.com/KentArmstrong.htm
but as regards the resistance values the 6000 turns will be around 7Kohm and the 5000 turns will be around the 6Kohm.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Ian McFarland (USA):

The reason for my email is to ask you if you know where I can get a wiring diagram of the Red Special's pickups, switches and controls. I saw one on someone else's web site devoted to Brian May,  however, that was about 2 years ago and I can't find it anymore.
 If you could help, I'd appreciate it very much. Thanks, in advance, and keep up the good work.
 
 

Dear Ian,
               I hope that the wiring diagram below will be of help to you.

If you have any problems, please contact us again.

Regards, Mark Reynolds
 

Gerd Kaindlstorfer (Austria):

 I would be very glad if you can tell me how the oak part of the RS  guitar has to look like (picture or a plan). Is there just a center  part of oak, or is the complete middle part oak with a veneer made of mahagony?
 
 

Dear Gerd,
                  The Oak is about 5 inches wide and runs up to the knife edge of the tremolo. The Oak is two layers, each being 3/4 inch thick.
The Blockboard body is also two layers (3/4 inch thick!) and the Oak is glued into the body by cutting out the shape of the Oak pieces from the Blockboard.
The whole body is then veneered with Mahogany. I have no diagrams to offer you I am afraid.
You could check out Tornado's site, which has a wealth of information (including plans) regarding the building of a fantastic replica Brian May guitar. The site address is: http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/wellerville/181/index.htm

Regards, Mark Reynolds
 


 

Phil Frances (UK):

I'm considering replacing the Seymour Duncan pickups on my Guild Signature guitars with Kent Armstrong Burns Tri-Sonics , as I understand they give a more authentic ' Brian ' sound . Three questions , please :

-- will I notice any difference ?
-- will the pick-ups physically fit within the space the Duncans presently occupy ?
- and can you give any guidance on the electronics involved in the exercise , particularly things to avoid / be aware of
 

And , incidentally , any idea whether I can replace the tremolo arm  on the Guild with something like the new Burns version , which  looks
to have greater " dive " ?

Many thanks , Phil Frances
 
 

Dear Phil,

Thankyou for your questions.
I have played both a Guild fitted with Seymour Duncan Tri-Sonics and I have my own replica fitted with Kent Armstrong Tri-Sonics.
I have found that the Kent Armstrong models sound a lot closer to the original Tri-Sonics.
In my opinion the Seymour Duncan pick-ups are great pick-ups but they lack some clarity.
As far as I know the pick-ups are about the same size. Please see the picture below for dimensions of the Kent Armstrong pick-ups.

I think that the Seymour Duncan pick-ups are the same as the Kent Armstrong Tri-Sonics and that it will be a case of fitting them wire for wire. You should have a Hot and Ground wire with a braid wire. Before removing each pick-up it is advisable to make yourself a drawing so that you are sure that you know where all the wires go. That way you can wire them correctly first time.
As for the tremolo arm, I am not sure where you could buy an arm the same shape as the new Burns guitar. I think it may be a case of finding an arm you can modify. You may have a problem with it because while trying to bend the arm you may crack the chrome finish.
I think that the post, that the Guild arm sits on, is a 5mm thread. You could buy some 5mm steel bar and thread the end so it will fit the hole in the tremolo block. Then you could bend the arm into a shape you are happy with. Once that is done, you could get the arm chromed. It is only a suggestion. It is crucial that you make sure you know what the thread is in the tremolo block before you do this though as you do not want to damage it.
If you need any other help, please contact me again and I will see what I can do to help.

Regards, Mark Reynolds
 


 

Michael Greene (UK):

It is well known that part of Brian´s sound are the Vox AC30 amps.
There are plenty of modelling amps around which claim to sound like AC30s and these we hear are good / bad / indifferent.  However, Vox are releasing a 2 model range called "Valvetronix" (AD60VDT and AD120VDT) which have valve-driven power-amps (or sort of, as I understand it) and apparently accurately replicate among other things the AC30 and AC30TBX.  Many visitors would be interested as the price  is much less (£525 for the 60 & £695 for the 120) than a real AC30 and  they do both offer the flexibility of many other amp models with a  shed load of effects (including a treble booster!) thrown in which is naturally very attractive.  Unless, of course, they sound awful.  With Burn's latest offering, are we in real danger of getting an authentic BM sound for a shade over £1000..!?  Now, had this not originated from Vox themselves, I wouldn't even ask but what are the chances of  getting this amp reviewed on the site?
 
 

Dear Michael,

Thankyou for your question.
It would seem that over the years a few companies have said that their amplifiers have AC30 sounds. This may be true but I think it would be difficult to make it sound "exactly" the same. There would be some differences.
Brian's sound is quite complex and the AC30 is only part of this equation.
I remember Brian saying in an interview that he had been playing with Matchless DC30 amplifiers and he was quite pleased with the results They were a lot cheaper than an AC30 but he did say that he went back to the AC30's as they had something about them that the Matchless amplifiers didn't.
I actually use a Marshall Valvestate 8080 and I am pleased with the Brian May sound I get from it. It is not exactly the same, as you would imagine, but I think it is similar. I guess that is what counts.
I think any Brian May fan who wanted to replicate his sound at a reasonable price would try out amplifiers like these and in turn buying a Burns would be a very cost effective exercise.
Maybe we could ask any visitors to www.brianmayworld.com who may be in a position to try out these amplifiers for their opinion.

Regards, Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Moritz Ringsdorf (Germany):

First I want to say that www.brianmayworld.com is the best in the whole net and I visit it every day! Very good job, congratulations!

But now to my question:
I collect as much as I can the complete Brian May setup for stage  and for studio, but mainly the setup for stage.
To get the Brian May  sound you need the Rocktron Intellifex, the Patch Mate, the Midi Mate, the delays, the Dunlop Cry Baby WahWah and finally
the three Vox  AC 30 and a Brian May guitar.

Can you explain how I should connect these effects to get the typical sound? From which company are the "Bel-delays"? Where can I buy them and where can I buy the Rocktron Patch Mate?  You can not longer buy it because it's not longer produced.

I know that these are a lot of questions but it's very important for me.
Please let me know.

Thanks , Moritz
 
 

Dear Moritz,
                    First of all, thanky ou for your kind words about www.brianmayworld.com
We are pleased that you find it all useful and interesting!

I recently received a sketch from Greg Fryer showing the stage set-up that Brian used on his 1998 world tour.
Greg Fryer very kindly marked out where all the cables are routed. I hope that this drawing (below) will help answer some of your questions.

You will notice that Brian was using some slightly different equipment such as the Yamaha delay unit.
I do not know who stocks BEL delays but they do have a website:
http://www.bel-digital.com/HTM/Home.htm

For more detailed information regarding how Brian sets his AC30 amplifiers check out this section on brianmayworld.com
http://www.brianmayworld.com/Vox_AC30.htm

As for the Rocktron Patchmate I think you would have to look in the sale ads in guitar magazines or even check out www.ebay.com for someone
who has one for sale.

If you have any further questions, I will be pleased to try and answer them for you.

Regards, Mark Reynolds
 


 

John Ribchester (UK):

Do you have any info on the Deacy Amp and how to build my own?
 
 

Dear John,
                 Thankyou for your E-mail regarding the Deacy amp.
At the present time a "Deacy" amp is not available to buy. There appears to be one on the horizon though!
There is very little information about the Deacy amp. I have actually seen it and played through it, so I may be able to offer you some idea of what it is.
The Deacy amp is basically a small Hi-Fi speaker about 12" x 6".
John Deacon fitted a small amplifier circuit board inside the speaker box with a Jack socket on the back. It is powered by a 9V battery.
The original circuit board uses Germanium transistors.
Brian plugs his guitar through his Treble Booster and then into the Deacy amp. This drives the amplifier hard.
You may find that these small practice amplifiers ,that you can buy from musical instrument shops, may well be suitable to get a good sound from.
I hope that this helps.

Regards, Mark Reynolds
 


 

Peter Michalowski (Sweden):

Hello Mark and Greg!

I decided to buy the Fryer Treble Booster and the Mayhem. I saw on your rewiev that you (Mark) played the pedals thru a Marshall 8080.
Actually I play my BHM thru a Marshall 8240. I think I get a pretty good sound there but
now it feels like I really need the "Real Things" from Greg.

Now to my questin: You say in the rewiev that you played the pedals on your 8080 on the clean channel. Did you also try the effect return?
And finally: wich Vox do you recomend me to buy? The AC with Blue speakers or the Greenbacks?

Thanks again for the greatest site for me on internet. Everytime I get a mail that says "update on brianmayworld" it´s like christmas to me.

Thank you

Peter from Sweden
 
 

Dear Peter,
Thankyou for your questions.
I did not try the pedals through the effect return part of the amplifier.
The reason for this is that the pedals are designed to be used directly in line between the guitar and amplifier input.
When I'm using the Mayhem and the Treble booster I use them through the clean channel. Try it with the Crunch setting on also as you may find it is a little better with that. It is quite easy to get a Deacy amp sound by playing around with the Mayhem settings. You will know when you have it right! The Mayhem packs on hell of a punch so set the volume low until you are aware of it's output!
If I am using the Treble Booster I use it through the Gain setting. I turn the Treble control all the way off (Anti-Clockwise) and set the other settings to suit the Middle and Bass that I like. The Treble Booster gives enough treble to keep the sound clean.
According to Greg Fryer, Brian prefers the current re-issue Blue speakers.
In fact, sshortly a new section to www.brianmayworld.com will be added, which outlines the modifications that you can do to the AC30 amplifiers.
This information has been supplied by Greg Fryer which explains the modifications that Brian does to his amplifiers. Watch this space!

Regards, Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Peter Michalowski (Sweden):

Thanks for the great site. About the sime time I had the info about the Burns BHM i had the info from Jackie at the fanclub
that Vox is going to make a Brian May signature AC30 and also the Deacyamp.  Do you know anything about this. I´ve been looking at the Vox website and also emailed them about this but no reply so far. Do you know anything about this?

Thanks and keep on with this fantastic site.
 Take a look at www.DryFishBone.com There you see me with a wig and a BHM

Thanks,  Peter
 
 

Dear Peter,
                 Yes it is true that there is to be a signature Brian May Vox AC30 and also a Deacy amp.
I am not clear on any details at the moment but as soon as I know anything official I will post it here.
It has been announced on the Official Queen website.
It seems like a good year for Brian May products!

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Hanno Reicher (Austria):

 My name is Hanno Reicher (Europe) and I have a Guild Brian May Guitar (93 sign model) and the guild treble booster and even an original six pence
coin! But the one thing I already want is the stereo delay which Brian uses on stage and in studio (Brighton rock f.e.).
 Do you know where I can get this think or is it already in production? Is the guild treble booster the same as the greg fryer model?
And does Brian also use a chorus effect on stage?

Thanks a lot! Wait for the reply!
 
 

Dear Hanno,

Brian actually uses two delay units. One for each repeat. I have attached a picture that appeared in Guitar magazine to show you what equipment Brian uses:

As you can see, he also uses a chorus on stage.
This diagram also tells you what make the equipment is. I hope this helps you.
The Guild treble booster is nothing like the Greg Fryer treble booster. The Guild one was supposed to be a replica of the one Pete Cornish made for Brian.
In an interview, Pete Cornish said that the Guild treble booster was nothing like his design.
Greg Fryer's treble booster is a slightly modified version of the Pete Cornish treble booster. Greg Fryer modified it to reduce the noise (hiss) and also to make the sound a little warmer. Brian now uses the Greg Fryer models.

Kind regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Steve Morikawa (USA):

Does Greg Fryer have input or is he a consultant to the Burns Co. with the new Burns edition Red Special guitar? And if so to what extent?

Thanks!
Steve
 
 

Dear Steve,
                  I spoke with Greg Fryer recently and we discussed the Burn's guitar.
As far as I can make out, Greg has had no involvement in the Burn's project.
It seems that he is not involved with any guitar company at the moment.  That is not to say he will not be involved with a company in the future.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Krisztian Kadas (Hungary):

Hi everyone!
My name is Krisztian Kadas from Budapest, Hungary.
I nearly start my own built gitart, but I have two question  to you.

Can you tell me which is the correct distance betweeen  the "zero fret" and the bridge? ( 648mm or 610mm)

The other question is how can I make the Tremolo System or If I can't make it Where can I buy it? Or which Tremolo can I use?

The site is great I love it very much!

  Thank you,
Krisztian
 
 

Dear Krisztian,

                       The correct distance from the zero fret to the bridge (the scale length) is 24 inches (610mm).

To make the tremolo system you could try this website: http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/wellerville/181/index.htm
This is an excellent site for information on how to make a Red Special.

Thank you for your kind words about www.brianmayworld.com. It is appreciated.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Alex Bolte (Germany) :

Hi my name is Alex Bolte (germany),

First I wanna congratulate everyody who was involved in creating this fantastic fanpage.
And of course Mark Reynold for his great Info's about his and Brians RS.

Now my questions.
I own a '93 Guild BM Signature. I plan to change the Seymour Duncan Pickups to Burns Trisonic to get more original sound.
Now I've got two offers to choose between.
First are the Burns Trisonic from Burns London. Price is 240 UK Pound incl. postage to germany.
Second are the Kent Armstrong Burns Trisonic from USA. Price US$ 255 incl. shipping to germany.
The Kent Armstrong are a lot cheaper but I don't know the differences.

- Did Kent Armstrong some modifications on the Burns Trisonic?
- Which of the two Burns pickups can you recommend me?

Then I read on a french page that Greg Fryer release the new BHM copy in collaboration with Fender in 2002
The price for this one should be around 1700 UK Pounds. (I know,  there are already lot of those questions, just a rumor?)
Do you know more?

Thanks a lot and take care, Alex
 
 

Dear Alex,
                 Thankyou for your questions and your kind words about the site.
Kent Armstrong makes the Tri-Sonic pick-up's for Burn's of London. Burn's pick-up's are exactly the same as the ones that Kent Armstrong sells.
Go for the cheaper ones! I bought my own direct from Kent Armstrong.
The only modifications that Kent did to the Tri-Sonics was to reverse the middle pick-up so that they humbuck correctly
(Neck and Middle in phase and the Bridge and Middle in phase).
He also potted them in wax to cut down the microphonics. Each pick-up has the two coil wires and a ground wire. The originals did not.
They are very good pick-up's. As far as I know, Greg has no connection with Fender and they are not producing a Red Special replica.
I spoke to Greg recently and he indicated that he was not involved in any negotiations at the moment.
Do you have the link to that French webpage? I would be interested to read what they have put.
Regards,
Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Igor Miskovic (Yugoslavia):

Is your replica still available for buying, if yes, how, if no.....then.... nothing:)
 
 

Dear Igor,
                Thankyou for your E-mail. As far as I know Greg is not selling his replicas.
You will understand that Greg works alone and to make one instrument would take up a lot of his time.
This amount of work would obviously cost a lot of money.
You could always contact him on the address that appears on www.brianmayworld.com and discuss what you are looking for.
Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Todd Moskowitz  (USA):

First what a great site!   A few questions and a wish:

1. Is the 16 gauge "D" string Brian uses wound or unwound?

2. Can you tell me in the Brian May Star licks video does he use a Roland "chorus ensemble" or a Roland "jet phaser".
He uses the word chorus and phasing interchangable. Both Pedals look very similar.  Does he use this pedal for "white queen" sound live? (into)

3. Can you explain how you test a pickup to see what the wound pecifications of each pickup is. I not sure of correct terminology
but I assume each of Brians pickups are wound to a certain measurement. what are those measurements?

A wish .... I hope if Brian does endorse a company to make a mass market copy of the "RS" he gets Mark and Greg involved as Major consultants.
I hate to see another inaccurate copy come down the line. You guys know your stuff!

All The Best, Todd
 
 

Dear Todd,
                   Thankyou for your E-mail and kind words about www.brianmayworld.com. It is appreciated.
The "D" string is wound. I have been informed by Greg Fryer that he now uses .009-.042 gauge strings.
Brian used the "Chorus Ensemble". He referred to the Chorus as a Phaser. If you are as old as me you will remember Phasers. A Phaser is the old pedal that was used on White Queen in the old days. It had a similar swirling effect to the modern Chorus pedal.
To test a pick-up you will need an Ohm meter.
You will need to set your Ohm meter on the KOhm setting. Most pick-ups are below 10KOhm but Humbuckers could be higher.
Touch the meter leads across the two wires from the pick-up. A Tri-Sonic pick-up could be between 6KOhm (6000Ohms) to 8KOhm (8000Ohms).
The modern versions that are currently for sale are around 7KOhm.
This will give you the resistance value of the pick-ups. The higher the value, the more output the pick-up will have. The lower the value the lower the output.
Unfortunately, I do not have the resistance values of Brian May's pick-ups. I have a set of the Kent Armstrong Tri-Sonics fitted on my replica and they really do replicate the sound very well.
I think that your thoughts are very kind but I really do think that Greg Fryer would be the best guy for the job!

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Esteban Anderson (Argentina):

Hi, my name is Esteban Anderson and I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What I want to ask if I can find the "Greg Fryer Treble Booster" and the set of three "Kent Armstrong Burns Tri-Sonic" in London,
because I'll be there  in November. If your answer is afirmative I like to know in what place I can  find them.
Well, I hope your answer very soon. Thank's
 
 

Dear Esteban,
                      As far as I know no-one holds stock of the Burn's Tri-Sonic pick-up's in London.
You can obtain the pick-up's from: http://www.wdmusicproducts.com/

If you click on "Catalog" and then scroll down that webpage until you find "Pickups: Tri Sonic", you can order from the site.
The Brian May/Fryer Treble Booster is not available in London either. You would have to contact Greg Fryer direct.
Go to this webpage for Greg Fryer's address/Telephone/Fax details:
http://www.brianmayworld.com/GregFryer_products.htm

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Steve Morikawa (USA):

Greetings!  My name is Steve Morikawa from USA.
My question is "Is there a major difference between the Guild issued treble booster and the Greg Fryer treble booster? Can you try to describe the
difference?"  Thanks for all the great info.
Steve
 
 

Dear Steve,
Thank you for your question.
The Guild treble booster was supposed to be a copy of the Pete Cornish original.
A few years ago I read an article about the pedal with comments from Pete Cornish. He said that it was not a replica of his Treble Booster.
It does not sound anything like the Brian May/Fryer Treble Booster. I think that they are no longer made. You can pick them up second hand.
The Greg Fryer model is a replica of the original Pete Cornish booster. Greg has modified the circuit to reduce the amount of noise that the pedal produces. It is overall a warmer sounding pedal with a lot less noise (Hiss).
Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

B.Copeland (England):

 I have found an advert in a guitar mag that sells Vox AC-30's.
What I want to ask is which of these are the ones Brian uses, or which one is closest to his, what one should I buy?

a)Vox AC-30 Greenback 2x12 (new) limited deal £699
b)Vox AC-30 Blue speakers 2x12 (new) Our price is best please phone, so price is unknown as of this moment in time
c)Vox AC-30 Re-issue v.clean £595
d)60's Vox AC-30 Combo, top boost £1195
e)80's Vox AC-30 beige Re-issue please phone for price
f)64 Vox AC-30 smooth Tolex (???) good condition £1299
g)Vox AC-30 1960's £699
h)Vox AC-30 Re-issue £549
i)Vox AC-30 £550

Which Boss model is it that Brian uses (the chorus and phaser pedals)?
Where do I get the digital delays from?
And last but not at all least do I have to have a Red Speacial to produce the 'Queen' super sound?
 
 

Hi,
    Wow a few questions!
It would probably be best to go for the new Vox AC30 Blue speakers 2x12. The trouble with buying old equipment is that they could be unreliable and in poor condition internally. Maybe something new will serve you better.
I believe that Brian now uses this set-up as detailed in the magazine "Guitarist".

You will need to shop around for suitable delays.
You must realise that to do what Brian does requires three AC30's. I personally use a Boss DD-5 which gives me a nice three part harmony for home use.
This could be a costly set-up.
As to the guitar, it really is how you hear Brian's guitar. There are a number of factors involved to get something close to Brian's sound.
There is the Treble Booster which he uses to drive the AC30 at full volume to get that rich creamy distortion. (Not something I would advise at home or your neighbours will be knocking on the wall!). The Tri-Sonics pick-ups, which have a distinctive sound. The guitar, which with it's hollow construction,
gives it a resonant feel and a totally individual sound.
I could not advise you on what guitar could come close. Brian himself has said that it is a sort of cross between a Fender and a Gibson. T
here is of course the switching system, which to my knowledge, no other guitars posses.
Even with all the relative components to hand, the final piece of the puzzle is Brian's technique.
I am sorry I cannot be of more help!

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Alex (Germany):

Hi Oliver,
do you know anything about Fender UK is working at the time with BM to release a new red special replica?
I got the info from the official Queen fanclub UK (from Jacky Smith herself) But the infos were very low.
Do you know more? please let me know.

Best wishes, Alex
 
 

Hi Alex, this is Oliver - I just asked the "number one Red special expert" Mark and here´s the answer on your question:

Dear Alex,
Thankyou for your question.
As far as I know Fender will not be producing the Red Special replica.
There are discussions happening, as we speak, to produce a Red Special for around the £500 mark.
Nothing has been finalised yet but as soon as I have the full story, I will put it on to Olivers site at www.brianmayworld.com for all to see.
Hopefully with some pictures!
Watch this space!

Regards,
Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Terry Blankenship (USA):

1) Does Brian May always use the normal channel on his Vox AC-30s?
2) Does he ever use the brilliant channel or jump the channels and use both?
3) How does Brian set his volume and tone controls on his AC-30s?
4) Does he set all of his AC-30s the same live, or use different volume and tone control settings on each amp?
5)Does Brian usually use three AC-30s at the same time to get his sound in the studio?
6)Does Brian always run his AC-30s with his volume set to 10?
7) What frequencies does the Brian May Fryer Ringmaster and Brian May Fryer Treble Booster boost and cut and by how many decibels?
8) Does Greg Fryer have an e-mail address? Is there any way to purchase his products online in the USA? If not, then what is the best time
to call him to catch him home? What is the time difference between Austrailia and the USA? I'd like to purchase some of his products.

Thanks,
Terry Blankenship
 

Dear Terry,
Thank you for your questions.
For his general sound, Brian always uses the NORMAL channel of the AC30. He would not use the BRILLIANT channel. I dare say he has tried
them out in his pursuit for new sounds but the NORMAL channel is his preferred choice. Brian sets his volume at FULL! His tone is off.
The Treble Booster produces enough treble. These settings are used in the studio and live. He uses three AC30's in the studio for the dry signal and
stereo spread for the Chorus and Delay effects. He may only record with one and put effects on after though.
The Treble Booster and the Ringmaster have a boost of around 30dB. They lift the mid range and add some treble to clean up the sound
of the boosted AC30.
Greg Fryer does not own a computer! He is planning to get one in the near future. You can contact him by phone or fax on the numbers provided on  www.brianmayworld.com.  His products are available by mail-order through this site and he is hoping to have credit card facilities in the near future.
Greg Fryer is usually in his office/workshop during normal office hours Monday to Friday.
The time difference between the USA and Sydney is approximately 17 hours I think. You could discuss these questions with Greg Fryer, if you contact him,
and he will be able to tell you a lot more about Brian's set up.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds.
 


 
 

Giuseppe Ameno (Italy):

Dear sir,
  I would like to know if does Brian uses VOX AC-30 TB (the one with two CELESTION GREENBACKS 12"speakers),
or VOX AC-30 TBX(the one with two VOX CELESTION BLUE ALNICO 12" speakers) amplifers.

What kind of strings does Brian uses?  .008,.009,.011,.016,.022  or  .008,.011,.014,.022,.030,.038?
I'm sorry for my English!

Thanks for your kindness,
Giuseppe Ameno.
 
 

Dear Giuseppe,
Thankyou for your questions.
Brian has a variety of AC30 amplifiers but whichever model he uses he only uses the NORMAL channel. The speakers will be the Blue Alnico type.
His string guage is .008 / .009 / .011 / .016 / .022 / .034.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Joe Millo (USA):

I was reading the descriptions of Greg's pedals and I am left wondering which would be best.  From the descriptions, it seems as if the
Ringmaster and the Treble Booster provide a similar benefit/sound and that the Mayham offers a unique benefit.
I am a fan of Brian's tone on songs such as Death On Two Legs (the intro lead part).  Now, being that the song was
recorded in 1974 (I think), should I assume that the Rangemaster would provide that type of tone or should I be looking at the Treble Booster?
Also, I am just now becoming familiar with the "Deacy Tone" term. Is that term refering to the "horn" like sound that Brian achieved?
I am waiting to get my RS Classic guitar from Steve Turpin (in about 7 more weeks!) and I want to be ready to plug it in when I get it.  I have only
seen photos of the tremolo thus far, but it looks beautiful.  Next on my list is a new Vox amp and a set of earplugs (to drown out the
sound of my wife yelling at me for spending so much cash!).

As always, thanks for the help and for the great information.

Joe
 
 

Dear Joe,
Thankyou for your questions.
It is all a case of which period of Brian's sound you like! In my opinion I would go for the Treble Booster. Listening to the track
before, answering your question, his sound on "A Night At The Opera" is has a more refined feel to it. The previous albums sounded a lot more raw.
I have tried out both of the pedals and I found the Ringmaster very reminiscent of the early Queen albums. The treble booster sounder
sweeter and more refined. It may be an idea to discuss what you are looking for with Greg Fryer if you
do decide to buy one of his pedals. That way you will get all the information you need to choose.
The Deacy amp is a different thing altogether! Basically the Deacy amp is used by Brian to create lots of different sounds and textures. The "horn"
sound is one of the many sounds he has created using the Deacy amp. I have played through the Deacy amp and it is an amazing amplifier! It is used to
create all those little guitar sounds and orchestrations that appear on lots of Queen and Brian May albums. I would say the most notable use of the Deacy
amp would be the "Good Company" song on "A Night At The Opera". There he created an amazing variety of sounds.
Please let me know your thoughts on the new guitar you have ordered. I would´ be very interested to know what it is like. I hope buying the AC30 will not
do too much damage to your ears!

Regards,
Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Marcio Sanches (Brazil):

Hello i love the sound of Brian May !
I am very happy with this site , my congratulations to Greg and Mark .
Ok,  I have one Guild 1994 BHM , one treble boost Pete Cornish 1998 and one vox ac30 red .
My question is , how the diference between the Cornish treble boost and  Fryer treble boost ?
I want buy one Greg Fryer treble boost  but i live in Brazil , one friend my is there in sidney australia and he is buy to me .
Some day one day !
All the best , and i wait reply .

Marcio Sanches
 
 

Dear Marcio,
Thankyou for your E-mail and your kind words regarding  www.brianmayworld.com and the Red Special information. It is gratefully received.
To answer your question; the difference between the Cornish Treble Booster and the Greg Fryer Treble Booster is the noise ("Hiss").
I have played through both of the pedals and Greg Fryer's model is a lot quieter. There is also a little more warmth in the sound.
The Cornish model, that I played through, was one of the 1980's versions that Brian used until Greg Fryer produced his modified model.
I am not too sure what the differences are between the 1980's model and the 1990's model of the Cornish pedal. Pete Cornish may have modified his own
pedal to be quieter. The Cornish pedal is the one that Brian has used since the 1970's until his recent meetings with Greg Fryer.
I own one of the Fryer Treble Boosters and they are great. Maybe if you contact Greg Fryer, on the address shown on www.brianmayworld.com, he may have
compared his model with the more recent Cornish model and will be able to tell you what the differences are, if there are any at all.

Regards,
Mark Reynolds
 


 

Joe Millo (USA):

A few weeks ago you mentioned that B. May is in discussions to release another version of the Red Special.
Do you know what the timeframe is on this? Could it happen in 2001?  Also, I stumbled upon the RSGUITARS web
site.  They sell a copy of the RS that is created using most of the technical info about the guitar that can be found on the web.
Are you familiar with these guitars?  The price for the RS is $2,500.  I have no problem paying that amount if the guitar
duplicates the tone of the RS.  Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks for your help.
Joe
 
 

Dear Joe,

Thankyou for your question.
There have been no final decisions on the new Red Special replica as of yet.
I hope to be in contact with Greg Fryer shortly, so I will ask the question. I would imagine that a decision will be made in the new year.
I have not played or heard one of the Red Specials made by RS Guitars. You might like to contact Steve Turpin of RS Guitars
and see if he can offer you any information about the sound and construction of these guitars. That way you will be able to determine if it is
what you are looking for.
His E-Mail address is: stevet@rsguitars.com

Regards,
Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Chris Logan (Northern Ireland):

I would like to know if there are any plans to release the Brian May effects pedals such as the
treble booster in the UK. I am interested in buying one but not over the internet.
Also I heard rumours about releasing replicas of the red special so is there any truth in this.
If the effect pedal designs are not going to be available is there anyway I could get hold of the
schematics so as I can make one as part of me A Level in design technology, as I have
already made a guitar and it would be nice to keep in with the same theme.

Thanks, hoping to hear from you soon.
Chris Logan
 
 

Dear Chris,

                  The pedals are available for general sale but not from within the UK, yet!
You will have to contact Greg Fryer direct and order from him (his address address can be found here) :

Greg will be able to advise you of the total cost including shipping.
The three pedals that are reviewed on www.brianmayworld.com are the ones currently available.
Yes, there are plans, currently underway, to produce a new replica of the Red Special.
Nothing has been finalised as, of yet, but as soon as I know anything it will be posted.

Regards, Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Ms Amorikawa:

I currently own a Guild Brian May Signature Pro Guitar.  The Guild has Duncan Trisonics.
Can you explain the differences between the Duncan  Trisonics, stock Kent Armstrong Burns Trisonics,
and the Fryer modified Kent Armstrong Trisonics?
I am looking to purchase pickups only if they will add to the tone of the Guild.  Thanks!
 

Dear Ms Amorikawa ,

I recently had the chance to compare a Guild Brian May fitted with the Duncan Tri-Sonics to my own Red
Special replica fitted with Kent Armstrong Tri-Sonics. The noticeable difference was that the Duncan pick-ups
sounded a lot heavier. They were not too clean when the guitar was turned down either.
The Armstrong Tri-Sonics were slightly cleaner sounding but still had power.
They were also a lot cleaner at low volume. You could lose the distortion for quieter moments.
Greg Fryers modified Armstrong Tri-Sonics are different again. They were purposely designed to replicate Brian's original Tri-Sonics. He has wound them to the same resistance values as the originals and also fitted magnets
to replicate the aged ones in Brian's. He also changed the former inside the pick-ups. He has also done a few "secret" alterations to them to make them less microphonic!
I have been very lucky to be able to compare my own Kent Armstrong Tri-Sonics to Greg's modified ones.
Although the Armstrong ones sound very good, Greg's ones are certainly closer to the originals. Overall I am happy
with my own ones.

Regards, Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Must Have Match:

I have a Guild Brian May Signature Guitar. How close is the tone of the Seymour Duncan Trisonics pickups
to that of the Burns Trisonic pickups that you have customized to Brian's specs?  Can you describe the differences?
Thank you!
 

Dear MustHaveMatch!,

Thank you for your question.
The Seymour Duncan Tri-Sonics, that are fitted to the Guild replicas, tend to have a little more power output.
The three pick-up's are of similar resistance values. Slightly higher in value than the originals.
Brian's original Tri-Sonics have varying resistance values and also are lower in value to the Seymour Duncan ones.
Greg Fryer used the Kent Armstrong Burns Tri-Sonic pick-up's and modified them.
He re-wound them to match the original values. The plastic formers were changed.
He also changed the magnets to mimic the originals aged ones.
They were then waxed to reduce microphonics. These were made after extensive research by Greg.
I have been very fortunate to try out Greg Fryer's replicas through Brian's AC30's with the Treble Booster.
His pick-up's were extremely close to Brian's originals. So close that Brian found it very hard to tell the
difference between the replicas and his own!

Regards, Mark Reynolds
 


 

Scott Humphrey (USA):

I'm just finishing up building my version of a Red Special type of guitar.
I know that the value of the volume and tone pots are 220k, but what is the correct value of the capacitor
on the tone pot? Your help is appreciated.
   Also, thanks for posting all this information regarding the guitar on the web. I would have never known
the details of the Red Special, and I would not have taken the time to build my own guitar otherwise.
Sincerely, Scott
 

Dear Scott,
                  There is no problem with answering your question!
You are correct in thinking that the Tone/Volume pots are 220K LOG B. The capacitor value is 0.022uF. I have used the Mylar type. I see no reason why you can't use a Ceramic Disc type also! Good luck!
Regards, Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Joe Millo (USA):

Fantastic web page!  I am now in the market for a Guild BM model, but am leary about buying a
guitar (especially one that can reach $3,000 USD at auction) over the internet.  I read your response to Shannon's question in which you mentioned that another guitar maker is in the process of making a Brian May model.
Is Brian a part of the creation process or will this new model be another "attempt" at achieving his awesome sound?   Also, will the guitar be released in the near future?

The reason I ask is that I am watching an ebay auction for a 90's Guild version of the Red Special (the price starts at $2,250 UDS).  While I have no problem paying that much to win the guitar, I wouldn't mind waiting a
while for a new model to be available.

I would appreciate any help that you can provide.  I have been saving to purchase a Guild version for a long time.  Thus, I want to be sure that I end up with the best representation of the Red Special.

Thanks!!  Joe
 

Dear Joe,
The Guild replica's are quite rare now. (As you may well know.) There are plans to release a new Red Special replica
in the near future. I have been told that it will be a close copy. Hopefully the price will be more affordable. There are
negotiations going on at the moment with a UK guitar company with involvement from Brian. As soon as I know
for sure which company is going to be building them, I will let you all know via www.brianmayworld.com
with as much information as is available.
It may well be worth holding out until the new model is announced, that way you can try one out before deciding which
version of the Red Special is the most suitable one for you. You could always try making your own!
Regards, Mark Reynolds.
 


 

Shannon "Toast" Butler (USA):

I would like to know if Guild is still selling the Brian May guitars? Or If I can find a Brian May guitar anywhere?
Thanks, Shannon
 

Dear Shannon,
                      As far as I can tell, Guild are no longer producing the Brian May guitars.
They sometimes come up on E-Bay for auction. (www.ebay.com) There is a Guild one for sale on there at the moment.
It is the earlier Guild model from the early 80's with the Khaler tremolo. To view it go to this address http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=489241787
The bids are up to $1075.00 so far.

The other thing to do would be to check out the ads in the guitar magazines as they sometimes appear for private sale or even in the lists from guitar shops who advertise in the magazine.You might want to hold out because there is a new Brian May replica in the process of being produced by another guitar maker. www.brianmayworld.com will keep you informed.
Good luck, Mark Reynolds.