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The original Red Special, the 'Ruby' special and the 'Rosewood' special.

12/10/2016

7 Comments

 

Red Special refurbishment video

First of all, apologies about the delayed release of Brian May's Red Special refurbishment video. Seeing as this is a once in a lifetime chance, we've had a bit of a rethink, and Brian has agreed to help with a few facts and figures. The video series will probably be a series of four or five ten minute videos, and will document the whole process from disassembly to final polish. We're hoping to get the first instalment uploaded in the next couple of weeks....but please bear with us, we're terribly busy!

The Ruby special

Many of you will have heard of electronics wiz Nigel Knight. Nigel is responsible for Brian's boosters, stage switching and also  upkeep/upgrades of the original Red Special's electronics. A while ago, Nigel commissioned a luxury version of the Red Special. This included heavily figured Bubinga veneer, gold plated hardware, gold frets, gold fretboard inlays and of course, gold Optima strings. Other special requests were an Ebony fingerboard, gold toggle switches in place of the regular white slider switches and a slimmer (60's Gibson) neck. Last but not least, what gives the Ruby special it's name, a pair of Rubys set into the volume and tone knobs in place of the regular red indent. Will and I have filmed a short promo video on the guitar....see below. A full picture gallery will be on the website shortly.

The Rosewood special

Built as a one off for a serial Guyton guitar owner in the US. This guitar is a version of the limited edition Guyton 'Badger' guitar. This guitar features a carved Indian Rosewood top on an African Mahogany body. The neck is Indian Rosewood with an Ebony fingerboard bound in Indian Rosewood. The fingerboard inlays are Sterling silver with Ivoroid centres to match the body binding. Again, we've shot a small promotional video (see below), with a photo gallery coming very soon.
7 Comments
Pete
12/10/2016 20:32:56

Shoddy

Reply
Matt
12/10/2016 22:38:59

Not hugely convinced by the arch top but wow! That Ruby Special is nothing short of artwork! It's beautiful!!


Drop me an email and I'll tell you where to ship it to ok 👍cheers!

Reply
Chtis
14/10/2016 18:06:39

Stunning!

Reply
Joolzb
19/11/2016 15:51:04

What would one of those beauties set me back (ballpark)?

Reply
joolzb
19/11/2016 15:52:50

BM Archtop II

Reply
ben chris link
29/1/2019 05:31:27

Very well written and informative. Thanks for this share.

Reply
New Mexico Cleaning Service link
13/2/2023 13:18:47

Hi great reading yyour blog

Reply



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    Andrew Guyton, luthier, car nut and part time photographer.

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