I can't find proper words to express how much I admire this man's creativity and dedication. How amazing is that: the most enduring pieces of rock music are played by a guitar, which was made out of knitting needles and bike springs.
The best guitarist in the world. And not just based on his guitar playing and song writing though he is genius. But him as a good hearted person and how smart and incredibly intelligent he is.
What he did with his Dad all those years ago was pretty incredible. He designed it to be able to turn on or off any pickup in or out of phase. Such control. Most modern guitars don't have such control. And his trem system is genius. Rolling tuners is a very common upgrade today. Truly a work of art. Brian May, DIY God.
Not enough space on TH-cam for me to type all the great things I can say about this man. He LITERALLY changed my life. The MOMENT i heard "We Will Rock You" I KNEW that's what I want to do for the rest of my life - play guitar. And I am doing it, and I'll do it til the day I die. I have a beautiful letter from Brian himself complimenting me on my playing. No matter what else happens in my life, it is complete and full-circle thanks to this wonderful musician. I thank God for Brian May.
Every time I see him talk about this axe..his love for his father shines through..He was a lucky guy in more ways than one..im sure he would agree..a great story...Thanks
Thinking that Brian might find it a crime that she'd never get played again if she was in a museum, and that she really does belong with him in the afterlife - like a warrior being buried with his sword and shield. Who knows - he might need her again. They are really an extension and a part of each other.
Had to be the greatest project with your father building such an instrument. All the unique parts that were drafted in a now known monster ax. The phasing switches were genius at that time. Think of peter green to gary moore reversing the neck humbucker for good reason.
I totally agree with Brian when he says "guitar playing isn't a competition!" I also just do it for fun, and because I have a passion for the instrument :)
It's interesting hearing how his guitar was made by him and his father, we all knew that it was made by them, but not how. I have always admired Brian May, not as the great lead-player (which he of course is), but as the great rhythm-player. There's probably no rhythm player as interesting anywhere else, just listen to the old queen albums. Lots of respect to the dude, both for his lead and rhythm playing and for his building-skills.
The amazing ingenuity of this man, and his reasoning behind making the instrument. . . and his genuineness. . . it's beautiful. When talked about how he wanted his guitar to be alive and talk with the air, I honestly felt like crying tears of joy. And he's got a good sense of humor, to boot.
I love his tone. I've never heard another guitarist with a better sound. He doesn't play fast, but in some songs you know he's bloody well capable of it! His solos match the songs amazingly, and it's great that he can make a show stopping solo without having to play as fast as lightning. P.S I'm not saying he's the best, as this is only my opinion, and everyone is entitled to one.
This is my favourite quote: we don't compete with each other. He is not just a unique player but a uniquely intelligent person as well. It is an honor to listen when he speaks or plays.
For a guitar built so long ago by someone with no Luthiery skills is amazing. The fact that it's been a professional instrument for almost 50yrs, making a unique instantly recognized sound is even more amazing. It's shape is so unique. EVH built his guitar out of bits he scavenged, but nothing like this. Brian Mays mass produced guitars are extremely well made & affordable. Quite a feat & very generous of him.
Even now, that is undoubtedly the most precious, unique and important guitars in the history of Rock and Roll. I am sure when Mr. May passes on if it is not buried with him it will be a centerpiece in a museum.
Just an absolute class act guy. Brian May is truly one of the most clever people on the planet. And definitely one of the finest guitarist to ever pick up the instrument. It's not often some ones playing can be recognized with just one note. That happens when you hear him.
I can't afford an electric guitar even though I would very much like to own one and watching this I now feel inspired to go make my own electric guitar. I suppose it would take a huge amount of skill and expertise in electronics and whatnot, but I have to admit the idea has formed in my head and it won't go away. Thank you, Dr Brian May.
I always did like Brians guitar playing, but my respect for him has just soared watching this, home made guitar? I never knew...and what a nice bloke! I once had the pleasure to work with his wife, making a movie.
I met Brian four or five years ago and spent the day with him filming a documentary about Bohemian Rhapsody. He'd been my hero since my teens and I'd memorised every single note of his truly superb solos. As you'd expect, as a humble soundman, I worked harder than ever to ensure the finest job I could do for such a landmark musical moment (at least in my life). Sadly tho' Brian decided I was taking too long, and so spoke to me as if I were something unsavoury on his shoe. Nice guy...
Brian is a god! not only because he is awesome guitar player, but because he has a stage presense like no one else. And he is such a calm down to earth person i would love to meet him sometime :)
@TheXXXDB It's the Tri-Sonic pick-ups that Brian and his dad got from an old Burns guitar that are wired in series, with the middle being reverse wound because Brian wanted the pick-ups to feedback into each other to give a fuller and stronger sound and tone, that's why the body of the guitar is hollowed out in the same was as a Gibson 335 Semi-acoustic, but without the soundholes in the oak top. On top of that, Brian still uses the same original VOX AC30 amps that he used in Queen.
I wish all the people on youtube or just in the music community in general felt that music is not a competition. I've always thought it is something to be shared and enjoyed. Not to try to elevate yourself over someone else. Pull them up with you!
It's the same live version of DRIVEN BY YOU, with the legendary Cozy Powell on drums (R.I.P.). You can find it here on youtube under the heading "BRIAN MAY: Driven By You" - there are many versions, but you'll find THAT version if you look for THAT combination of caps and lowers in the title.
I can't find proper words to express how much I admire this man's creativity and dedication. How amazing is that: the most enduring pieces of rock music are played by a guitar, which was made out of knitting needles and bike springs.
This guitar is not just a simple musical instrument: it is a love proof, by his father, and talent, by Mr. May.
The best guitarist in the world. And not just based on his guitar playing and song writing though he is genius. But him as a good hearted person and how smart and incredibly intelligent he is.
"It's the nice thing about guitar players, I don't find that anybody feels very competitive"
...and then along came TH-cam.
Dan Harris
Just what I was thinking….
Um, no
can't be sold in an auction because it's priceless. it belongs in a museum.
opsimathics nah it belongs with the may family
Yes!!!
Museums are for dead shit. That guitar will live forever.
Brian would sooner give it to someone who would actually play it, not a museum.
Such a likeable man, him and his dad are such geniuses for creating such a great instrument.
What he did with his Dad all those years ago was pretty incredible. He designed it to be able to turn on or off any pickup in or out of phase. Such control. Most modern guitars don't have such control. And his trem system is genius. Rolling tuners is a very common upgrade today. Truly a work of art. Brian May, DIY God.
best hand made guitar ever
not even by a long shot, if anything it's just proof that the guitar doesn't make the player, though.
+iamrichlol Explain how it isn't!
Most famous.
It definitely was ahead of its time.
It certainly made him a very Wealthy man..
Would he be as profligate if he had bought a Hofner or Burns in 1963?
"Yeah I sleep with this-- never mind" lol
No way
Not enough space on TH-cam for me to type all the great things I can say about this man. He LITERALLY changed my life.
The MOMENT i heard "We Will Rock You" I KNEW that's what I want to do for the rest of my life - play guitar. And I am doing it, and I'll do it til the day I die.
I have a beautiful letter from Brian himself complimenting me on my playing. No matter what else happens in my life, it is complete and full-circle thanks to this wonderful musician. I thank God for Brian May.
I'm 11 and look up to him but this has made me like him so much more this is a beautiful story I really want to be a musician
I hope you achieve your dream. You have a great role model in Brian May.
@@jedbevdis66 I agree.
Are you a musician yet? :o
I never tire of Brian talking about the Red Special.
And I can barely figure out how to put new batteries in the remote
Holy shit...he's brilliant
Brian + Red Special = True Love
R E better love story than twilight
I admire Brian May so much... He's just AMAZING. Brian May and Alex Lifeson are the most impressive and heart melting guitarists (FOR ME). ❤🔥
Every time I see him talk about this axe..his love for his father shines through..He was a lucky guy in more ways than one..im sure he would agree..a great story...Thanks
The man is a genius. Thank the Lord (and his folks) for giving us Brian May.
Almost certainly the most valuable guitar in the world if it ever sold at auction.
When he passes (hopefully not soon) they should either give it to his family or a museum but if they do put it in display it better be a big one haha
Yes , either give it to his family or bury him with it it's kinda seems wrong to sell it at auction
Thinking that Brian might find it a crime that she'd never get played again if she was in a museum, and that she really does belong with him in the afterlife - like a warrior being buried with his sword and shield. Who knows - he might need her again. They are really an extension and a part of each other.
Brian May, a legend
For me he is just a legend and truly amazing guitarist.
Thats amazing. The relationship to his guitar must be deeper than a father-son relationship.
being able play and being able to build are two separate and complementary skills. It's great to see them combined so well.
you love the sound of the guitar. we love the sound you make with the guitar. RIP Freddie.
1999
1992 was the best year for Brian May
"I'm still a kid." - Brian May at 40 years old.
Of course You are😭 love you
Had to be the greatest project with your father building such an instrument. All the unique parts that were drafted in a now known monster ax. The phasing switches were genius at that time. Think of peter green to gary moore reversing the neck humbucker for good reason.
Happy Bday Brian. Great Guitarist, Great Mind, Unique sound and style.
I totally agree with Brian when he says "guitar playing isn't a competition!" I also just do it for fun, and because I have a passion for the instrument :)
Thanks for posting!
It's interesting hearing how his guitar was made by him and his father, we all knew that it was made by them, but not how.
I have always admired Brian May, not as the great lead-player (which he of course is), but as the great rhythm-player. There's probably no rhythm player as interesting anywhere else, just listen to the old queen albums.
Lots of respect to the dude, both for his lead and rhythm playing and for his building-skills.
I don't build guitars, but I know that feeling when I sew my own shirts and I wear them. It's a whole different level.
What a great video. Loved to watch it. Brian has a refreshing honesty and decency. Rock !!!
I have had the honer to meet Dr. May, and he is such a kind man
He sounds SOOOO british, I love him!
what a great interview thanks for posting
Brian's version of "Too Much Love Will Kill You" from his solo album "Back To The Light". That guitar solo in the middle is truely beautiful.
oh Brian May, you are truly amazing
Dear Brian May,
I can't even wrap my mind around how brillaint and talented you are! You are my guitar hero and so much more!
Thanks for the vid.
The amazing ingenuity of this man, and his reasoning behind making the instrument. . . and his genuineness. . . it's beautiful. When talked about how he wanted his guitar to be alive and talk with the air, I honestly felt like crying tears of joy. And he's got a good sense of humor, to boot.
I love his tone. I've never heard another guitarist with a better sound. He doesn't play fast, but in some songs you know he's bloody well capable of it! His solos match the songs amazingly, and it's great that he can make a show stopping solo without having to play as fast as lightning.
P.S I'm not saying he's the best, as this is only my opinion, and everyone is entitled to one.
Yay, that was so cool, thanks for posting!! A++++
This is my favourite quote: we don't compete with each other.
He is not just a unique player but a uniquely intelligent person as well. It is an honor to listen when he speaks or plays.
This video has helped complete a section of my Queen fandom. I feel more complete as a Queen fan now :D Thanks for posting this!
For a guitar built so long ago by someone with no Luthiery skills is amazing. The fact that it's been a professional instrument for almost 50yrs, making a unique instantly recognized sound is even more amazing. It's shape is so unique. EVH built his guitar out of bits he scavenged, but nothing like this. Brian Mays mass produced guitars are extremely well made & affordable. Quite a feat & very generous of him.
Even now, that is undoubtedly the most precious, unique and important guitars in the history of Rock and Roll. I am sure when Mr. May passes on if it is not buried with him it will be a centerpiece in a museum.
I love that this wonderful man is so humble. What a beautiful, talented, amazing person. And he kicks ASS on the guitar!!!!!
owh I love this sooo much, love the story, love the output of that nice guitar, love you Briand may you are HERO!
Just an absolute class act guy. Brian May is truly one of the most clever people on the planet. And definitely one of the finest guitarist to ever pick up the instrument. It's not often some ones playing can be recognized with just one note. That happens when you hear him.
Brian May is the most down to earth talented rock star ever,the bloked a fucking legend!
I can't afford an electric guitar even though I would very much like to own one and watching this I now feel inspired to go make my own electric guitar. I suppose it would take a huge amount of skill and expertise in electronics and whatnot, but I have to admit the idea has formed in my head and it won't go away. Thank you, Dr Brian May.
thank you kindly, friend.
Dr. Brian May, Always!! 💖💖
Happy Birthday from Brazil!
Perfect guitar .
Intelligent, a true artist, a genius and very humble. Salute.
Brian's dad sounds like an awesome dude, Brian sure was lucky in that respect.
My idol!!!! I love you Bri!
THE LEGEND
Damn his dad sounds like a real genius
omg. this i legendary. he got his guitar when he was 8 and now he still plays it. 0.0
may's guitar sound is unmistakable
we all enjoy the sound and we enjoy each others' playing!
so true :)
so humble, i love it
issac newton?
Does look like him, doesn't he?
@@priestfan81 and Brian May is an Astrophysicist too :v Maybe :v
"Driven by you" and that clip is form a concert in sevilla in 1992 called "guitar legends", really cool!
Brian May is a great person, I'd love to meet him
Great story. Thank you Bryan for all your magic solos!
I always did like Brians guitar playing, but my respect for him has just soared watching this, home made guitar? I never knew...and what a nice bloke!
I once had the pleasure to work with his wife, making a movie.
brian may is one of the greats and a legend.
I met Brian four or five years ago and spent the day with him filming a documentary about Bohemian Rhapsody. He'd been my hero since my teens and I'd memorised every single note of his truly superb solos. As you'd expect, as a humble soundman, I worked harder than ever to ensure the finest job I could do for such a landmark musical moment (at least in my life). Sadly tho' Brian decided I was taking too long, and so spoke to me as if I were something unsavoury on his shoe. Nice guy...
Brian is down to earth. I Like him very much.
What?! I knew he dad that same guitar for years, but didn't know he had made the thing. Jeez. That's just way too cool.
"driven by you" at the expo '92 :)
i wish they would reliese that gig on a cleaned up dvd-its fantastic
I'd love to see another guitar with such cool history.
9 people accidentally must have hit the dislike button....there is nothing to NOT like about this amazing man. Long live Dr. Brian May! :-)
Humble genious.... love him !
Brian is a god! not only because he is awesome guitar player, but because he has a stage presense like no one else. And he is such a calm down to earth person i would love to meet him sometime :)
thats an amazingly good video!!!
Brian is truly 1 of a kind! His guitar needless to say the most. All made from scratch. Can not put a price on that PERIOD!
"We enjoy the sound and we enjoy each other's playing" very well put Dr. May......
@TheXXXDB
It's the Tri-Sonic pick-ups that Brian and his dad got from an old Burns guitar that are wired in series, with the middle being reverse wound because Brian wanted the pick-ups to feedback into each other to give a fuller and stronger sound and tone, that's why the body of the guitar is hollowed out in the same was as a Gibson 335 Semi-acoustic, but without the soundholes in the oak top.
On top of that, Brian still uses the same original VOX AC30 amps that he used in Queen.
this guy is just one of the reasons i started playing
he is soo amazingly good
That is so incredibly cool that he made that with his dad. I didn't know that.
I adore him! He's the most wonderful irresistable guitarist on the planet!
I wish all the people on youtube or just in the music community in general felt that music is not a competition. I've always thought it is something to be shared and enjoyed. Not to try to elevate yourself over someone else. Pull them up with you!
Brian was one of those guitarist with a distinctive sound
I have to say, it's wonderful.
Never heard it before, must be one of the songs on his album...
The Red Special! He built it himself with his dad when he was a teenager! He's Awesome!
A great person, an awesome guitar, an awesome astronomy doctor and the guitarman of the best band ever!
A LEGEND
Happy Birthday, Brian May!!
I bet it is also because this Guitar will remember him always of his Childhood and his Dad with whom he build this together. Valuable Memories.
It's the same live version of DRIVEN BY YOU, with the legendary Cozy Powell on drums (R.I.P.). You can find it here on youtube under the heading "BRIAN MAY: Driven By You" - there are many versions, but you'll find THAT version if you look for THAT combination of caps and lowers in the title.
he is just as awesome now as he was then.
MY KINGDOM FOR BRIAN MAY'S HAIR!
Well of course he doesn't feel in a competition, HE IS BRIAN MAY.
brian may and queen are awsome
That is a magnificent guitar
Sir Brian May - the greatest guitarist!
GENIUS!!