How to Nail the Brian May Amp Setup for That Queen Tone

Instruments Guitar and Bass
21

I think you also need to experiment with your amp’s reverb settings. A touch of spring reverb can replicate some of the live sound effects he had on stage.

22

That’s true! But I personally feel like it can drown out the other effects if overused.

23

Is anyone using a specific guitar for this sound? I feel like a lot of it comes from the Red Special, and it’s hard to replicate without it.

24

Great point! While the Red Special is unique, any guitar with good humbuckers can come close if you set it up correctly.

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25

Don’t forget that Brian often used a treble booster, like a Dallas Rangemaster, which adds that magical bite to the tone!

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And the way he plays is just as important! He puts so much emotion into his music—it’s inspiration for all guitarists!

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To really capture Brian May’s tone, consider using a Red Special-style guitar. The combination of single-coil pickups and the right amp settings makes a huge difference.

28

Absolutely! Don’t forget about the use of his custom-built amplifiers, especially the Vox AC30. They really add that unique warmth.

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29

For those wanting to emulate that sound in a more accessible way, a good pedal can work wonders. Try a treble booster early in your signal chain!

30

Great point! Also, don’t underestimate the importance of speaker cab placement. It really affects the tone you’ll get.

31

What about wiring configurations? How critical are they in nailing that May sound? I’ve tried a few different setups but can’t seem to get it right.

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32

Wiring is super important! I read somewhere that Brian used series wiring on his pickups to boost the output.

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33

So, speaker choices matter, right? Are there specific models that you guys recommend for replicating that signature Queen sound?

34

Definitely! Celestion speakers are a solid choice. The Vintage 30s can get pretty close to what Brian uses.

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35

Voice your sound with effects! Don’t forget May’s signature delay and chorus effects. They create that lush and expansive sound we love.

36

Yes! Choosing the right delay settings can be tricky though. I’m curious what works best for your rigs.

37

I might be overthinking this, but can we really replicate Brian’s sound or is it just unattainable? It feels more like magic at times!

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38

Haha! We might not replicate it exactly, but with the right gear and practice, you can get pretty close. It’s all about experimentation.

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