The Red Special is a legendary guitar known for its distinctive and iconic tone, as famously wielded by Queen’s Brian May. If you’re a Stratocaster enthusiast and aspire to capture the unique and soaring sound of the Red Special, this comprehensive article will guide you through the steps to achieve that sonic signature. While it’s impossible to replicate the Red Special’s exact tone, you can get remarkably close with the right setup and techniques.
Understanding the Red Special Sound
Before diving into the steps to achieve the Red Special sound, it’s essential to understand the key elements that contribute to its unique tonal characteristics:
- Tri-Sonic Pickups: The Red Special features Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, which are single-coil pickups known for their bright and clear sound with a unique midrange presence.
- Unique Wiring: The Red Special’s wiring is complex and includes phase switches, individual pickup on/off switches, and series/parallel options, providing Brian May with a wide range of tonal choices.
- Mahogany Body and Neck: The Red Special’s body and neck are made of mahogany, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone.
- Sustaining Tremolo: The Red Special features a custom-made tremolo system designed by Brian May himself, which aids in achieving his signature sustained notes.
Steps to Make Your Strat Sound Like the Red Special
While it’s challenging to replicate the Red Special’s exact sound with a Stratocaster, here are steps to get you closer to that iconic tone:
- Select the Right Stratocaster:
- While the Red Special is a custom-built guitar, you can choose a Stratocaster model that closely resembles its features, such as a mahogany body or similar pickup configuration.
- Upgrade Your Pickups:
- Consider installing Burns Tri-Sonic-style pickups in your Stratocaster. These will get you closer to the bright and clear sound of the Red Special.
- Modify Your Wiring:
- You can modify your Strat’s wiring to achieve some of the Red Special’s tonal versatility. Options include installing a phase switch, adding individual pickup on/off switches, or even exploring series/parallel wiring.
- Experiment with Pickup Height:
- Adjust the height of your pickups to fine-tune your guitar’s tonal balance. Experimenting with pickup height can help you achieve the unique midrange presence of the Red Special.
- Use an Edge Tremolo System:
- To emulate Brian May’s sustaining tremolo, consider using a tremolo system like the Floyd Rose or similar models known for their excellent sustain.
- Experiment with Amplification:
- Brian May famously used Vox AC30 amplifiers, which contributed to his signature sound. Experiment with different amplifiers and settings to find a tone reminiscent of his Red Special.
- Master the Use of Your Tone Knob:
- Brian May used the tone knob on his guitar extensively to shape his sound. Experiment with your Strat’s tone knob to find the right balance of brightness and warmth.
- Develop Brian May’s Playing Techniques:
- Brian May’s playing style, characterized by the use of a coin (a British sixpence) as a pick and his unique fingerpicking techniques, played a significant role in his tone. Study his playing style and techniques to get closer to his sound.
- Explore Effects Pedals:
- Brian May used a treble booster pedal to push his amplifier and achieve his signature overdriven sound. You can experiment with treble boosters and other effects pedals to achieve a similar tone.
Conclusion
While replicating the exact sound of the Red Special with a Stratocaster is a challenging endeavor, it’s certainly possible to capture the essence of Brian May’s iconic tone. By selecting the right Stratocaster, upgrading pickups, modifying your wiring, experimenting with amplification and effects, and mastering Brian May’s playing techniques, you can craft a tonescape that evokes the spirit of the Red Special. Remember that your unique touch and musicality will play a significant role in shaping your sound, so embrace the journey of discovering your own Red Special-inspired tone.
