Only 100 of these stellar guitars will be handcrafted by the artisans of the Gibson Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana
Continuing its epic rollout of fine Super Jumbo acoustic guitars, Gibson Custom has launched the Brian May SJ-200 12-String acoustic guitar in collaboration with Sir Brian May. With cosmic visual flair, this instrument features a planetary-themed pickguard designed by the legendary Queen guitarist and astrophysicist, with complementary agoya shell eight-point star inlays continuing the astronomy motif.
The planet Mercury is depicted within the pickguard art, a nod to the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury. The additional strings are mounted in reverse order compared to a standard 12-string, with the thicker strings at the top, followed by the octave strings beneath, giving it a distinctive sound that’s unlike other Gibson 12-string acoustic models.
Only 100 of these exceptional instruments have been handcrafted by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana. It’s an instrument that is worthy of a guitarist who not only became a star but who continues to study them avidly.
Sir Brian May put aside his PhD studies to become the legendary lead guitarist of Queen. After decades of worldwide fame with his distinctive sound and celebrated guitar work, he finished his dissertation and received a doctorate in astrophysics in 2007. The Brian May SJ-200 12-String honors Sir Brian’s contribution to rock music and his deep passion for astronomy.
Recalling the former tension between wanting to pursue astronomy and music simultaneously, Sir Brian May says, “I do believe that the best science is done artistically with an artistic insight, and the best art is done with a knowledge of the universe. I feel that they’re interlinked and should never have been separated. I feel like I’ve worked all my life to try and bring that about, and I’ve been fortunate to be able to get to the point where I can do that. I see art as a science, and I see science as a kind of art.”
The Gibson SJ-200 in 12-string form is a rare instrument, and this one is particularly special. It features an AAA rosewood back and sides, an AAA Sitka spruce top with a Vintage Sunburst finish, and a two-piece AAA maple neck with a Rounded profile, a walnut stringer, and a rosewood fretboard.
Image: The instrument’s unique planetary-themed pickguard was designed by Sir Brian May
The headstock features an eight-point agoya shell star inlay, along with the Gibson logo in mother-of-pearl and gold Grover® Mini Rotomatic® tuning machines. The Moustache™ bridge is solid rosewood with four 60s-style agoya inlays. Fishman® Matrix® electronics make this guitar stage and studio-ready from the moment you take it out of the included hardshell case.
“As a trailblazing sound pioneer, trendsetter, and one of the most influential musicians of all time, it’s an absolute privilege to be collaborating with Sir Brian May,” says Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson. “Brian’s impact on music and culture is second to none and was a transformational influence on my personal music journey. We are deeply honored that Brian has trusted Gibson with this SJ-200 12-String guitar, and we are excited to finally bring it to music lovers around the world. Thank you, Brian.”
Image: The pickguard also features a nod to the late Freddie Mercury
On the origin of the guitar, Sir Brian May adds, “The idea for this guitar came when I needed a 12-string on tour, and the one I was accustomed to wasn’t performing right on stage. The guys at Gibson very kindly said, ‘We’ll make you something special that you can use on the tours.’ One of the things I asked for was for the octaves to be placed around the other way from where it is normally done because I like to pick upwards and hear the top notes when I’m playing.
“I like to hear the high octave coming through as then I can play tunes on it. If you look at this guitar, the beauty of it, and the beauty of the sound, and look at the science in this guitar, look how much technology and craftsmanship have gone into this guitar. Gibson was able to put the universe on it in a figurative way, and the planet Mercury is here, and that is a little nod to a friend of mine that is always with me.”
Last fall, Queen released the Queen I Collector’s Edition box set, which includes the group’s groundbreaking eponymous 1973 debut album remixed, remastered, and expanded in a six CD and one LP box set. To order the box set, visit the official Queen website.
Put some chord progressions and melodies into orbit with the stellar Brian May SJ-200 12-String guitar.
