What was the name of Brian May’s homemade guitar used by Queen?

Brian May’s homemade Queen guitar was called the Red Special.

May built the instrument with his father, Harold May, during the 1960s. The guitar was made largely from materials available to them, including wood from an old fireplace and parts assembled or adapted by hand. Its reddish-brown finish led to the name Red Special.

May used the instrument throughout Queen’s career, both in the studio and onstage. He also paired it with a sixpence coin as a pick, contributing to his distinctive guitar tone and playing style. The guitar’s design and electronics became closely identified with Queen’s sound.

The Red Special is not a standard commercial model originally chosen from a shop. Although replicas and signature versions have since been produced, the original instrument remains the guitar most strongly associated with May.