Brian May Guitars Debuts New Arielle Signature Model

Brian May Guitars Arielle
(Image credit: Brian May Guitars)

Brian May Guitars has teamed up with Texas singer/songwriter Arielle to produce a new signature guitar.

The first non-Red Special model ever made by the Queen guitarist's company, the Arielle model features a Korina/Limba body, a one-piece mahogany neck with 24 frets, and a 24-inch scale length, same as the Red Special.

Sonically, the guitar's outfitted with May's Tri-Sonic single-coil pickups and the same phase-switching system found on the Red Special. The six-switch system allows each pickup to be engaged and have its phase reversed independently. Additionally, the guitar's outfitted with your usual master volume and tone controls.

Elsewhere, the Arielle signature model features a Wilkinson two-point tremolo – with six individual saddles – and Grover 406 Series Mini Locking Rotomatic tuners.

Arielle with her new Brian May Guitars signature model

(Image credit: Caitlin Brady)

“This is the very first guitar that Brian May Guitars has ever offered that is not based on my original Red Special," May said. "Designed by, and named after, Arielle, it’s a new dimension. To understand why this guitar was irresistible to me, you have to hold her in your hands. She’s light, smooth, agile, and she sings like a bird!”

The Brian May Guitars Arielle signature model will be available starting March 28 for £662 (~$900).

For more info on the guitar, stop by brianmayguitars.co.uk.

Jackson Maxwell
Associate Editor, GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com

Jackson is an Associate Editor at GuitarWorld.com and GuitarPlayer.com. He’s been writing and editing stories about new gear, technique and guitar-driven music both old and new since 2014, and has also written extensively on the same topics for Guitar Player. Elsewhere, his album reviews and essays have appeared in Louder and Unrecorded. Though open to music of all kinds, his greatest love has always been indie, and everything that falls under its massive umbrella. To that end, you can find him on Twitter crowing about whatever great new guitar band you need to drop everything to hear right now.