BMG Special Guitar Review: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 43 views

So, you're eyeing the BMG Special, huh? The guitar synonymous with the legendary Brian May of Queen? Well, you've come to the right place, my friend! We're diving deep into everything this iconic instrument has to offer. Forget those fleeting glimpses and ambiguous opinions, we are going to unravel the mystique, and determine if the BMG Special is truly worth its weight in rock and roll gold for your needs and playing style. Whether you're a die-hard Queen fan looking to capture Brian May's sound, or simply a guitarist searching for a unique and versatile instrument, this review is your ultimate guide.

Overview of the BMG Special

Alright, let's start with the basics. The BMG Special is essentially a more affordable, mass-produced version of Brian May's legendary "Red Special." Brian May designed and built the original Red Special with his father in the early 1960s, and it has been his primary instrument ever since. The BMG Special aims to capture the essence of that iconic guitar while being accessible to a wider range of players. The original Red Special was hand-built using materials such as fireplace mantel wood and motorcycle valve springs. This guitar has a semi-hollow body, which gives it a resonant and airy tone. The scale length is 24 inches, shorter than the typical Fender Stratocaster (25.5 inches) or Gibson Les Paul (24.75 inches). The shorter scale contributes to the guitar's comfortable feel and makes it easier to bend strings. It's crafted to mirror the unique characteristics of the Red Special, with a few modern tweaks to enhance playability and reliability. This guitar typically features a mahogany body, which provides a warm and sustain-rich foundation for its tone. The bolt-on neck is usually made of mahogany as well, contributing to the overall warmth and resonance of the instrument. One of the most distinctive features of the BMG Special is its pickup configuration. It typically features three Tri-Sonic style pickups, wired in series. These pickups are designed to replicate the unique tone of Brian May's original Burns Tri-Sonic pickups, known for their bright, articulate, and powerful sound. What sets these pickups apart is their individual on/off and phase switches, allowing for a vast array of tonal possibilities. This switching system allows for a wide range of tonal options, from thick, powerful humbucker-like tones to thin, cutting single-coil sounds. And visually, it's a stunner, available in a range of finishes that pay homage to the Red Special's classic look.

Key Features and Specifications

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Understanding the key features of the BMG Special is crucial to appreciating its design and functionality. We will explore what makes this guitar stand out and how those specifications translate into the playing experience. The mahogany body provides a solid foundation for the guitar's tone, offering warmth, sustain, and a balanced frequency response. The bolt-on mahogany neck is designed for comfort and playability, with a profile that allows for easy access to the upper frets. The 24-fret ebony fingerboard provides a smooth and responsive playing surface, enhancing the overall feel and precision of the instrument. The shorter scale length of 24 inches makes string bending easier and contributes to the guitar's comfortable feel, especially for players with smaller hands. The heart of the BMG Special lies in its electronics. The three Tri-Sonic style pickups, wired in series, deliver a powerful and articulate tone that is reminiscent of Brian May's signature sound. The individual on/off and phase switches for each pickup offer a vast array of tonal possibilities, allowing players to create a wide range of sounds. The switching system allows for a multitude of pickup combinations, from thick, humbucker-like tones to thin, cutting single-coil sounds, and everything in between. The hardware components of the BMG Special are designed for reliability and performance. The Wilkinson tremolo system offers smooth and stable vibrato effects, while the Grover tuners ensure precise and reliable tuning. The guitar typically features a zero fret, which helps to improve intonation and ensure consistent string height across the fretboard. These features are essential for maintaining the guitar's performance and stability, making it a reliable instrument for both live and studio use. The BMG Special comes in various finishes, including Red Special, Antique Cherry, White, and Black, allowing players to choose a look that suits their style. These finishes are carefully applied to enhance the guitar's appearance and durability.

Sound and Tone Quality

The BMG Special is renowned for its unique and versatile sound. Let's explore the different tonal options this guitar offers and how it performs in various musical genres. The guitar's distinctive sound is largely due to its three Tri-Sonic style pickups and the unique switching system. These pickups deliver a bright, articulate, and powerful tone that is well-suited for rock, blues, and pop music. The individual on/off and phase switches for each pickup allow for a vast array of tonal possibilities, enabling players to create a wide range of sounds. With all three pickups on and in phase, the guitar produces a thick, powerful tone that is ideal for rhythm playing and heavy riffs. By switching one or more pickups out of phase, players can create thinner, more cutting tones that are perfect for lead work and solos. The middle pickup is particularly useful for adding a unique tonal color to the guitar's sound. It can be used to create a variety of effects, from subtle phasing to dramatic sweeps. The guitar's semi-hollow body also contributes to its unique sound. The semi-hollow construction adds warmth and resonance to the guitar's tone, making it sound more open and airy. The BMG Special is capable of producing a wide range of sounds. It can be used for everything from clean, shimmering arpeggios to crunchy, overdriven power chords. The guitar is particularly well-suited for rock and blues music, but it can also be used for pop, country, and even jazz. Its versatility makes it a great choice for players who need a guitar that can do it all.

Playability and Comfort

Beyond its sound, the BMG Special also shines in terms of playability and comfort. The guitar's design and construction make it a joy to play, even for extended periods. The BMG Special is a comfortable guitar to play, thanks to its carefully designed neck profile and shorter scale length. The neck profile is typically a comfortable C-shape, which fits nicely in the hand and allows for easy access to all frets. The shorter scale length of 24 inches makes string bending easier and contributes to the guitar's comfortable feel, especially for players with smaller hands. The guitar's lightweight construction also contributes to its comfort. The mahogany body is relatively lightweight, which makes the guitar easy to hold and play for extended periods. The guitar's balance is also excellent, which helps to prevent fatigue. The 24-fret ebony fingerboard is another factor that contributes to the guitar's playability. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and responsive, which makes it easy to play fast runs and intricate passages. The fretwork is also excellent, with the frets being level and well-dressed. This ensures that the strings ring clearly and that there is no fret buzz. The BMG Special is a very playable guitar that is suitable for players of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, you'll find that the BMG Special is a comfortable and easy guitar to play. Its design and construction make it a joy to play, even for extended periods.

Pros and Cons

Alright, time for the honest truth! Every guitar has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons of the BMG Special to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros:

  • Unique and Versatile Tone: The Tri-Sonic pickups and switching system offer a huge range of sounds.
  • Comfortable Playability: The shorter scale length and comfortable neck profile make it easy to play.
  • Iconic Design: It's a beautiful guitar that pays homage to Brian May's legendary Red Special.
  • Good Value: The BMG Special offers excellent features and performance for its price.
  • Well-Built: Generally, these guitars are known for their solid construction and reliability.

Cons:

  • Pickups Not Exact Replicas: While they capture the essence, the pickups aren't identical to the original Burns Tri-Sonics.
  • Switching System Can Be Confusing: The individual on/off and phase switches can take some getting used to.
  • Not for Traditionalists: If you're looking for a classic Strat or Les Paul tone, this isn't it.
  • Potential Quality Control Issues: As with any mass-produced guitar, there can be occasional quality control issues.

Alternatives to the BMG Special

If the BMG Special isn't quite your cup of tea, don't worry! There are plenty of other guitars out there that offer similar features or cater to similar playing styles. For example, if you are interested in getting a similar guitar, you may want to look into a Schecter guitar. Schecter guitars often have unique switching systems and pickup configurations that can provide a wide range of tonal options. Additionally, if you're looking for a guitar with a unique switching system, you might consider a Fender Jaguar. The Jaguar features a complex switching system that allows you to create a variety of different sounds. Finally, if you're simply looking for a versatile guitar that can do it all, you might consider a Fender Stratocaster. The Stratocaster is one of the most popular guitars in the world, and it's known for its versatility and its ability to produce a wide range of sounds. There are many other great guitars out there, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the one that's right for you.

Final Verdict: Is the BMG Special Worth It?

So, after all that, is the BMG Special worth it? In my opinion, absolutely! If you're looking for a unique, versatile, and well-built guitar that captures the essence of Brian May's iconic Red Special, the BMG Special is a fantastic choice. It's a guitar that will inspire you to explore new sounds and push your musical boundaries. Whether you're a die-hard Queen fan or simply a guitarist searching for something different, the BMG Special is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to spend some time getting to know the switching system, and you'll be rewarded with a world of tonal possibilities. And remember, the best guitar is the one that inspires you to play! Happy shredding, guys!