Red Special DNA. Modern engineering.
The 01 Model is the first step of a new engineering-first platform.
A modern electric guitar designed to deliver consistency,
ergonomics, and repeatability.
The concept
The Galileo 01 was designed for players who love the Red Special sound, but never felt at home with its original neck profile.
The original profile neck is larger than any standard electric guitar and unconventional.
The 01 replaces it with a slimmer, more familiar neck, designed to feel natural in the hands of modern players.
The neck
Neck profile dimensions at 1st fret
measurements are in millimeters
Neck profile comparison
One Optimized Configuration
The Model 01 is built around a single, fully optimized configuration.
This approach is the result of over twenty years of work on the Red Special platform and more than 200 instruments built over time.
Every component has been selected, tested, and refined to work together as a coherent system.
This approach allows tighter control over quality, more predictable production timelines,
and a more balanced final price, without compromising the integrity of the instrument.
The result is a consistent and reliable guitar, engineered to perform at its best, every time.
Engineering First
The Model 01 was developed with an engineering-first approach.
Every design decision starts from function, is validated through testing, and refined through repeated iteration.
No element is included because it has always been there.
No solution is adopted without a measurable reason.
This method prioritizes stability, reliability, and long-term consistency over tradition or habit.
Finish Options
The Model 01 is available in a limited selection of finish options.
These choices do not alter the instrument’s structure, specifications, or performance in any way.
Vintage Red - Classic Green - Natural Mahogany
Built for Upgrades
The Model 01 was designed as a upgrade-ready platform.
From the beginning, the instrument was conceived to allow maintenance and upgrades
without requiring specialized tools or irreversible modifications.
Upgrades can be installed by any competent guitar technician, or by the player, without advanced luthiery skills.
Official Galileo upgrade kits will be made available over time through this website,
ensuring full compatibility with the Model 01 platform.
This approach removes the dependency on a single reference builder, making the instrument easier to maintain,
service, and evolve over time.
The Model 01 is not a closed project, but the foundation of a long-term, accessible system.
*Warranty coverage applies to the original instrument configuration and to official Galileo upgrades.
Modifications or third-party upgrades not supplied or approved by Galileo Guitars are not covered by warranty.
RS DNA
The Model 01 preserves the essential features that define the Red Special’s iconic sound, not only because they are indispensable to May’s tone, but because they elevate it to a higher level of clarity, consistency, and reliability.
- 24” scale length
- Knife-edge tremolo system
- Roller bridge
- Phase in/Phase out wiring
- Tri-Sonic–style pickups
- Stainless steel Zero fret
- Internal tonal chambers
Every detail is designed with sound and long-term reliability as the primary goals.
Technical Specifications
Body
- Selected African Khaya Mahogany
- Tonal chambers
- White binding on top and back
- 40mm thickness
Neck
- One-piece African Khaya mahogany
- Vintage C profile
- Set-in construction
- Double-action truss rod
- 44mm nut width
- 23mm thickness at 1st fret
- 25mm at 14th fret
Fretboard
- Unlacquered African Ebony
- Real mother of pearl inlays
- Scale 24”
- Radius 12”
- 24 frets Dunlop 6230
- Stainless steel Zero Fret
- Black TUSQ self-lubricant nut
Hardware
- Faithful knife edge tremolo replica with two valve springs
- Wilkinson Roller Bridge
- Gotoh SG381 3L/3R
- Custom aluminium knobs
- Standard Strap Pins
- 3mm Black Acrylic pickguard with natural edges
- D’addario .09 strings
Electronics
- BHK Tri-Sonic style pickups set
- 6 Switchcraft White slide switches
- Aluminium plate
- ‘033uF film capacitor
- 250K log potentiometers for volume and tone
- Cavity shielded with HQ conductive shielding paint
- Switchcraft mono jack socket
Finish/Accessories
- Polyurethane glossy finish
- 3 colours available
- Tool kit (truss rod wrench, keys)
- Certificate of authenticity
- 2 years warranty
- Carpinteri polishing cloth
*Design Notes: The Model 01 is built around a single, fixed configuration. Certain aesthetic and construction details reflect functional and production-driven choices.
The pickguard is manufactured from 3mm black acrylic with natural, unpolished edges. Pickup mounting rings are intentionally omitted.
How to order
Production Batches
A scheduled, limited production model.
2
Batches per year
10
Slots available per batch
6
Month production cycle
Order Window
Clear ordering periods. No waiting lists.
When do orders open?
At the beginning of each batch
How are slots assigned?
On a first-come, first-served basis
What if a batch is full?
Orders roll over to the next batch automatically
At the moment of the order
What can be selected at checkout.
1
Fixed Configuration
3
Available Colours
Colour selection window
The colour can be selected until the beginning of the finishing phase.
Once production reaches that stage, the choice becomes final and cannot be changed.
Price
EU Price
€2989*
VAT included (Italy 22%)
International Price
€2450*
VAT excluded
*Shipping costs are not included.
Import duties and local taxes may apply depending on the destination.
Payment
How payments are handled during the production cycle.
40%
Deposit
Balance
Just before shipping
Secure payments
Processed via Stripe
A deposit is required to secure a production slot. The remaining balance is requested via invoice once the instrument is ready for shipment.
Payments are processed securely via Stripe.
Reserve your Galileo 01 Model
Secure a production slot for the next available batch.
You will be guided through a short order form before proceeding to secure payment via Stripe.
No waiting lists. No full upfront payment required.