The concept
The Galileo 03 represents the closest interpretation of the original Red Special I can offer.
Built using traditional construction methods and carefully selected materials, it is designed to recreate the response, resonance, and character of the original instrument as faithfully as possible.
The body features a blockboard and oak construction, paired with a finished oak fingerboard and vintage-correct design choices throughout.
For this reason, the Galileo 03 comes with fewer customization options: every specification has been chosen to serve the instrument’s authenticity and overall balance.
Highlights
Faithful roller bridge
A faithful replica of the original roller bridge, designed to ensure smooth string movement and stable tuning response.
Lacquered fretboard
Black painted oak fretboard, fully lacquered fretboard, for a perfect experience.
Locking tuners
Schaller locking tuners modified to fit Gotoh oval pearloid buttons.
The right choice for tuning stability and easier maintainance.
Custom Tri-Sonic replicas
Yonderbosk or Ferrari Tri-Sonic replica pickups, developed to recreate the original Burns Tri-Sonics from the 1960s, including the same modifications used by Brian May.
Bolt-on neck construction
A long tenon neck secured with one central bolt and two screws under the pickguard, as per the original construction.
Two aluminium plates
Two separated aluminium control plates, one for the switches, and one for the pots, the way the original RS is made.
Vintage-inspired ageing options
- 70s Inspired
Light aging, minimal wear and subtle checking. Red dot on the pickguard - 80s Inspired
More pronounced wear, with the iconic black tape detail. - 90s Inspired
Heavier aging and a more extensively played appearance. - 2000s Inspired
Inspired by the guitar’s current condition.
Aging options are visually inspired by different eras of the original instrument and do not necessarily replicate every period-correct hardware specification.
80s inspired ageing
The Superpot
The SuperPot on Brian May’s Red Special was installed by Nigel Knight in 2018.
It’s not a standard volume control: it’s designed for a smoother response.
With the Red Special’s series pickup configuration, it allows a gradual transition from clean to crunch and full lead tones just by rolling the volume knob, while keeping clarity and high-end detail.
It is more than a classic volume control, it is a dynamic expression tool during the playing.
Available as optional on the Galileo 01 and 02 models, and as a standard feature on the 03 model.
Technical Specifications
Body
- Blockboard and oak inserts, screwed and glued
- Veneered with Genuine Honduran mahogany
- 2,3 mm thickness white binding on top and back
Neck
- Genuine Honduran mahogany original
- Bolt-on construction
- Long tenon
- Width: 46mm at nut – 53,5mm at 24th fret
- Original hand-made Truss rod
- Original fat profile – 27,3 mm at nut, 30,2 mm at 12th fret
Fretboard
- Black painted and lacquered oak
- Scale 24”
- Radius 7,25”
- 24 frets Dunlop 6230 + Stainless steel Zero Fret
- Vintage 50s brown Bakelite string guide
Hardware
- Faithful knife edge tremolo replica with two valve springs
- Original Roller Bridge replica
- Modified Schaller 3L/3R Locking tuners with pearloid buttons
- 3mm Black Acrylic pickguard with Polished edges
- 2mm Black Acrylic pickup rings with Polished edges
- Optima BM strings
Electronics
- Yonderbosk Tri-Sonic replicas (Ferrari pickups option)
- 6 modified Switchcraft slide switches on a indipendent aluminium plate
- Superpot, tone deactivated (classic wiring option)
- Cavity shielded with high quality copper foil
Finish
Accessories
- Nitrocellulose vintage-formula glossy finish
- Tool kit (truss rod wrench, keys)
- Certificate of authenticity
- Carpinteri polishing cloth
- Custom Hard case made in Italy
*EU customers: VAT will be applied (22%).
Shipping not included.