The real Red Special experience.
Why the 03?
The Galileo 03 was created to bring the construction, feel and character of the original RS as close as possible within a consistent, reliable modern instrument.
Historically inspired materials and construction methods are combined with carefully selected modern components where they improve reliability, serviceability and production consistency.
Is the 03 for me?
The Galileo 03 is for you if you want:
• The most faithful construction in the Galileo range.
• The distinctive feel and character created by historically inspired materials and methods.
• Carefully selected modern components where reliability and consistency matter.
• Authenticity prioritised over extensive customization.
Highlights
Blockboard body with oak insert
A carefully recreated construction of the original RS body, using two layers of blockboard and reinforcement oak inserts.
Black-painted lacquered oak fretboard
Made from oak, painted black to replicate the appearance of ebony and lacquered like the original, this distinctive fretboard recreates its characteristic feel and tonal response.
Genuine 1950s Bakelite string guide
Made from genuine vintage Bakelite dating back to the 1950s, this string guide adds a small but authentic period detail to every Galileo 03.
Vintage-formula nitrocellulose finish
A thin, traditional finish that enhances the natural character of the instrument and develops its own patina through years of playing.
A note on natural ageing
The Galileo 03 is built using historically inspired materials, finishes and construction methods. As the instrument ages, its appearance will naturally evolve.
The vintage-formula nitrocellulose finish may develop checking, slight surface irregularities or small raised areas above the internal body screws. With prolonged playing, wear on the black-painted lacquered oak fretboard may also reveal the natural colour of the wood beneath.
These cosmetic changes are expected characteristics of the model and reflect the way its traditional construction and materials age over time. They do not affect the instrument’s structural integrity, performance or playability.
What is the Superpot option?
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 with tonal chambers
- Reinforcement oak inserts
- Veneered with finest premium mahogany
- 2mm thickness white binding on top and back
Neck
- Premium quartersawn mahogany
- Bolt-on construction
- Long tenon
- Double-action truss rod
- Width: 46mm at nut – 55,5mm at 24th fret
- Fat profile – 27,3mm at nut, 30,2mm at 12th fret*
(* 3mm Slimmer profile option available)
Fretboard
- Oak (black painted)
- Lacquered
- Scale 24”
- Radius 7,25”
- 24 frets Dunlop 6230 + Stainless steel Zero Fret
- Vintage 50s brown Bakelite string guide
Hardware
- Original style knife edge tremolo
- Original style roller bridge
- Gotoh SG381 3L/3R Locking tuners with pearloid buttons
- 3mm Black Acrylic pickguard with Polished edges
- 2mm Black Acrylic pickup rings with Polished edges
Electronics
- Yonderbosk Tri-Sonic replicas (Ferrari pickups option available)
- 6 modified Switchcraft switches on a indipendent aluminium plate
- Original wiring Tone+Volume (Superpot option available)
- Cavity fully shielded with high quality copper foil
- PIO capacitor
Finish / Accessories
- Nitrocellulose vintage-formula glossy finish
- Vintage Red
- Optima BM strings
- Tool kit (truss rod wrench, keys)
- Certificate of authenticity
- Carpinteri polishing cloth
- Custom Hard case made in Italy
Price starts at
€4390*
*EU customers: VAT will be applied (22%). Shipping not included.