“Freddie is always with me.” These powerful words from legendary Queen guitarist Brian May offer a glimpse into the deep emotional connection he still shares with the late Freddie Mercury. Though decades have passed since Mercury’s untimely death, his spirit lives on—not just through Queen’s iconic music, but also in May’s day-to-day creative journey. Nowhere is that connection more tangible than in the design of Brian May’s latest passion project: a custom Gibson SJ-200 12-string guitar.
At first glance, the guitar is a work of art. Gleaming, beautifully crafted, and unmistakably unique, it tells a story far deeper than its ornate inlays and classic silhouette suggest. For May, this guitar is more than an instrument—it’s a tribute. Every element has been considered with intention, including a subtle but meaningful addition: a small Mercury symbol etched into the body. It’s a quiet homage to the man who was not only May’s bandmate, but also his brother in every way that mattered.
May has never been shy about his affection and admiration for Freddie. Their friendship went beyond music, bonded by years of touring, recording, and navigating the ups and downs of life under the spotlight. “We had a rare chemistry,” May has said. “Freddie was vibrant, theatrical, but incredibly grounded when it came to music.” That balance of flamboyance and focus left a lasting mark on Brian’s own artistic sensibility.
The SJ-200 project, in many ways, began as a personal journey. Known for his iconic Red Special guitar, May has rarely stepped far from the familiar. But during the COVID lockdowns, he found himself reflecting deeply on the past and revisiting old songs that he and Freddie once shared an affection for—especially those by the Everly Brothers. That music, filled with harmony and sincerity, struck a chord with May all over again.
“The Everly Brothers were a huge influence on Freddie and me,” he recalls. “We used to harmonize to their songs before Queen was even a thing. Their 12-string sound stuck with us.” Wanting to honor that sound, May sought out the perfect acoustic instrument to recapture the warmth and resonance of those early musical memories. The Gibson SJ-200, long known for its rich, jangling tone and elegant design, was the perfect canvas.
But May couldn’t stop at just acquiring the guitar—he wanted to transform it into something deeply personal. Working closely with Gibson’s custom shop, he began tailoring the SJ-200 to reflect his life, his values, and most importantly, the people who shaped him. That included not only nods to Freddie, but subtle visual elements inspired by May’s academic love for astronomy. Constellation inlays and a starburst finish make the guitar feel as much like a celestial artifact as a musical tool.
Every curve and detail of the guitar whispers memories. There’s a small sunburst pattern around the soundhole that represents the beginning of Queen’s journey, and the fingerboard includes custom inlays of stars representing significant dates—both joyful and painful. Among them: the date of Queen’s first show, and the day Freddie passed away.
“When I pick it up, I feel grounded,” May says. “It’s like touching history—but not in a dusty, museum way. It’s alive.” He’s used the guitar in recent recording sessions, and even previewed some acoustic arrangements that show how much depth a 12-string can bring to Queen’s classics. Songs like “’39” and “Love of My Life” take on a haunting new resonance with the shimmering chords of the SJ-200.
Though the guitar is highly personal, May has allowed select fans and collectors to glimpse it during interviews and limited-edition showcases. The reception has been emotional. Many longtime Queen followers recognize the design elements instantly—especially the Mercury symbol, which has prompted tears from more than one admirer. For May, that reaction validates everything he hoped to accomplish with the instrument.
“Freddie would’ve loved this guitar,” he smiles. “He loved beautiful things. And he loved sentimentality, even if he pretended otherwise.” In May’s hands, the guitar isn’t just a tribute—it’s a living extension of the bond they shared, a bond that continues to shape his artistry to this day.
As he continues to write, perform, and explore new musical territory, Brian May carries his brother’s legacy with every strum. “He’s part of my heart, always,” May says. “And now, he’s part of my sound again, too.”
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