Brian May Treble Booster

Brian May uses a treble booster to overdrive the Vox AC30 amplifier's 12AX7 and EL84 tubes to create a singing, crunchy guitar sound. The treble booster is an essential ingredient if you wish to achieve that sound. Brian reportedly used a Dallas Rangemaster treble booster for the first two Queen albums. He later switched to a treble booster that was designed for him to produce less noise, more gain, and a warmer sound.

Brian May, in addition to being a fabulous guitarist, should also receive credit for designing and building one of the best sounding electric guitars ever produced. Anyone who has listened to Brian's guitar work with the band Queen knows that his guitar tone is amazing (not to mention his playing). There are reportedly three key ingredients to Brian's sound:

his homemade "Red Special" guitar with Burns Tri-Sonic pickups
a treble booster
a Vox AC30 amplifier

Brian in the early years!
Queen in the early year, supporting Mott the Hoople. Here's Brian May with his homemade Red Special guitar (frilly sleeves optional). When will Queen have enough fans to headline their own show?

Anyone who wanted a Brian May guitar had to build their own until very recently. Fortunately, there is now an official commercial copy of Brian May's guitar by Burns of London, and it really sounds the part. Guitar luthiers, or anyone who wishes to modify their guitar, may also purchase Kent Armstrong™ Burns Tri-Sonic V pickups from WD Music. Make sure to buy the "V" model (fewer windings make for a brighter sound than the standard model).

Brian May has the sound that I have striven to achieve with the Crispy Cream Treble Booster. If you take a listen to the mp3 files of the CCTB you can hear his influence.

Vox is still producing the AC30 amplifier.

So, all the ingredients necessary to make the Brian May sound are now readily available. Just mix the guitar, treble booster, and AC30...add a dash of talent...and, PRESTO! ...the sound that has alluded guitarists for years!

The only other piece of gear to consider is the THD Hot Plate. This goes between the amplifier and the speakers. It acts as a master volume, allowing you to crank up the amplifier's gain to get the distortion and sustain, while still controlling the room volume with the Hot Plate (you can go from bedroom/practicing levels to full volume...and all points in between). This will save your ears and your speakers!

An easy modification for your Brian May guitar. Achieve even more sounds!