Queen‘s Brian May has collaborated with Gibson to unveil a limited-edition SJ-200 12-string acoustic guitar, with only 100 models available. Handcrafted by Gibson’s luthiers, the guitar incorporates design and sound modifications personally specified by May, including the unique feature of mounting the strings in reverse order to achieve his distinctive sound. “The idea for this guitar came when I needed a 12-String on tour, and the one I was accustomed to wasn’t performing right on stage,” May said in a press release. “The guys at Gibson very kindly said, ‘We’ll make you something special that you can use on the tours.’” Retailing for $7,999, this premium instrument features high-quality wood and a special pickguard that pays tribute to someone dear to May, who reveals that “the planet Mercury is here, and that is a little nod to a friend of mine that is always with me.” The guitar can be purchased through Gibson’s website or select authorized dealers. (Consequence of Sound)
