Solo Tone

Brighton Rock

Queen

Guitarrock1970s

Original Gear

GuitarBrian May Red Special (homemade, 1960s-70s original)

AmpVox AC30 (Top Boost, 1970s, multiple amps in parallel)

PickupsTri-Sonic single coils (modified for series/parallel switching, Burns Tri-Sonic type)

Amp Settings

gain7

bass6

mid7.5

treble7

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

boostDallas (or custom/Deacy) Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster (or custom May/Deacy variant)

delayMaestro Maestro Echoplex EP-3 (x2, modded for long delay times)

Notes

Studio recording, 1974. Guitar is the original Red Special. Amps are cranked Vox AC30s, no amp reverb. Treble booster and dual tape delays (Maestro Echoplex EP-3) used. Effects chain is unique to this solo. No chorus or flanger on studio version.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainharmonized lead linesorchestral, three-dimensional soundstacked three-part harmoniestape echo repeatstouch-sensitive overdriveBritish class A amp saturationviolin-like lead tonerich, layered delay trailsclear note separation even under gain

Difficulty

This solo is considered expert-level due to its fast tempo, intricate harmonized passages requiring precise delay interaction, and the need for advanced picking and phrasing control.

Sources

The greatest delay moments of all time: 25 classic guitar tracks elevated by echo | Guitar World Pioneers of delay: 10 innovative players who transformed guitar tone using echo and delay pedals | MusicRadar Maestro Echoplex EP-3: one of the most iconic guitar effects | Guitar World Brian may delay(brighton rock) : r/guitarpedals - Reddit

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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