Brian May presents Tony Iommi with modified Red Special guitar.

Tony Iommi was recently surprised with a custom-made replica of his iconic Red Special guitar by his close friend, Brian May. This gift, two years in the making, has a special twist inspired by Iommi’s legendary ‘Old Boy’ SG guitar. The replica, painstakingly crafted by master builder Andrew Guyton of Guyton Guitars, closely resembles May’s original Red Special, with a few notable changes tailored specifically for Iommi.

While the replica maintains the essence of May’s Red Special, it has been customized with a left-handed configuration and a unique neck shape reminiscent of Iommi’s iconic Jaydee Old Boy SG. Despite these alterations, the replica features vintage construction and top-quality components, such as a built-in treble booster, vintage-style pots, and replica pickups, to ensure that it captures the essence of the original Red Special. Iommi expressed his gratitude for the gift on Instagram, acknowledging the effort put into creating this instrument and calling it a true gift from Brian.

May and Iommi share a deep friendship that dates back to the early ’70s. Last year, they even collaborated on a jam session, performing Black Sabbath’s iconic track, Paranoid, together. This gesture showcases their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s musical talents. Additionally, Guyton’s craftsmanship has caught the attention of other prominent musicians, such as Steve Vai, who sought his expertise for a reimagined version of the Red Special.

May’s transition to Gibson last year was a surprising move for many, given his longstanding association with his Red Special. However, this partnership has opened up new possibilities for collaborations with Gibson, including the potential release of Murphy Lab Red Specials. Despite this, the focus remains on May’s original Red Special and its significance in his musical journey.

The Red Special holds a special place in the hearts of both May and Iommi, symbolizing their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation in the world of electric guitars. Through May’s thoughtful gift, Iommi now possesses a piece of music history that pays homage to both their friendship and shared love for iconic guitars. As these two legends continue to inspire generations of musicians, their bond and passion for music remain unwavering.