“After the best part of four decades spent in MI, a time that includes six years in retail and 17 years on Guitarist magazine here in the UK, I’ve owned more than my fair share of guitars. What’s more, I’ve lost count of the number of ultra high-end production and hand-made electrics and acoustics that have passed through my hands over the years. As a huge Brian May fan I was thrilled to finally get my hands on what I would call an interpretation of the Queen man’s iconic Red Special guitar and this Spalted Special, made by Ben Belben, is easily amongst the best electrics I’ve ever played.

With a spec list that includes a blockboard and oak body with acoustic chambers, a makore veneer for the back and sides, and a top veneer of polar mappa burl with black binding, the guitar is as good to look at as it is to play, and I have to concede that I’ll simply sit and stare at it as often as I’ll plug it in. The three custom-etched Yonderbosk Tri-Sonic-style pickups operate in conjunction with the faithfully-reproduced, May-designed switching system to give a plethora of gloriously disparate tones, from skinny and harsh to warm, fat and mellow, plus all points in between.

What’s more, it’s actually easier to play than the original Red Special; it’s better balanced for a start. What’s more the mahogany neck is more forgiving to get to grips with; it’s rear is slightly flatter than that of the original, but still gives you a whole hand o’ wood. I absolute adore the whole instrument, and the fact that I own it? Well, I couldn’t be happier if I were twins…

As a luthier, Ben is more than capable of producing an exact copy of the Red Special, plus just about anything else a player could want, but whatever you decide to commission, I can’t recommend his work highly enough.”

Simon Bradley (ex-Guitarist magazine and co-author of the book ‘Brian May’s Red Special’).

“Wanted to do a shout-out to Mr Ben Belben for his brill work in coating my special.

For anyone else that gets a signed guitar now or in future I'd wholly recommend using Ben to get that protective layer - well priced, kept me updated throughout the process and an all round solid guy.

His craftsmanship is evidenced below but it's seamless, you wouldn't know the coating was there.

Now to put this baby to good use!”

Jamie Brazier

“I was fortunate enough to purchase a Brian May Super, signed by the man himself. For me a guitar is for playing, so I resisted the urge to do so until it had been sealed. I did my research and found a few people who could do this. This ranged from guitar builders to repair shops, hobbyists to car sprayers.

For me it was important to give the job to someone who knows what they’re doing. And having sealed quite a few RSs and seen photos of his work, I knew Ben Belben was the man.

I have to say the Super is a beautiful guitar. There’s a few discrepancies without a doubt. I’ve already changed the trem tip for Dansen and even a brass screw added by Ben makes a big difference. I also understand that for around £1k or so more you can get a Dansen, Loxley, Ramon or Belben Guitars replica that’ll be even closer to the original but I still feel like the Super doesn’t quite get the love it deserves. It truly is a fantastic instrument.

I met Ben in Nottingham and handed over my prize guitar, signed by my hero. I was a little nervous as I was l placing my trust in Ben with a guitar I’ve long dreamed of owning. Plus, if he makes a mistake the signature is lost forever. Ben understood this and put me at ease.

Ben will tell you there was a 45 day turnaround, though this wasn’t solid work. He was also up front that he does this in his spare time. With this in mind and Christmas looming I was happy to wait. Throughout, Ben kept me updated with photos and short videos, which was really appreciated. And if I ever asked for an update he’d happily oblige.

When I collected my Super I was blown away by Ben’s craftsmanship. It looks so beautiful, you can’t tell it’s been sealed. It’s totally flawless and Ben takes immense care and pride in his work.

The end result is fantastic. There’s zero bleed and I can now play this excellent guitar knowing the signature is safe, protected and 100% Brian’s signature underneath and not a buffed up trace I'm thrilled with the result.

Ben’s process is immaculate and you can tell how hard he’s worked on this. The quality of the finish has far exceeded my expectations. I may be tripping but depending on the light, the colour now seems even closer to the original RS. If that is the case, then I suggest getting Ben to spray your Super, even if it isn’t signed.

I can’t tell you how happy I am with Ben's work. For the price, quality and protection of Sir Brian May’s signature I highly recommend using Belben Guitars.”

Phillip Hasted