Real AmpTuning: E StandardPickup: Bridge + NeckMost AccurateCrunch
Treble-Boosted AC30 — Echo Counterpoint
May's foundation is the Red Special into a treble booster and cranked Vox AC30, extended by tape echoes that turn a single line into counterpoint. The studio recording uses a less elaborate echo arrangement than later concerts, but the approximately 800/1600 ms dry-centre/twin-delay system recreates the famous developed Brighton Rock sound. Source: Guitar Player archive interview and Brian May Live Rig.
Signal Chain
Brian May Red Special→Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster→Vox AC30 Normal Channel→Vox 2x12→Echoplex Delay Pair→Output
GuitarBrian May Red Special
Tone
8
PickupBridge + Neck
TuningE Standard
Volume
10
PedalDallas Rangemaster Treble Booster
Boost8
AmpVox AC30 Normal Channel
Cut4
Bass
4
Gain
7.5
Mids
7
Master
8
Treble
6
Cab / IRVox 2x12
MicDynamic
SpeakersCelestion Alnico Blue
Mic PositionOff-axis
EffectEchoplex Delay Pair
RoutingDry centre, 800 ms left, 1600 ms right
Feedback
1
Wet Level8
Delay 1 Time800 ms
Delay 2 Time1600 ms
Notes
Set the repeats near the dry level and play deliberate, rhythmically spaced phrases. Too much feedback makes the counterpoint collapse into an indistinct wash.
Don't have this gear?
See the same signal chain mapped to another platform. Knob values carry over as starting points — gain ranges differ between platforms.