A superb, next generation, small-bodied, electro-acoustic guitar designed in collaboration with Sir Brian May, the BMG Rhapsody features a distinctive RS-style double cutaway design and serious quality Fishman on-board electrics.
The Fishman Flex Blend system combines a Sonicore under-saddle pickup for true acoustic reproduction with a soundhole mounted condenser microphone for an additional level of dynamic sound quality. The discrete, side mounted Flex Series preamp includes a volume control, pickup blend, chromatic LED tuner with mute, phase switch, and a variable semi-parametric EQ control that allows players to choose either a natural, flat sound (with no EQ) or dial in a “scooped” tone with progressively emphasized treble and bass and reduced midrange response, dependent on their playing style.
With its compact dimensions, road-ready construction and a crisp, versatile sound, the Rhapsody makes an ideal travel companion, songwriting partner, and first-call studio instrument with a delivery and performance fit for any professional stage.
Style, elegance and intuitive design are the hallmarks of Fishman’s Flex Series acoustic systems. With a discrete, feature-packed footprint, the highly detailed and stylized knobs have been designed with ergonomics, elegance and function in mind, offering precision performance and a smooth feel.
1. Set The Controls — Set volume off and tone controls to centre.
2. Plug In — Connect Flex to an amplifier or PA with a 1⁄4-inch instrument cable.
3. Tune Up — Press and hold the Volume knob to activate the onboard tuner. Once activated, the tuner mutes the output. Press volume knob again to exit.
4. Turn Up — Raise the volume and adjust the tone controls to your liking.
Volume: For the cleanest signal, set the volume knob as high as possible, without causing distortion or feedback.
Tone: This innovative one-knob tone control allows you to choose between a natural, undersaddle sound with no EQ (flat) on up to a “Scooped” tone with emphasized treble and bass and reduced midrange.
Phase: Push the Tone knob to reverse phase. Use this phase switch to improve bass response at low volume and suppress feedback at high volume.
Blend: The Flex Blend system incorporates a soundhole mounted high quality electret-condenser cardioid microphone. Turn the blend knob clockwise to add the desired level of microphone signal to the pickup.
Tuner: Press and hold the Volume knob to activate the onboard chromatic tuner, which accommodates all standard and alternate tunings. It is calibrated to A = 440 Hz and can be activated without an instrument cable connected. Once activated, the tuner mutes the output. Press volume knob again to exit. To conserve battery life, the tuner will turn itself off after three minutes of inactivity.
When it is time to change the battery, a low battery LED located on the preamp inside the guitar will light. To conserve power, unplug the instrument and turn off the tuner when not in use. Typical 9 volt alkaline battery life is approximately 100 hours.
I received my new BMG Rhapsody Electro Acoustic guitar today. I was surprised how small the body is, but still plenty of nice tone and volume rings out of the soundhole without using the built-in and microphone pick-ups. Action is fairly low, but has 24 frets along the fretboard and neck. I have not tried to use the pickups yet but I will write another review as soon as I have tried them. Very light to pick up or hold standing up, it sounds and looks a great guitar. So thank you for another great guitar as I have the Brian May Guitars Special too, but I had mine converted to the same bridge and tremolo system as Brian's guitar with the tuners and pearloid buttons too. Truly a big fan of Queen and Sir Brian May.
I was surprised by the size of the guitar body. But super. The guitar is very close in shape and size to an electric guitar and that was the real reason for the purchase. Another big surprise is the playable 24 fret neck on an acoustic guitar. The guitar's full sound is owed to the .012 strings. However, that's too much for playing solos in higher pitches. The variation of sound settings (pickup/microphone) is also perfect. The guitar arrived quickly and ready to play (9V battery included, gig bag). Overall great satisfaction.
I absolutely LOVE my new Rhapsody! From the wonderful sound that it projects to the beautiful wood tones, it's really a unique instrument. I couldn't be happier. I'm a big fan of Brian May; I already have a Red Special, which I also LOVE!By the way, your team deserves an award for speediness of delivery. I think it only took 3 days from the submission of my order to the arrival at my door front (UK to L.A., not too shabby!). Thanks, guys!
I'm just a beginner guitarist but have significant experience with other instruments. The BMG Rhapsody is a pleasure to play and wonderful to hear. It has rich tones and looks beautiful. It motivates me to practice.
Was skeptical about the smaller size, but... the sound is amazing, the electronics are unique and extremely functional for feedback control and overall tone management. Dr. May obviously had a hand in getting this one "right". Buy with confidence, the price point makes it a must have. Also beautiful finish - especially the trim
Beautiful guitar, lovely to play, would’ve given it 5 stars if it had new strings on it.
Dr. May, You have built an exceptional quality made guitar again! The pictures do not do it justice. The quality of the finish, sika spruce top, the sapele back and sides, in addition to the onboard electronics, make this a not only beautiful guitar, but a great playing guitar. Its smaller size makes it excellent to take with you, protected by the precise fitting padded BMG case.This is a very special guitar and could easily cost twice as much, but only for Dr. May who chooses to sell this guitar at an affordable price. Dr. May I can not thank you enough, it is my prized possession.
I couldn’t believe that I’ll be so in love with my new instrument. A wonderful guitar, specially for my live appearances. The sound is amazing from such a small instrument, the electrics are working perfect, and of course I love the shape of Brian May Guitars!!!
Une superbe guitare de très très bonne qualité et une prise en main immédiate. Je recommande!
I received my guitar today and I’m really happy to discover it in the real - she is so beautiful and I can’t wait to start playing it tomorrow!I would also like to thank you for the quick shipment and the efficiency of your service. To be honest, I was not expecting that she would arrive so rapidly. It’s a birthday gift to myself and I thought It was more prudent to order it a few weeks in advance to have it in time. Now it’s sure that I will definitively not miss the date... in May!Thank you very much!
Such a beautiful Instrument!! I am so happy with it! I enjoy playing and try to my best to be worthy of this special guitar... Thanks all of you and take care! Keep on Rocking! Cheers Roland
A excellent guitar. I already have the Red Special and love how close the sound was to Brian's sound, but also wanted a acoustic guitar with the ability to mix piezo pickup and built-in mic to get a rich acoustic sound into a amp, or mixer for recording. Not so big as some acoustic guitars, so easy to handle, and with a nice low action on the strings for easy fretting without killing your fingers.
This is a really good guitar. Small, but the sound is brilliant both through an amp or played on its own. The build quality is excellent - which is what you would expect from BMG. The guitar was delivered 24 hours after ordering (which is amazing service) and I have played it every day. Small, comfortable and a great sound. I would give it six stars if I could!
This order went as smoothly as it could. The product is great... I enjoy playing the BMG Rhapsody a lot (guitar not at fault for my lack of practice/talent hahaha).The delivery was smooth too. I live in Luxembourg (EU) and the delivery was easy despite Brexit regulations.What's next? A Red Special, or maybe the Bass, I wonder....?!All the best to the BMG team!
It is way too early to review the BMG Rhapsody in depth - but my foremost impression is: it plays amazingly well for an acoustic guitar. Comparing the size to my Takamine and Gibson acoustics, it is pretty small but yet full sounding. It consists mainly of neck (24 really accessible frets) and of less body. This might be a reason for its handy haptic.The service was almost flawless: as a customer in the EU I would have liked some info on the tax and custom fee I had to pay, as well as the overall procedure. The given shipping information was simply dead wrong. I had to investigate actively, how to complete the delivery.
Response:
As explained on the SHOPPING BASKET and CUSTOMER SUPPORT PAGE pages, since Brexit, supplies of product to the European Union are now zero-rated for UK VAT/sales tax.The 'Worldwide' prices for all BMG products therefore now apply to ALL purchases outside the UK and include a 20% tax-free export discount for all international customers.However, before delivery, customers across the EU are advised that they will need to pay standard VAT/sales tax for their order, according to the rules in their own country (plus a modest customs clearance charge, over which we have no control).Effectively, for EU customers, the final price should therefore be equivalent to purchasing the product in their own country.For further clarity, we strongly advise customers to contact their local customs authorities.
This guitar has a smaller body then average guitars so it has less bass tone, but who cares, it's not a bass guitar. It has an exciting tone. All the acoustic and the electric sound is well used.The Fishman Under-Saddle Pickup and the Soundhole Mounted Electret-Condenser Cardioid Microphone works brilliant. Tuner well enough.The number one reason I choosed this acoustic guitar that I hope, the neck is same as the BMG Special, and yes... it's easily playable at the last fret too.I love it!
An absolutely stunning guitar, flawless electrics, and beautiful tone. What’s hard to tell from the pictures is the size of this guitar. It has such a thin body compared to my other acoustics. This will be a joy to play in shows all over Florida next year!
It's a very nice guitar and a good compromise between an electric guitar and an acoustic. I also have a Gibson, but I don't touch it much anymore as I am playing the BMG instead. It has a nice balance and very good warm sound. Even the strings have the good density and tension. Very happy with this purchase ... my neighbours probably less !
This was a birthday present to myself. I couldn't be happier. It looks and sounds incredible. 2020 just got a little brighter.
Unfortunately my guitar took longer than the expected 48 hours to be delivered, in fact it took just over a week. Be that as it may I cannot fault the customer service.. (I was) supplied with updates via the phone and when I was told the actual date to expect delivery it was spot on.So I'm not pleased, just have to learn to play it now.
The BMG Rhapsody is always worth waiting a little longer for, as every instrument receives a thorough, professional set-up in the House Music workshop.
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