Marking the launch of our brand new BMG Art Series range, this exclusive, limited edition guitar celebrates Queen's 1977 masterpiece, "News Of The World" with a stunning original image of Frank, the child-like robot with murderous tendencies from the classic album's cover, his piercing, blood-red eyes staring ominously from an all-black, Special style instrument, with matching black hardware.
NOTW's famed artwork, painted by American artist Frank Kelly Freas, was a reimagining of his cover for the October 1953 issue of pulp sci-fi magazine Astounding Science Fiction, a favourite of (Queen dummer) Roger Taylor's. Used to illustrate the short story “The Gulf Between" by Tom Godwin, the original work depicted a giant robot, a man’s lifeless body help limply in one hand, its finger dripping with blood and eyes pleading "Please... fix it, Daddy?”.
At the band’s request, Freas agreed to alter the design, replacing the fatally wounded figure with the apparently dead likenesses of all four band members; Brian May and Freddie Mercury lying in the automaton’s monstrous metal hand, with John Deacon and Roger Taylor falling to earth. The visionary illustrator was also commissioned to create a new work for the album’s inner gatefold with the cooly emotionless robot extending its hand through the shattered roof of a vast auditorium to grasp at a panicked, fleeing crowd.
A classical music fan, Freas admitted to not knowing of Queen in advance, and avoided their music until after the cover was completed "because I thought I might just hate them, and it would ruin my ideas”. Thankfully, upon listening to the album after submitting his contribution to what would eventually become part of rock history, the artist approved of what he heard.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its release, "News Of The World" was certified double platinum in the UK and 4 x platinum in the United States, going on to become the band’s best-selling long player to date, with over 10 million copies sold worldwide. Christened in honour of his creator, Frank has assumed iconic status in his own right and was finally brought spectacularly to life for Queen + Adam Lambert's 2017 + 2018 concert performances, both as an animated visual and an animatronic character.
The striking design of the Frank Special - taken from a rendering of the 3D model created by Mark Hough for the Q+AL stage show and originally used for the 2017 Record Store Day 12" vinyl re-release of "We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You" - was created by the Brian May Guitars art department exclusively for this project.
This is the same instrument played by Dr. Brian May himself during Queen's "Crown Jewels" residency at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in September 2018 for his "Killer Queen" solo - with the "real" Frank looking on with what we sincerely hope is approval!
Loving this guitar, the graphic finish is fantastic, it’s a wee change from the red (not that there’s anything wrong with the Red Special, because we all love it), and it plays great, with all the familiar tones we are used to. I would thoroughly recommend this guitar if you fancy something different - You won’t be disappointed.
I was pleased when I opened up the box immediately, the quality of it is spot on. I am used to American Gibsons. I have two custom shop guitars and this Korean model guitar really has me impressed... it sounds great. My guitar tech is really impressed with it, too. He could not wait to get his hands on it. I will enjoy Frank the monster guitar. Quite a conversation I say... good job, BMG.
Awesome guitar, I had the honour to have it signed by Sir Brian May, so happy.
Absolutely irresistible!No other modern or classic rock guitar is able to deliver the sound of the Burns pickups and approach the sound of Sir Brian May. The finishes are serious and original with the Frank The Robot representative. The import fees on the France are quite expensive but, on the other hand, this model is well worth it!
Amazing looking guitar. Sounds awesome and an excellent feel and weight when holding and playing. The artwork on it is amazing and the main reason got the purchase and couldn't wait to get it. I think it will be more of a display piece but will, and must, be played occasionally also. Slightly annoying is the scratch plate plastic seal is still on the guitar and you have to carefully loosen the screws and knobs in order to get it all off in one piece or you will have tiny pieces still stuck to the guitar. Otherwise, perfect, thank you.
Response:
With apologies for the inconvenience, the film covering pickguards, plates, and pickups provides essential protection during assembly, set-up and shipping and ensures that all our our instruments arrive in absolutely pristine condition.
Got "Frank" already today. Ordered 2nd January - 3 days later here... Just amazing superspeed service!!! Thank you guys very much for that. Just happy to hold it in my hands... Now we'll make some noise!!!!!!!
Looks great - sounds great
After looking for weeks, I decided to order "Frank". The ordering process was quick and easy-plus the guitar arrived sooner than expected. Decades ago, I purchased one of the last US made Red Specials and enjoyed it-but never really bonded with the guitar. I have also played a few BMG models and liked them, but never compelled enough to purchase. After some time with my BMG Frank-I can honestly say...WOW! The guitar is simply excellent! I had some trouble removing the protective film from the pickups, but aside from that minor inconvenience-could not be happier. The attention to detail, playability and sound are beyond most instruments in this price range. And of course, it simply nails "the sound".
Only five days to receive this guitar (to France during Covid crisis). Tried on a Vox AC30 (in studio), what a sound. Recommended.
So happy, absolutely wonderful guitar, cool picture. can really recommend this guitar to everyone who loves Queen.(Helt underbar gitarr, så häftig bild. Kan verkligen rekommendera denna till alla Som älskar Queen)
Thank God it's Frank-Mas! Here’s Franky - I got the best Christmas present ever.Wow! What can I say? I speechless - I´m over the moon with my signed Frank guitar. A true treasure and the highlight of my huge Queen and News Of The World collection.A big thanks again to the entire BMG team and of course to the one and only Dr. Brian May!
Used it in a recording the day it arrived. (Also used the new official Brian May setting in the Amplitude guitar amp simulator software BTW) - sounded amazing straight away. Super happy with the purchase and can't wait to use it again. Listen to a clip HERE.
Hope I get the BMG SUPER as soon as possible. I`m on the waiting List since 11.8.2018.Greetings from AUSTRIA, Günter
Over the years I keep buying BMG specials, selling them, then regretting it. Started with the Burns version in fact. Clearly they are working hard on the quality; each one I have had is incrementally better than the last. This one is near perfect in finish, beautifully made in fact. Trademark tone is there, very playable and not just a "one trick pony" either; very versatile. I only scored it as 4 because it came with a slight rattle on the lower strings. The response when I reported this was a bit slow, in fact I never got an answer so eventually I just loosened the truss rod and the problem was solved. "Frank" is going to be a keeper this time!
Superb, the best, delivered in a couple of days, sounds awesome!! I can’t say enough about the quality of the build. The Frank picture kicks. This is my dream guitar!
I was lucky enough to be one of the first recipients of this beautiful guitar and the very first customer to play one on stage with my Queen tribute band, ‘Forever Queen’, at the Isle of Wight Festival. BMG kindly let me buy mine ahead of its official release due to me being a featured artist. The finish on this guitar is stunning. The perception of 3D and depth in Frank's face is superb and his eyes follow you around the room! I love the black hardware on the guitar and colour all over is perfect. It came perfectly set up out of the box, and was ready to hit the stage with instantly. Here’s a taste of how it sounds :
