25 Years of Kz Guitar Works

Kz Guitar Works was founded in January 2001 with the goal of recreating the legendary “Red Special” guitar, originally built in the mid-1960s by Brian May and his father Harold May.

Our dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship earned international recognition, leading to the official production of the “BM Super” models from 2007 to 2010.

In 2015, we introduced our first original flagship model, the Kz One — a modern reinterpretation of the Red Special’s unique structure and tonal philosophy, designed for greater versatility and contemporary playability.

In 2021, to celebrate our 20th anniversary, we focused on one of the Red Special’s most innovative design elements: its neck joint structure. We developed our proprietary RS-Joint (3-bolt deep-set neck joint) and introduced the Trad Series, applying this concept to traditional-style guitars.

In 2025, based on the long-held vision of Australian builder Greg Fryer — renowned for his deep knowledge of the Red Special — we introduced the Astronaut model.

And now in 2026, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we proudly present the Kz Versa — a new model that combines the expanded tonal flexibility and unique control system of the Kz One with the deep neck joint construction refined through the Trad Series.

Kz RS – 25th Anniversary Masterpiece

The “Red Special” is the very origin of Kz Guitar Works.
As the culmination of 25 years spent pursuing its philosophy, structure, and sound, we are creating a very special Red Special.

Kz Guitar Works founder Kazutaka Ijuin returns to the same passion he felt approximately 34 years ago, when he first dreamed of building a Red Special. At the same time, every piece of information and knowledge accumulated over the years is being carefully re-examined. Every blueprint is being redrawn from scratch, and every detail is being reconsidered and reconstructed.

In addition, by utilizing digital data and CNC machining — technologies that were impossible to access when Kz Guitar Works was founded — this instrument will achieve a new level of precision. It is being built through the fusion of 25 years of experience and modern technology.

This is not simply a reproduction.
It is an instrument into which we are pouring everything we have learned and refined over 25 years of Red Special craftsmanship, carefully revisiting every detail. A masterpiece that represents both our respect for the Red Special and the current pinnacle of Kz Guitar Works.

The pickups will be custom-made by Yonderbosk based on specifications provided by Greg Fryer.
*The pickup covers will feature a special Kz Guitar Works 25th Anniversary engraving.

The back of the headstock will feature a commemorative 25th Anniversary logo, and the guitar will come with a specially designed hard case made exclusively for this model. In addition, a special 25th Anniversary edition Kz Treble Booster will be included.

Orders will be fulfilled sequentially beginning in November 2026.
This is a special instrument created as the culmination of our 25th anniversary.

This model is a limited edition produced exclusively to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Kz Guitar Works.

Price: ¥1,500,000 JPY (excluding tax)

This model is not intended to be a simple recreation of the Red Special. Based on 25 years of continuous Red Special building experience, it is designed to surpass the original in terms of functionality while remaining faithful to its spirit.

Particularly regarding the tremolo unit, we consider it one of the most important components of the Red Special. For that reason, we are committed to manufacturing and using units produced in Japan, with a strong focus on precision, durability, and playing feel.

At Kz Guitar Works today, we build Red Special guitars with the philosophy that:

“the sound, feel, and spirit should remain as faithful to the original as possible,”
while
“the overall refinement of the instrument should be pursued from a modern perspective.”

We hope you look forward to it.

Updates on the build process and progress will be published regularly on a dedicated special website.

Some detailed content will be made available exclusively to owners and registered members.

We invite you to experience the creation of this very special instrument together with us.

For orders and inquiries, please contact us by email:
info@kzguitarworks.com

*In the context of this model, the term “Masterpiece” represents a milestone instrument into which Kz Guitar Works has poured everything accumulated over the past 25 years.

25th Anniversary Special Live Event

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kz Guitar Works, we are planning a special live event.

The event is scheduled for Autumn or Winter 2026 in Tokyo or the Kanagawa area.

The event will consist of two parts:

• Part One: Exhibition and hands-on demonstration of various Kz Guitar Works models, including the 25th Anniversary model.

• Part Two: Live performances by Kz Guitar Works artists.

This will be a special opportunity to experience where Kz Guitar Works stands today — and where we are heading in the future.

With heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us throughout the years.

And toward the next 25 years to come.

We hope you will join us for this very special day.