The Final Work of Anders Thidell Crafted for Brian May
There are certain instruments that carry more than sound. They carry history, personality, and the hands of those who have shaped them. One such instrument found its way to Sweden, entrusted to the craftsmanship of Anders Thidell, founder and inventor of True Temperament frets, for what would become a project of particular importance to him.
The guitar belonged to Brian May, legendary guitarist of Queen. It was a beloved Tokai Hummingbird acoustic, well played, well worn, and not without its challenges. Like many instruments with a long life, it carried imperfections. Intonation issues, particularly with the unwound G string, had been a persistent frustration. The neck geometry made achieving a low action difficult without compromise. Yet it was precisely this kind of instrument that demanded not replacement, but understanding.
The request was clear but ambitious. The guitar would be converted to a True Temperament system. What followed was not a simple modification, but a complete rethinking of the instrument’s geometry, playability, and tonal response.
At the heart of the work was a newly crafted fretboard. Anders reshaped it with subtle precision, increasing its thickness toward the body while reducing it slightly at the nut. This created a refined, almost conical geometry that allowed for a lower string action without sacrificing clarity or stability. It was a quiet but decisive correction to the instrument’s fundamental structure.
The frets themselves required special attention. Because of the unwound G string, a standard True Temperament configuration would not suffice. Custom fret calibrations were developed specifically for this guitar, ensuring accurate intonation across the entire fretboard. These stainless steel frets, with their precise dimensions and unique contours, became the defining feature of the transformation.
The bridge was also reworked. A new saddle slot was routed, and a higher saddle installed to improve the break angle and increase string pressure on the bridge. This adjustment enhanced both sustain and tonal response, bringing a new balance to the instrument.
Further structural improvements followed. The neck angle was carefully adjusted at the joint, addressing long-standing playability issues. A new truss rod was installed to provide better control and stability. Finishing work and refinements ensured that all modifications blended seamlessly into the instrument’s original character.
This was not restoration for preservation alone. It was restoration with intent. Every decision respected the identity of the guitar while elevating its performance to meet the demands of one of the world’s most expressive players.
Tragically, this project would become the last major work completed by Anders Thidell before his passing. In that sense, the instrument stands not only as a technical achievement, but as a testament. A final expression of a lifetime dedicated to precision, innovation, and the pursuit of perfect intonation.
The guitar now carries more than the voice of its player. It carries the legacy of the craftsman who reshaped it.
Anders Thidell, founder of True Temperament. Never forgotten.
