the way he makes up his tone is more complicated than what you're thinking axl_rose- it's not just simply plugging an epi through a practice amp. He uses a deacy amp to create variations in tone which comes in handy when he's making layers of sounds and harmonies and stuff- and believe me, his sound doesnt just sound like an epiphone through a practive 10 watt amp at all- if it is, then it would've been very easy to imitate his tone and his tone wouldn't have been "distinct." But up until now, no one can copy brian. Some folks get very close- and all of this, thanks to Brian May for sharing his secrets and for sharing some of his equipment by allowing certain companies to build them from his specifications- but no one can play exactly like brian may- that's how unique his tone is.