Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,699

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the spotlight with the Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar, a masterpiece inspired by the legendary blues icon himself. This electric guitar captures the essence of B.B. King's legacy, drawing from the various ES-355s that he cherished and customized throughout his illustrious career. The Lucille's semi-hollow design is a testament to its powerful sound, while its solid top, void of F-holes, intentionally minimizes feedback, allowing for a cleaner and more controlled performance.

Equipped with dual humbuckers, this guitar delivers a rich and warm tone that’s as versatile as it is iconic. The tunable TP-6 bridge ensures precise intonation and easy string changes, making it a reliable partner for any gig or studio session. Adding to its distinct character, the guitar flaunts an elegant headstock adorned with a larger B.B. King emblem, a fitting tribute to the man who immortalized it.

Whether you're channeling the soulful blues of B.B. King or exploring your own musical path, the Gibson Lucille offers a blend of history, craftsmanship, and innovation that resonates with musicians of all styles.

Key Features:

  • Inspired by B.B. King's iconic Lucille
  • Semi-hollowbody design with no F-holes to reduce feedback
  • Dual humbuckers for rich tonal versatility
  • Tunable TP-6 bridge for precise intonation
  • Elegant headstock with B.B. King emblem

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model BB King Lucille
Finish Alpine White, Cherry, Ebony
Year 2012 - 2020
Made In United States
Categories Archtop Electric Guitars, Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Artist B.B. King
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Red, White
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Composite
Model Family Gibson Lucille
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Artist Collection
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What makes the Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar unique compared to other semi-hollow guitars?

The Gibson B.B. King Lucille features a distinctive double cutaway design, a stop-bar tailpiece, and a unique Varitone switch, providing a wide range of tonal options. It also lacks F-holes, which reduces feedback, making it ideal for blues and jazz performances.

What type of pickups are used in the Gibson B.B. King Lucille, and what sound can I expect?

The Gibson B.B. King Lucille is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, known for their warm, rich tones with reduced noise. This setup is perfect for achieving the smooth, expressive sound characteristic of B.B. King's blues style.

Is the Gibson B.B. King Lucille suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson B.B. King Lucille offers professional-level features and quality, its playability and versatile sound make it accessible for intermediate players who are serious about blues and jazz music.

How does the Varitone switch on the Gibson B.B. King Lucille enhance its versatility?

The Varitone switch provides six different tonal presets, allowing players to easily shift between various sound profiles, from warm and mellow to bright and cutting, making it highly versatile for different music styles.

Does the Gibson B.B. King Lucille handle feedback well during live performances?

Yes, the absence of F-holes in the Gibson B.B. King Lucille's design significantly reduces feedback, making it an excellent choice for live performances where high volume is required.

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Video thumbnail for KAOS Gear Demo - Gibson B.B. King Lucille by KAOS MUSIC CENTRE

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Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis B.B. King Lucille  •  SN: 12792723 by Wildwood Guitars

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Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Gibson Custom B.B. King Lucille Legacy Demo by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Gibson Custom B.B. King Lucille Legacy Demo

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Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop B.B. King Lucille Legacy  •  SN:CS301056 by Wildwood Guitars

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Wildwood Guitars

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Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound: Humbuckers and single-coil tones via Varitone and push-pull knobs

  • Beautiful craftsmanship: Binding, mother of pearl inlays, and finish

  • High durability: Three-piece maple neck ensures longevity

  • Feedback resistance: No F-holes reduce unwanted feedback

  • Richlite fretboard: Long-lasting and low maintenance, rivals traditional ebony

  • Stereo capability: Offers stereo jack for expanded sound options

  • Substantial neck: Comfortable and well-balanced, not too bulky

  • Wide tonal range: Varitone selector provides diverse sound options

  • Eye-catching design: Available in stunning ebony and cherry finishes

  • Highly recommended: Consistent praise for versatility and playability across genres

CONS

  • Heavier than average: Weighs around 9.5 pounds, more than some other semi-hollows

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The Varitone switch on the Lucille subtracts specific frequencies using an inductor and capacitors, rather than just rolling off highs like a typical tone control.

    Source
  • Unlike fully hollow models, the semi-hollow design minimizes feedback issues, making it more suitable for higher stage volumes.

    Source
  • The Lucille model is essentially a 355 without f-holes, which differentiates it visually and acoustically from traditional 335 models.

    Source
  • The Lucille's Varitone control circuit is highlighted as a key feature, distinguishing it from other guitars in its class.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Epiphone Lucille, equipped with Alnico Classic PRO pickups, is noted to be less dynamic compared to guitars with PRObuckers.

    Source
  • The Lucille is compared to the Squier CV Starcaster for its similar build and loud unplugged sound, but both deliver a solid body tone when amplified.

    Source
  • The Gibson ES-339 is noted to sound more like a Les Paul than an ES-335, suggesting a tonal difference despite similar body styles.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that B.B. King used 490R and 490T pickups, which can be installed in various guitars to replicate his sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that semi-hollow models like the Lucille can be heavier than a typical 335-style guitar, despite offering a lighter feel than solid bodies.

    Source
  • It's noted that guitars like the Epiphone Sheraton sound louder unplugged compared to solid-body models like the SG, offering versatility in quiet practice settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Lucille's semi-hollow design, with pickups installed directly into the center block, provides a sound similar to a solid body when plugged in.

    Source
  • The Gibson ES-355 and its variations, including the Lucille, are compared to Ibanez AS93 and Haggstrom Viking as alternatives for blues tones.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gear Review: Gibson B.B. King Lucille Legacy - American Songwriter

americansongwriter.com

The Gibson B.B. King Lucille Legacy is a fitting tribute to the blues legend, boasting a stunning finish and tonal upgrades like Custombucker pickups and Bumblebee capacitors. While its $6,999 price tag may deter some, the craftsmanship and collector potential make it a worthy investment for enthusiasts. Ideal for home use or studio sessions, it's less suited for gigging due to its premium status.

positive

Gibson B.B. King Lucille Guitar Review @TopGuitars.info

topguitars.info

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bsilva1984

Gibson B. B. King Lucille Electric Guitar

I never knew if I wanted that guitar. But I would want that as a gift and play it.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

Billie Joe Armstrong used the Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar during a live performance at the Fox Theater and on tour for "21st Century Breakdown," as shown in the user-uploaded photo on Photobucket.

See how Jeff Beck uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In an interview with Guitar.com, Jeff Beck's guitar tech, Steve Prior, mentions that Jeff Beck has a Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar. This guitar is part of his collection due to his occasional performances with B.B. King, where he uses guitars similar to those played by King and his band.

See how Joe Perry uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Joe Perry

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via YouTube

"We all know and love this guitar as the Billie Guitar. This is a Gibson Lucille that actually that actually doesn't have the F holes and it's missing two of its volume and tone. This guitar is a guitar that Gibson had made custom for Joe, and Joe had this artist, John Douglas, air brush it. John did an amazing job! If you flip it there's another picture on the back. This guitar is one of those rarities that it looks really cool but it really sounds good as well. So he doesn't play it just because it has his wife's picture on it, he plays it because it sounds really good," explains Joe Perry's guitar tech.

See how Brent Hinds uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Brent Hinds

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Brent can be spotted with Lucille guitar.

See how Chuck Berry uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Chuck Berry

Singer, Guitarist

Chuck Berry & His Combo

...
Verified via Photo

"Berry played a black Les Paul Custom and, in the ’80s, a Gibson Lucille signature model," states this article.

See how John Lee Hooker uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

John Lee Hooker

Guitarist

John Lee Hooker & Carlos Santana

...
Verified via Photo

In this photograph, John Lee Hooker is playing with a Gibson BB King Lucille Standard Cherry.

See how Johnny Bond uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Johnny Bond

Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see at the 2:00 mark the Gibson logo with the Lucille truss rod cover. Excellent guitar.

See how Mike Sullivan uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Mike Sullivan

Guitarist

Russian Circles

...
Verified via YouTube

This live performance of 309 by Russian Circles shows Mike using a B.B. King Lucille electric guitar from Gibson.

See how Don Felder uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Don Felder

Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Felder is seen playing Gibson BB King signature Lucille model, which can be identified by headstock. This photo dates somewhere from the 90's.

See how Mark Ronson uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Mark Ronson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Silk City

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video you can see him play this guitar

See how Luis Alberto Spinetta uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Luis Alberto Spinetta

Singer, Guitarist

Spinetta y Los Socios Del Desierto

...
Verified via Photo

Con Jade, las violas fueron principalmente esta Gibson Lucille para la reunión de Almendra en 1980. Spinetta nunca usó una Gibson Lucille. La que usó (desde la presentación de "El Valle Interior" y durante toda la primera época de Jade) Fue una Gibson ES-335 Artist (con electrónica activa Moog) que es la de la foto

See how Michael Gira uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Michael Gira

Singer, Guitarist

Swans

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Gira can be seen playing a Gibson B.B. King Lucille.

Album Usage

The Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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