Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $5,699
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
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.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Musician's Friend
Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, Ebony
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
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 17 Ratings
39
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
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.
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.
"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.
"Berry played a black Les Paul Custom and, in the ’80s, a Gibson Lucille signature model," states this article.
In this photograph, John Lee Hooker is playing with a Gibson BB King Lucille Standard Cherry.
You can see at the 2:00 mark the Gibson logo with the Lucille truss rod cover. Excellent guitar.
This live performance of 309 by Russian Circles shows Mike using a B.B. King Lucille electric guitar from Gibson.
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.
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
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.
More Gibson Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-