Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,699

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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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.

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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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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
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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 Mark Wystrach uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Mark Wystrach

Guitarist

Midland

...
Verified via Photo

On Mark's official Instagram, he can be seen pictured next to a variety of Gibson semi-hollow models for a picture. One of these models in a Gibson Lucille.

See how Daniel Victor uses Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Guitar

Daniel Victor

Singer

Neverending White Lights

...
Verified via YouTube

This guitar was used in two rare concert appearances at the Drake Hotel in December of 2006.

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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