Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
$7,999.00
Guitar Center
$7,999.00
Reverb
$6,970.10 New
$4,200.00 Used
Musician's Friend
$7,999.00
zZounds
$6,199.00
Thomann
$6,699.00

Average Price: $6,866

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy is a masterful tribute to the "King of the Blues," designed for serious musicians who appreciate both heritage and innovation. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a meticulous homage to B.B. King's iconic ES-355, blending classic elegance with modern-day craftsmanship. The guitar's 3-ply figured maple body, sans F-holes, offers a unique sonic profile that minimizes feedback without sacrificing the rich resonance and warmth that semi-hollowbodies are known for.

Equipped with CustomBucker pickups, this guitar delivers vintage PAF tones that are both warm and articulate, perfect for blues, jazz, and rock. The mono Varitone circuit offers a palette of tonal options, allowing you to switch seamlessly from smooth jazz rhythms to gritty blues solos. The handwired harness, complete with CTS audio-taper pots and paper-in-oil Bumblebee capacitors, ensures nuanced control over your sound, making every note count.

The Lucille Legacy doesn't just sound great; it feels incredible, too. The comfortable SlimTaper neck and 22-fret ebony fingerboard allow for effortless playability, whether you're bending strings or picking staccato notes. Visually, the guitar is a showstopper, featuring gold hardware, a TP-6 tailpiece with fine tuners, and mother-of-pearl inlays that exude luxury.

For those who seek an instrument that's as inspiring to play as it is to behold, the BB King Lucille Legacy is a worthy heir to a legendary name.

Key Features:

  • Re-creation of B.B. King's iconic ES-355 semi-hollowbody electric guitar
  • 3-ply figured maple body with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • SlimTaper neck profile with a 22-fret ebony fingerboard
  • Dual CustomBucker pickups for vintage PAF tone
  • Handwired harness with CTS audio-taper pots and paper-in-oil Bumblebee caps
  • Mono Varitone circuit for versatile tonal options
  • TP-6 tailpiece with fine tuners and Grover Tulip tuning machines
  • Gold hardware, split block mother-of-pearl inlays, and multi-ply binding
  • Includes a Custom Shop hardshell case

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Semi-hollowbody
Body Shape B.B. King Lucille Legacy
Body Material 3-ply Figured Maple/Poplar/Maple
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Slim Taper
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Split Blocks
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.687"
Nut Material Corian
Bridge/Tailpiece ABR-1 TP-6 Tailpiece with fine Tuners
Tuners Grover Tulip
Neck Pickup Gibson Custom Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Gibson Custom Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 6-position Mono Varitone Switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?

The Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy features a distinctive 6-position Mono Varitone switch, which offers a wide range of tonal options, and its unique TP-6 tailpiece with fine tuners provides enhanced tuning stability and precision.

How does the Slim Taper neck profile of the BB King Lucille Legacy affect playability?

The Slim Taper neck profile offers a comfortable and fast playing experience, making it ideal for players who prefer quick fretboard navigation and a modern feel.

Can the Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy handle high-gain music genres?

Yes, the dual Gibson Custombucker humbucking pickups provide a robust output suitable for high-gain genres while maintaining clarity and depth, making it versatile for various music styles.

Is the BB King Lucille Legacy suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the semi-hollowbody design coupled with the robust Custombucker pickups and Varitone switch make it versatile for live performances, offering both rich tones and stage-ready features.

What type of wood is used in the construction of the BB King Lucille Legacy, and how does it affect the sound?

The guitar features a 3-ply figured maple/poplar/maple body and a mahogany neck, which together produce a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain and clarity, characteristic of high-quality semi-hollowbody guitars.

Gibson TV

Gibson TV

B.B. King Lucille Legacy

Video thumbnail for B.B. King Lucille Legacy by Gibson TV

B.B. King Lucille Legacy

Gibson TV

Gibson TV

Video thumbnail for A Surprising Custom Color | Gibson BB King Lucille Legacy by The Trogly's Guitar Show

A Surprising Custom Color | Gibson BB King Lucille Legacy

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

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

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for How does Gibson's Custom Shop Lucille Legacy compare to the REAL Lucille? (I've played B.B. King's) by MooreMusicGuitars

How does Gibson's Custom Shop Lucille Legacy compare to the REAL Lucille? (I've played B.B. King's)

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

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

Gibson Custom Shop B.B. King Lucille Legacy • SN:CS301056

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy is here by Three Chord Dave

The Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy is here

Three Chord Dave

Three Chord Dave

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom B.B King Lucille Legacy - Transparent Ebony by The Peach Boutique

Gibson Custom B.B King Lucille Legacy - Transparent Ebony

The Peach Boutique

The Peach Boutique

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy.

Value and pricing

  • After BB King's death, the Lucille model saw a price increase from $4,199 in 2015 to $7,000 in 2016, despite being a regular production model.

    Source
  • Retailers sometimes inflate "MSRP" to suggest discounts; Gibson's website lists street prices directly since 2015, unlike typical MSRP listings by manufacturers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Buyers consider a pre-Norlin 1963 Gibson ES-345, even with repro tuners and a refret, a better value under $7,000 than a new Lucille model.

    Source
  • Owners who have played Gibson Les Paul Standards rate this guitar highly in terms of playability, indicating strong performance compared to premium models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's varitone switch is versatile, with position 2 offering a "Thrill is Gone" tone; others can sound "underwater" depending on the setup.

    Source
  • The lack of f-holes and the inclusion of a back access hatch for wiring provide a unique feature that enhances usability for some players.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing stock pickups with higher quality ones enhances tone, and swapping the nut for bone improves sustain and tuning stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners plan to replace the fine tuners on the tailpiece with a Gotoh gold tailpiece for improved aesthetics and potential playability enhancements.

    Source

User experience

  • The neck size is described as slightly bulky, requiring an adjustment period, but offers a comfortable playability once adapted.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy review on americansongwriter.com

americansongwriter.com

The Gibson Custom Shop BB King Lucille Legacy dazzles with its stunning Transparent Ebony finish and top-notch craftsmanship, making it a beautiful tribute to the blues icon. Upgraded components enhance the tone, and its collector's value is undeniable. However, at a hefty price of $6,999, it's more of an at-home or studio showpiece than a gigging workhorse. For those seeking stage-ready Lucille magic, the standard models might be a wiser choice.

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