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Average Price: $5,699
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$500
$1201+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson ES-335 Lucille". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Gibson ES-335 Lucille is not just a guitar; it's a piece of music history, lovingly crafted to capture the essence of the legendary B.B. King's beloved instrument. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is designed without F-holes, a deliberate choice that minimizes feedback, giving you a pure, powerful tone that's perfect for both stage and studio. With two calibrated humbucking pickups, it delivers the warm, resonant sound that made Lucille famous, while the unique TP-6 tailpiece allows for precise tuning adjustments, ensuring your performance is always spot-on.
The craftsmanship of the ES-335 Lucille is second to none, featuring a stunning maple top and body that not only looks beautiful but also enhances the guitar's sonic qualities. The neck is meticulously crafted to provide comfort and playability, perfect for long sessions. Whether you're chasing the soulful bends of the blues or exploring new musical territories, the Gibson ES-335 Lucille stands ready to accompany you on every note.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design without F-holes to reduce feedback
- Two calibrated humbucking pickups for rich tonal versatility
- TP-6 tailpiece for precise tuning adjustments
- Maple top and body for enhanced resonance
- Comfortable neck profile for effortless playability
- Iconic design inspired by B.B. King's original Lucille
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
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What makes the Gibson ES-335 Lucille unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?
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The Gibson ES-335 Lucille is unique due to its association with B.B. King and features like a maple/poplar/maple body, Custombucker humbucking pickups, and a stop-bar tailpiece, offering a blend of warm, resonant tones and versatile playability.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson ES-335 Lucille affect playability?
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The Gibson ES-335 Lucille features a SlimTaper mahogany neck, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience, ideal for both intricate solos and rhythm playing.
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What type of music is the Gibson ES-335 Lucille best suited for?
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The Gibson ES-335 Lucille is versatile but particularly excels in blues, jazz, and rock genres, thanks to its warm, rich tones and the sustain provided by its dual Custombucker humbuckers.
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Does the Gibson ES-335 Lucille have any special features for tone control?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-335 Lucille includes a Varitone switch, which offers a range of tonal options for greater versatility in shaping sound.
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Is the Gibson ES-335 Lucille suitable for live performances?
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Absolutely, the Gibson ES-335 Lucille's semi-hollowbody design and robust electronics make it an excellent choice for live performances, delivering both clarity and power.
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound range with Humbuckers and single coil-like tones via Push-Pull knobs
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Stunning aesthetic with detailed binding and mother of pearl inlays
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Durable three-piece maple neck with a substantial feel
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Feedback-resistant without f-holes, enhancing playability
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Richlite fretboard praised for durability and low maintenance
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Varitone control offers diverse tone alterations
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Well-balanced weight; lighter than previous Lucille models
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Stereo and mono outputs for flexible connectivity
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Ideal for a wide range of genres: blues, rock, jazz, country
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Beautiful case with BB King gold detailing
CONS
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Slightly heavier than other semi-hollow guitars at around 9.5 lbs
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Some players may miss traditional ebony fretboard feel
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-335 Lucille.
Features and functionality
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The Lucille model can be heavier than a typical ES-335 due to its unique construction.
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The Varitone switch offers more than standard tone control by using an inductor and capacitors for frequency subtraction.
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The Lucille often features a six-way Varitone selector switch, which uses a choke and capacitors for frequency range adjustments, unlike some models with simpler controls.
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Comparisons
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The tonal characteristics of the Lucille, when plugged in, are similar to a solid body guitar like a Les Paul due to the pickups being mounted directly onto the center block.
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The Alnico Classic PRO pickups in the Lucille are considered less dynamic compared to the PRObuckers in other models like the Epi Les Paul Florentine.
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The Lucille is structurally based on the ES-355, featuring an ebony fingerboard, Mother of Pearl block markers, and a sealed body without F-holes to minimize feedback.
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Use cases and applications
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Artist usage
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Esta guitarra se la regaló Pappo a David (habiéndola recibido Pappo del mismo BB King en uno de sus varios encuentros). David usó la guitarra para el regreso de Serú Girán en River en el 92 y la siguió usando a lo largo de su carrera solista.
Bernard Allison's website lists the Gibson ES-335 Lucille in his gear section. The guitar is noted for being a favorite of Lou when performing BB King, Otis Rush, or Freddie King songs. It was also used on his 1979 live album, "Gonna Be A Live One In Here Tonight," which was later renamed "South Side Safari."
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-335 Lucille 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 ES-335 Lucille, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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