Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,699

High-end/Boutique

$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

What makes the Gibson ES-335 Lucille unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?

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.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson ES-335 Lucille affect playability?

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.

What type of music is the Gibson ES-335 Lucille best suited for?

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.

Does the Gibson ES-335 Lucille have any special features for tone control?

Yes, the Gibson ES-335 Lucille includes a Varitone switch, which offers a range of tonal options for greater versatility in shaping sound.

Is the Gibson ES-335 Lucille suitable for live performances?

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

  • Versatile sound range with Humbuckers and single coil-like tones via Push-Pull knobs

  • Stunning aesthetic with detailed binding and mother of pearl inlays

  • Durable three-piece maple neck with a substantial feel

  • Feedback-resistant without f-holes, enhancing playability

  • Richlite fretboard praised for durability and low maintenance

  • Varitone control offers diverse tone alterations

  • Well-balanced weight; lighter than previous Lucille models

  • Stereo and mono outputs for flexible connectivity

  • Ideal for a wide range of genres: blues, rock, jazz, country

  • Beautiful case with BB King gold detailing

CONS

  • Slightly heavier than other semi-hollow guitars at around 9.5 lbs

  • 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

  • The Lucille model can be heavier than a typical ES-335 due to its unique construction.

    Source
  • The Varitone switch offers more than standard tone control by using an inductor and capacitors for frequency subtraction.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The semi-hollow design primarily benefits from a lighter weight rather than a distinct "hollow" sound.

    Source
  • The stereo setup allows one pickup to output to each channel, typically requiring an 'insert' cable for different amp or console channels, although it's not commonly used.

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Build quality

  • The Lucille includes binding around the top, back, neck, and headstock, adding to its aesthetic appeal and distinguishing it from models like the ES-345.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how David Lebón uses Gibson ES-335 Lucille

David Lebón

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Bernard Allison uses Gibson ES-335 Lucille

Bernard Allison

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

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."

See how Tommy Gleeson uses Gibson ES-335 Lucille

Tommy Gleeson

Singer, Guitarist

Feeder

...
Verified via Peachguitars

Tom's gear is discussed in this interview with Peach Guitars

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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