1997 Gibson B.B. King Lucille Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

The 1997 Gibson B.B. King Lucille is one of Gibson’s most distinctive artist signature guitars, combining the luxurious appointments of the ES-355 with the features developed around B.B. King’s own requirements.

Built in the USA, the Lucille uses Gibson’s classic double-cutaway semi-hollow design with a solid centre block, but immediately stands apart from a conventional ES model by having no f-holes. This was a deliberate part of the Lucille design, helping to reduce the potential for feedback when playing at higher stage volumes.

Its bound ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays, extensive binding and gold-plated hardware give the guitar the unmistakable high-end appearance associated with the model. The headstock carries the distinctive Lucille inlay, while the engraved B.B. King truss rod cover completes the signature presentation.

Gibson 490R and 490T Humbuckers

A pair of Gibson 490R and 490T humbuckers provide the core voice of this 1997 Lucille.

The familiar two-volume and two-tone control arrangement is supplemented by a three-way pickup selector and one of the model’s defining features, the six-position Varitone switch.

The Varitone offers a range of additional filtered tonal settings beyond the conventional neck, bridge and combined pickup sounds. This gives the Lucille considerably more tonal flexibility than a standard twin-humbucker semi-hollow guitar.

Mono and stereo output options further reflect the sophisticated electronics associated with the B.B. King Lucille design.

TP-6 Fine-Tuning Tailpiece

At the bridge end, the Lucille features Gibson’s TP-6 tailpiece.

The TP-6 incorporates individual fine tuners for all six strings, allowing small tuning adjustments directly from the tailpiece. Together with the gold hardware, it is another instantly recognisable feature of the B.B. King model.

A Distinctive Gibson Signature Model

Although closely related to Gibson’s ES-355, the Lucille developed an identity entirely of its own.

The absence of f-holes, Varitone electronics, stereo capability, TP-6 tailpiece and signature cosmetic appointments make it considerably more than simply another variation on Gibson’s ES semi-hollow design.

This example dates from 1997, placing it firmly within Gibson’s 1990s USA production.

For players looking for a classic Gibson semi-hollow with something more unusual than the conventional ES-335 formula, the 1997 Gibson B.B. King Lucille offers a particularly distinctive combination of construction, electronics and unmistakable B.B. King styling.

Specification

Manufacturer: Gibson
Model: B.B. King Lucille
Year: 1997
Country of Manufacture: USA
Body Type: Semi-hollow, double cutaway
Design: ES-355-derived Lucille specification
Soundholes: None
Fingerboard: Ebony
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearl block inlays
Frets: 22
Scale Length: 24.75 inches
Pickups: Gibson 490R neck humbucker and 490T bridge humbucker
Pickup Configuration: HH
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector: 3-way toggle
Tone Selector: 6-position Varitone
Outputs: Mono and stereo
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic style
Tailpiece: Gibson TP-6 with fine tuners
Hardware: Gold plated
Headstock: Gibson logo with Lucille inlay
Truss Rod Cover: B.B. King signature type