1995 Gibson B.B. King Custom ES-355 “Lucille” Made for B.B. on his 70th Birthday - Black w/Original Hardshell Case

For sale we have a special one for both blues and B.B. King fans. This 1995 Gibson B.B. King Custom ES-355 “Lucille” was made for and given to B.B. on his 70th birthday as a gift from the Gibson Custom Shop. This particular instrument was named “Lucille #17” owned and played by B.B. king himself. It was featured on Charlie Rose when B.B. was a guest. They talk about the guitar briefly at the 10:35 minute mark (see linked YouTube link). The instrument was also featured in Guitar Player Magazine November, 2002 with a half page write-up and photograph (magazine included in sale).

The guitar features all of the typical standard ES-355 appointments but this custom model also features a pearl inlaid “Lucille” pickguard logo with a rhinestone dotting the “i”, a portrait of B.B. burned into the Maple top sealed in with clear lacquer, engraved pickup covers with the neck pickup reading “Happy 70th Birthday” and the bridge pickup wearing a Gibson Custom Shop logo. Other unique features include song titles written inside of each pearl block inlay down the fingerboard, an elaborate pearl, red and blue inlaid “BB King’s Blues Club” logo with five inlaid rhinestones on the headstock.
The guitar is in excellent used condition but has clearly been played and used with a fair amount of honest play wear throughout. There is strum wear on the pickguard, light surface scuffs and scratches scattered throughout the body and some of the gold plating on the pickup covers is worn through. The headstock shows heavy vertical lacquer checking. Aside from the play wear, the instrument is all-original to the best of our knowledge and in perfect working order. Structurally sound with no cracks, breaks or repairs. A unique piece of blues and BB King history. The guitar will be properly packed with care prior to shipment. No trades please. Please reach out with any further questions. Thanks!