Up for sale, a 1997 Gibson B.B. King “Lucille” ES-355 in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtags. This signature iteration of the 355 platform was built to King’s specifications with no F holes (designed to further reduce unwanted feedback) and stereo outputs, finished in a Cherry Red nitro lacquer gloss.

This particular Lucille example was produced in the so-called “good wood” era and was ordered by Gibson’s Japanese distributor Yamano. Gibson’s USA-made guitars distributed via Yamano are often considered to be among their best, featuring the highest quality woods picked for Gibson’s discerning Japanese audience. This ES even features Gibson/Yamano’s rare “Premium Quality For Japan” hangtag.

Tonewoods comprises a semi-hollow maple body (maple centerblock), mahogany neck, and bound ebony fingerboard, and this Lucille weighs 9lbs 11oz. Via the 490R and 490T humbucker pair, this Gibson pairs the attack and articulation of maple with the warmth of the semi-hollow body construction, covering ample tonal ground and delivering everything from harmonic rich growl in the bridge position to jazz-worthy warmth and fullness with the neck pickup singled out. The six-way Varitone switch adds a bevy of additional tonal options, with thinned-out sounds and midrange forward options, and there are dual outputs for stereo functionality. This Lucille has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Shape: Chunky C, measuring .885” 1st fret, 1.030” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Ebony, pearl block inlays
• Frets: Medium jumbo, no wear
• Scale Length: 24 3/4”
• Nut: 1 11/16”
• Tuners: Gibson-branded (Schaller-made)
• Serialization: Eight-digit stamp dates to ‘97

Body Specs:

• Wood: Maple (maple centerblock)
• Pickups: 490T/490R humbuckers
• Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector, six-position rotary Varitone
• Hardware: Nashville bridge, TP-6 tailpiece
• Plastics: Multi-ply bound tortoise pickguard, black speed knobs, white switch tip

The gloss Cherry Red nitro lacquer shows just a few subtle finish scratches on the back and lower bout perimeter. The nitro gloss on the neck profile is flawless.

The original Gibson USA hardshell case is included, along with the Gibson/Yamano hangtags.