Gibson’s leading guitar brand Epiphone has confirmed its worldwide launch of the new B.B. King Lucille model, a perfect replica of the blues giant’s beloved guitar.
Epiphone has created the new Lucille in collaboration with the B.B. King Music Company, in an extension of the existing partnership between the companies. It’s available as of yesterday (19) at authorized Gibson dealers worldwide and at www.epiphone.com.
The signature guitar pays tribute to the peerless musical achievements of one of the great pioneering figures in music. Based on the famously named guitars named Lucille that B.B. played over his incredible career, the Epiphone B.B. King Lucille in Ebony was inspired by the various Gibson ES models that he played.
“We are honored to celebrate the life and spirit of B.B. King with this very special addition to Epiphone’s Artist Collection,” says Mat Koehler, head of product development at Gibson Brands, adding that the guitar “captures the legendary look, feel and tone of Lucille with all the classic appointments including the 6-position Varitone switch for ultimate versatility.”
Vassal Benford, CEO and chairman, B.B. King Music Company, adds: “It has been a pleasure working with the Gibson team in developing a new line of B.B. King Signature Lucille guitars. I am especially proud of the new Epiphone guitar and delivering a true work of art that will be broadly accessible, awakening B.B. King’s life and legacy to new artists.
“Gibson is a tremendous partner,” continues Benford, “and they have demonstrated a sincere alignment with our mission to not only preserve the legacy of B.B. King, but to continue to grow his brand and expose a new generation of artists and fans to his music.”
Fifteen-time Grammy-winner King’s recording lifetime included some 2400 master recordings and 50 albums, and his legacy continues to be passed down to new admirers worldwide, with average yearly streams of 50 million.
‘Lucille’ in mother of pearl
The Epiphone B.B. King Lucille features historically-accurate construction and standout appointments including gold hardware, Grover Rotomatic tuners, a Graph Tech nut, ebony fretboard with pearloid block inlays, a brass truss rod cover with B.B.’s name engraved on it, a mother of pearl of “Lucille” inlay on the headstock face, multi-ply binding on the body and headstock, a TP-6 tailpiece with fine tuners, and a semi-hollow-body with a maple center block to reduce feedback.
Gibson adds that unlike most semi-hollowbody guitars, the B.B. King Lucille’s top does not have any f-holes; this was at the request of B.B. himself, to help further reduce the possibility of feedback. The guitar’s electronics include a six-position Varitone switch, a pair of Alnico Classic PRO humbucking pickups wired to CTS potentiometers, and stereo and mono output jacks for maximum flexibility.
Listen to uDiscover Music’s B.B. King Essential playlist.
