Gibson has introduced the B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355, a limited edition guitar honoring the blues legend’s performance at the Zaire 74 music festival. This festival was part of a three-night event promoting the heavyweight championship fight between boxing icons Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Meticulously crafted by Gibson Custom and Murphy Lab, the guitar replicates King’s Walnut 1974 ES-355 used during the concert. With only 100 units available at a price of $9,999, this model boasts all the premium features expected from a top-tier Gibson ES guitar.
The guitar features a laminated maple back, top, and sides, complemented by a 3-piece mahogany neck with 22 frets and a 24.75” scale length. Notable attributes include mother-of-pearl inlays, T-Type Custombucker Alnico 5 humbuckers, a mono Varitone switch, and a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, all finished with Murphy Lab techniques for an authentic, road-worn appearance.
All hardware, such as the Tune-O-Matic bridge, Maestro Vibrola, Kluson Waffleback tuners, and True Historic pickup covers, is finished in aged gold for a classic look. Each purchase also includes a variety of case candy related to the historic festival and the Rumble in the Jungle fight, along with a B.B. King “Zaire” hardshell case.
“B.B. King’s performance at the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ was not just a concert—it was a defining cultural moment,” says Vassal Benford, CEO and Chairman of the B.B. King Music Company. “This instrument is more than a tribute—it’s a continuation of his enduring legacy, allowing future generations of musicians to connect with the heart and soul of the blues.”
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