B.B. King, often hailed as the King of Blues, is an iconic figure whose influence on the blues genre is immeasurable. His unique playing style and emotive performances have inspired countless musicians worldwide. Central to his legendary sound was his choice of guitar. B.B. King’s primary instrument was the Gibson ES-355 and ES-335, both of which he affectionately named “Lucille.” This article delves into the details of B.B. King’s guitars, their impact on his music, and his enduring legacy in the world of blues.
Gibson ES-355 and ES-335 (“Lucille”)
B.B. King’s association with the Gibson ES-355 and ES-335 models, which he collectively called “Lucille,” is one of the most storied relationships between a musician and an instrument. These guitars were integral to King’s signature sound and contributed to the evolution of modern blues.
The Origin of Lucille
The name “Lucille” has an interesting backstory. During a performance in the winter of 1949 in Twist, Arkansas, a fire broke out in the dance hall where B.B. King was playing. The blaze started when two men knocked over a barrel of kerosene during a fight. King evacuated the building but realized he had left his guitar inside. Risking his life, he ran back into the burning building to retrieve it. After learning that the fight was over a woman named Lucille, he named his guitar after her to remind himself never to do something so reckless again.
Gibson ES-355
The Gibson ES-355 was King’s primary choice. Known for its elegant design and versatile sound, the ES-355 is a semi-hollow body guitar that produces rich, warm tones with excellent sustain. It features a laminated maple body, mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The ES-355’s design includes a distinctive split-diamond inlay on the headstock and gold-plated hardware, which adds to its luxurious appearance.
Gibson ES-335
King also played the Gibson ES-335, another semi-hollow body guitar renowned for its versatility. Similar in construction to the ES-355, the ES-335 features a laminated maple top, back, and sides, with a mahogany center block that helps reduce feedback. The ES-335’s sound is characterized by its smooth, rounded tones, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles, including blues, jazz, and rock.
Lucille Custom Model
In 1980, recognizing B.B. King’s profound influence and his association with their guitars, Gibson introduced a custom model specifically for him: the Gibson B.B. King Lucille. This model was based on the ES-355 but included several custom features tailored to King’s preferences.
Design and Features
The Gibson B.B. King Lucille boasts a striking black ebony finish and gold hardware, giving it a sophisticated and regal appearance. One of the most distinctive features of this custom model is the absence of F-holes, a design choice intended to reduce feedback—a common issue with semi-hollow body guitars during high-volume performances.
Varitone Tone Switch
Another unique feature of the Lucille model is the six-position Varitone tone switch. This switch allows the guitarist to access a range of tonal options by engaging different capacitors, which alter the guitar’s sound. This versatility enabled B.B. King to achieve his distinctive, expressive tone that could range from smooth and mellow to sharp and biting.
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Humbuckers
The Gibson B.B. King Lucille is equipped with 490R and 490T humbuckers, which provide a rich, warm sound with minimal noise. These pickups are designed to capture the nuances of King’s playing style, delivering clear, articulate notes with excellent sustain.
Other Guitars
While the Lucille models were B.B. King’s primary instruments, he also played other guitars throughout his 75-year career. One notable example is the Gibson ES-125, which he used for certain recordings.
Gibson ES-125
The Gibson ES-125 is a hollow body guitar known for its bright, light timbre, making it ideal for 12-bar blues solos. This model features a single P-90 pickup, which delivers a clear, punchy sound that cuts through the mix. The ES-125’s simplicity and tonal clarity made it a suitable choice for King’s earlier recordings, where he explored different sounds and techniques.
B.B. King’s Musical Legacy
B.B. King’s influence on the blues genre and the broader musical landscape cannot be overstated. His innovative playing style, characterized by expressive bends, vibrato, and a deep, soulful tone, set a new standard for blues guitarists. King’s use of the Gibson ES-355 and ES-335 models, along with his custom Lucille, played a significant role in shaping his sound and, by extension, the sound of modern blues.
Impact on the Blues Genre
King’s guitar choices and playing techniques helped elevate the blues to new heights. His ability to convey deep emotion through his guitar inspired a generation of musicians and brought the blues to a wider audience. Songs like “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Every Day I Have the Blues,” and “Sweet Little Angel” s howcased his mastery of the instrument and his ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Influence on Guitarists
Many guitarists, both within and outside the blues genre, cite B.B. King as a major influence. His emphasis on melody, phrasing, and expressive playing resonated with musicians across genres. Notable guitarists such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan have all acknowledged King’s impact on their playing.
Enduring Legacy
B.B. King’s legacy extends beyond his music. His contributions to the blues genre earned him numerous awards and accolades, including 15 Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. King’s commitment to his craft, his generosity as a performer, and his dedication to promoting the blues have left an indelible mark on the music world.
Conclusion
B.B. King’s choice of guitar was central to his signature sound and his enduring influence on the blues genre. The Gibson ES-355 and ES-335, both of which he named “Lucille,” were integral to his expressive, emotive playing style. The custom Gibson B.B. King Lucille model, with its unique design features, further enhanced his ability to create the distinctive tones that defined his music.
Throughout his illustrious career, King also played other guitars, such as the Gibson ES-125, which contributed to his exploration of different sounds and techniques. His innovative approach to the guitar, combined with his deep emotional expression, set a new standard for blues musicians and inspired countless guitarists worldwide.
B.B. King’s musical legacy is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the blues. His contributions to the genre have left an indelible mark on the music world, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come. The guitars he played, especially his beloved Lucille, will always be remembered as an essential part of his legendary sound and his remarkable journey as the King of Blues.
