B.B. King, the undisputed King of the Blues, is inextricably linked to his beloved Gibson guitars. Throughout his illustrious career, one instrument stood out above all others: his iconic Gibson ES-355, affectionately nicknamed “Lucille.” This wasn’t just any guitar; it was a partner in his musical journey, a confidante that sang with his soul, and a legend in its own right. Understanding Lucille is key to understanding B.B. King’s sound and his profound impact on the blues and beyond.
The Genesis of Lucille: A Series of Guitars
While the name “Lucille” is universally recognized as B.B. King’s signature guitar, it’s important to note that it wasn’t a single, static instrument. Rather, “Lucille” was a moniker he bestowed upon many guitars he played over the decades, all of which shared a common lineage and characteristics. The story of how he acquired the first “Lucille” is a legendary tale that underscores the deep emotional connection he had with his instruments.
The Fateful Night in Twist, Arkansas
The origin story of Lucille dates back to a freezing February night in 1949. B.B. King was performing at the Twist Dance Hall in Twist, Arkansas. The hall was heated by a barrel stove. During his set, a fight broke out between two men, and in the ensuing chaos, the stove was knocked over, setting the wooden building ablaze. All the patrons, including King, rushed out to safety. It was only after he was outside that King realized he had left his guitar inside the burning building. Without a second thought, he ran back into the inferno to retrieve his instrument. He managed to escape with his guitar, but not without sustaining minor burns.
The next day, King learned that the fight had been over a woman. He also learned that the woman’s name was Lucille. In an act of profound wisdom and a touch of poetic justice, King decided to name all his future guitars “Lucille.” He did this to remind himself never to do something as foolish as running back into a burning building for a guitar, and also as a way to keep the memory of the woman, and the event, alive. This act of naming his guitars fostered a personal connection that transcended the mere physical object, transforming them into extensions of his very being.
The Evolution of “Lucille”
The guitars that B.B. King played under the “Lucille” banner evolved over time, reflecting changes in guitar manufacturing and his own preferences. However, they consistently gravitated towards a few core specifications.
Gibson Guitars: The Foundation
B.B. King’s primary association was with Gibson. His preference for Gibson guitars stemmed from their rich tone, sustain, and robust construction, all of which were crucial for his dynamic playing style. He was particularly drawn to models that offered versatility and a full, resonant sound.
The Gibson ES-335 and its Descendants
While he played various models throughout his career, the Gibson ES-355, and its close relative the ES-335, became the archetypal “Lucille.” These guitars are semi-hollow body electrics, a design that provides a desirable blend of the warmth and resonance of an acoustic guitar with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid-body electric.
The ES-335, introduced in 1958, was a groundbreaking instrument. It featured a solid maple center block running through the body, which helped to reduce feedback and increase sustain, while the hollow “wings” on either side contributed to its acoustic-like tonal qualities. B.B. King was an early adopter and champion of this design.
The ES-355, an upscale version of the ES-335, often featured fancier appointments such as a bound ebony fretboard, block inlays, and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. King’s later “Lucille” models often incorporated some of these deluxe features.
The Signature “Lucille” Model
As B.B. King’s fame grew, Gibson recognized the immense influence of his playing and the iconic status of his guitars. This led to the development of the official “B.B. King Lucille” signature model. This guitar was designed in close collaboration with King himself, ensuring it met his specific needs and preferences.
Key Features of the B.B. King Lucille
The Gibson B.B. King Lucille model, which went through several iterations over the years, incorporated several distinct features that set it apart and were tailored to B.B. King’s unique playing style:
- Semi-Hollow Body Construction: Like its predecessors, the Lucille featured a semi-hollow body, offering that signature warm, resonant tone.
- Varytone System: A crucial element of many Lucille models was the Varitone system. This electronic switch offered a selection of capacitor/inductor combinations, effectively providing the player with a range of tonal presets. For B.B. King, this system was invaluable for adapting his sound to different venues and musical contexts, allowing him to achieve everything from a bright, cutting tone to a deep, mellow bluesy sound.
- Stereo Output: Many Lucille models also featured stereo output. While King often used a mono output, the option for stereo provided further tonal flexibility, allowing for different signal paths or amplifier configurations.
- Fine-Tuning Components: Specific pickups, often humbuckers, were chosen for their ability to produce a clear, powerful, and sustained tone that could be shaped by King’s fingers and his famously subtle vibrato. The scale length, neck profile, and fretboard radius were all carefully considered to facilitate his fluid, bending-heavy playing style.
- Absence of F-Holes (on some models): Interestingly, some of the later “Lucille” models, especially those produced closer to the end of B.B. King’s career, often featured a “center block” construction that limited the soundhole openings or eliminated them altogether, further enhancing feedback control and sustain. This was a direct adaptation to his powerful playing and stage amplification.
- Personal Touches: Beyond the technical specifications, the “Lucille” guitars bore the unmistakable imprint of B.B. King’s personality. While the signature models were mass-produced, they were built to embody the spirit of the guitars he cherished.
The Sound of Lucille: Beyond the Wood and Wire
The true magic of Lucille wasn’t solely in its make or model, but in how B.B. King played it. His technique was characterized by his masterful use of vibrato, his precisely placed string bends that seemed to convey human emotion, and his ability to make a single note sing with profound feeling. Lucille was the perfect conduit for this expressive artistry.
The “Vibrato Tail” and the Bending Master
B.B. King was a pioneer in his use of vibrato. His “wobbly” vibrato, often achieved with a subtle manipulation of the string and his fretting hand, gave his notes a distinct vocal quality. Coupled with his unparalleled skill in bending strings to precise pitches, his guitar seemed to weep, wail, and laugh. Lucille was designed to respond to these nuances, allowing for the full spectrum of his emotional expression.
The Power of Economy
Despite his immense technical prowess, B.B. King was a master of economy. He rarely played a flurry of notes. Instead, each note was placed with deliberate intent, carrying weight and meaning. Lucille’s sustain allowed these carefully chosen notes to ring out and resonate, filling the space with their power. His solos were conversations, dialogues with the audience, and Lucille was his voice.
Amplification and Tone Shaping
While the guitar itself was crucial, the amplification B.B. King used also played a significant role in shaping his iconic tone. He favored Fender amplifiers, particularly the Twin Reverb, known for its clean headroom and powerful output. This allowed Lucille’s natural tone to shine through, uncolored by excessive distortion, while still providing the volume and sustain necessary for his live performances. He would often dial in a slightly overdriven sound through careful EQ and volume settings, creating a rich, singing tone that was both powerful and nuanced.
The Legacy of Lucille and B.B. King
The story of B.B. King and his guitar Lucille is a testament to the profound connection between an artist and their instrument. Lucille was more than just wood, wire, and electronics; it was an extension of B.B. King’s soul, a silent partner in his musical journey, and a symbol of his enduring legacy. The Gibson guitars he played, particularly the ES-355 and its descendants, were meticulously crafted instruments that perfectly complemented his unique style.
The “Lucille” signature model remains a highly sought-after instrument, a tangible link to one of the greatest guitarists of all time. It continues to inspire aspiring musicians and blues enthusiasts worldwide, a reminder of the power of a well-played guitar and the enduring voice of the blues. When we hear those signature bends and soulful vibrato, we are not just hearing a guitar; we are hearing B.B. King, and we are hearing Lucille, singing her timeless song.