A nice collector guitar and thats about it !

UPDATE: Before reading this review please keep in mind that I love this guitar and most Gibsons but I am trying to point out reasons why I would or would not buy it. This is a very fine instrument.

Well I have to agree with the other reviews on the merits of this guitar but if I wanted this sound and style I would simply buy an ES-345. Also if I did not care for the rotary tone switch I would simply drop right down to a basic dot ES-335 Reissue. I spent alot of time playing a Lucille and to be honest as nice as it was I would not buy one.

I did not care for the lack of F holes which in my opinion give other guitars like the ES-335 and 345 a softer sweeter tone and helps it interact with the amp for slight desired feedback and tone effects. I also did not need but 1 or 2 of the mind boggling settings it was capable of getting and I didn't see enough differences in those various tones to really help me on stage. In fact I know that BB King also does not utilize all the various settings. I would rather have an ES-335 which has my favorite tones already dialed in by default.

I thought the neck was shaped a little too sleek for me but it may have just been the particular Lucille I played. The block inlay was very nice but I don't really prefer the bland BLOCK inlay nearly as much as other styles. The gold hardware finish rubs off pretty soon so if you are a collector you dont want people playing this guitar very much. I also despise the cheesy modern tunable bridge with the little tuner knobs. Too much hassle and not simple enough for me. It is also dressed with the cheaper and cheesier clear gibson knobs on the tone a volume pots. I dont like them and prefer the older style gibson knobs. Then we get to the two stereo jacks on the body which are confusing to some and in my opinion something that never should have made it past the theory stage at Gibson. Maybe I am all wet, but mono is just fine for me. The tone switch is okay but the stereo is the most unused feature ever to be devised.

I am not sure if I am wrong but it seems that the Lucille has a thinner flatter neck and the headstock feels bigger because of it. Maybe just my impression but it does not have the same familiar feel as my ES-335s nor the ES-345s I have demonstrated and played on stage. This Lucille also felt heavier and more dense and the tone was more bright and maply.

Overall I think this is a great guitar but if you are not a collector or huge BB King fan I personally think this guitar is NOT what I would have Gibson build me if I were a famous star. I would probably go more for the sunburst ES-345 historic models than this one and save alot of money too. Besides the original Lucille was a 345 if I am not mistaken but was stolen early in BB's career.

I hope this doesn't disturb some serious Lucille fans but in my opinion this axe is more hype than substance. If you are BB King great choice but not the guitar for me. I am a huge fan of BB but I don't want to sink my money into a guitar that sits under the bed for 30 years.

This guitar has also flooded the market and you can get one for a deal if you look for a while. I think there are alot of them out there so they might not be the greatest investent although I have NEVER owned a Gibson I didn't profit on or enjoy.

Try a DOT Reissue ES-335 or 345 if you are a player. In fact the Lucille sale price has dropped BELOW the dot reissue 335 and the 345 prices. That should tell you something right there.

The Lucille is a perfect example of what happens when Gibson designs a guitar to one persons specifications. It ends up being so specialized that it does not fit the preference of the wide majority of players. I compare this guitar to a fine grand piano that doesnt sound and play any better than the student model grand in your home.

Is it worth the investment ? Yes if you are a big BB fan and dont plan on playing it and wearing off the gold finish in 10 gigs :)