This limited-run Gibson B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355 Walnut model consists of only 100 guitars worldwide.
Rumble in the Jungle
Each is based on the guitar King played at the Zaire music festival promoting the famous “Rumble in the Jungle” boxing match. Gibson’s Murphy Lab aged model B.B. King’s “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355 Walnut is the latest limited-run recreation of a famous artist and follows on from guitars like the recent Jeff Beck YardBurst 59 Les Paul.
1974 ES-355
Before Gibson made King the Lucille signature models, he favoured this 1974 ES-355 in Walnut. This Gibson limited-run recreation boasts unique features, including Murphy Lab Light Aging, mother-of-pearl inlays, T-Type Custombucker pickups, a mono Varitone switch, and a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece.
B.B. King’s Lucille model was conceived in 1980, so he is famous for playing this ES-355 before that signature model. Many fans will remember this guitar and this music festival, so I can understand why Gibson recreated it.
It has a 335 laminated maple body (with f-holes), a three-piece mahogany neck, an ebony fretboard, and gold hardware.
The modern-day Gibson Lucille has no f-holes (to help combat feedback), a stereo Varitone, and the TP-6 fine-tuner tailpiece.
Collector’s Instruments
It comes in a B.B. King “Zaire” Hardshell with a set of matching case candy based on the event. As with all these limited-run recreations of artist guitars, they aren’t cheap guitars.
Here in the UK, it is essentially £9k!
It will appeal to collectors, so if you want one, you will want to act quickly. It celebrates a particular time in King’s career, so his fans will also enjoy seeing this recreation.
More Information
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