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collapse expand iconDescription

The Gibson B.B. King "Rumble in the Jungle" 1974 ES-355 VOS semi-hollow electric guitar is a limited-edition tribute to the legendary performance B.B. King delivered during the historic 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" festival in Zaire. With only 100 models produced, this replica of B.B.’s Walnut ES-355 features meticulous craftsmanship and Murphy Lab Light Aging to match the original guitar B.B. favored before developing the Gibson Lucille model. With T-Type Custombucker pickups, a mono Varitone switch and a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, this guitar offers both an aesthetic and sonic homage to one of the greatest guitarists in history.

Handcrafted to Capture B.B. King’s Signature Tone

This limited-edition guitar accurately replicates B.B. King’s 1974 ES-355, complete with mother-of-pearl inlays and a luxurious walnut finish. It features T-Type Custombucker pickups, which are designed to replicate the sound of vintage P.A.F. humbuckers from the late '50s. Known for their clear, articulate tone with rich harmonics, Custombuckers are built with Alnico 5 magnets, delivering the warmth, clarity and dynamic response that defined B.B. King’s signature sound. The addition of a mono Varitone switch adds tonal versatility, while the Maestro Vibrola tailpiece provides fluid vibrato control, perfect for recreating King’s expressive style.

Precision-Built With Laminated Maple Body and Custom Aged Hardware

The B.B. King "Rumble in the Jungle" ES-355 is constructed from plain laminated maple for the body, top, back and sides, providing a bright, articulate tone with excellent projection and sustain. The 3-piece mahogany neck offers added warmth and stability, paired with a smooth ebony fingerboard for enhanced playability. The guitar’s hardware is equally premium, featuring a Maestro Vibrola tailpiece for expressive vibrato and Kluson waffleback tuners for reliable tuning stability. With aged gold plating on the hardware and a Tune-O-Matic bridge for precise intonation, every detail of this ES-355 is crafted to meet the high standards of B.B. King’s legacy.

Celebrating a Historic Moment in Music and Sports

In addition to the stunning craftsmanship, this ES-355 comes bundled with a range of memorabilia that ties back to the "Rumble in the Jungle" music festival and the famous fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. This includes exclusive case candy and a custom B.B. King "Zaire" hardshell case, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of the blues icon.

Gibson Custom B.B. King "Rumble in the Jungle" 1974 ES-355 VOS Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Walnut
Gibson Custom B.B. King "Rumble in the Jungle" 1974 ES-355 VOS Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Walnut
Gibson Custom B.B. King "Rumble in the Jungle" 1974 ES-355 VOS Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Walnut

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Limited edition of only 100 guitars
  • Murphy Lab Light Aging 
  • T-Type Custombuckers, mono Varitone switch, Maestro Vibrola tailpiece 
  • Comes with a B.B. King "Zaire" hardshell case and exclusive memorabilia

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Shape: ES-355
  • Material: Plain laminated maple (top, back, and sides)
  • Binding: Multi-ply top, back, and headstock; single-ply fretboard and F-holes
Neck
  • Neck material: 3-piece mahogany
  • Profile: Artist profile
  • Nut width: 1.69" (42.85 mm)
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Scale length: 24.75" (628.65 mm)
  • Number of frets: 22
  • Nut material: Corian
  • Inlays: Mother-of-pearl custom block
Hardware
  • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
  • Tailpiece: Maestro Vibrola
  • Knobs: Black witch hat with gold insert
  • Tuners: Kluson waffleback with metal button
  • Plating: Aged gold
Electronics
  • Neck pickup: T-Type Custombucker Alnico 5
  • Bridge pickup: T-Type Custombucker Alnico 5
  • Controls: Individual volume, individual tone, 6-position mono Varitone; vintage taper potentiometers, ceramic capacitors
Other
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Strings: 6
  • Case: B.B. King "Zaire" hardshell

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