Gibson 65th Anniversary "Lucille"

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-28-2014, 11:08 AM

Well, I never dreamt this would happen. My amazing wife announced this morning she is buying me a Gibson 65th Anniversary BB King Lucille for my birthday! BB King has long been my favourite blues player, and she knew I would love this guitar. We phoned our local Guitar Guitar store, and got a great deal. But they had none in stock, so it will arrive from the Gibson warehouse in Holland in about one week's time.

It will be great for blues, obviously, but not totally useless for jazz either. It's my first-ever Gibson guitar. Pics and video to follow.

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-28-2014, 11:10 AM

She did say that this is all my birthdays and Christmases for the next ten years rolled into one...

**2bornot2bop** · 07-28-2014, 12:57 PM

Congrat's Rob! They're really great guitars!

**MarkRhodes** · 07-28-2014, 01:33 PM

She's a beauty!

I'm eager to hear what it's like to have a Varitone switch

**Frank67** · 07-28-2014, 01:48 PM

Congrats Rob - you have a wonderful wife!

My wonderful wife has also bought me a few guitars for my birthdays ... It's wonderful to be loved and to have a spouse that not only puts up with our little guitar obsession but is happy to share in our joy!

**Greentone** · 07-28-2014, 02:39 PM

Rob,

Congratulations, and Happy Birthday! You are a fortunate man. My wife gave me a '52 RI Fender Telecaster and a '59 Fender Bassman amp to go with it, back in 1990. It's really super when one's wife feeds one's gear acquisition syndrome. ;-)

Seriously, though, the Gibson Lucille is a great guitar. It does the blues, jazz, country, and rock idioms with great flair. Like you, I have always been a huge BB fan--hence my predilection for the Lab Series L-5 amp that BB used for many years.

You are going to be in the Dutch version of Indianola, Mississippi, heaven.

Greentone

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-28-2014, 05:50 PM

Thanks, guys. Some people love the varitone, some hate it. I'm not too fussed, as I'm sure this guitar will give me most of the tones I need for most electric situations.

And even though I'm now 55, and have been playing for forty years, I still feel a thrill (it ain't gone!) at the thought of getting a little closer to old Blues Boy

**MarkRhodes** · 07-28-2014, 06:05 PM

Well, let's listen to some BB King.
Here's "How Blue Can You Get?" from a performance at Sing Sing Prison.

**MarkRhodes** · 07-28-2014, 06:11 PM

Here is BB singing about Lucille. Several nice snapshots of BB and his lady love.

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-28-2014, 06:20 PM

Saw that first one just yesterday, Mark. It's great. Here's a gig when he was at the height of his powers, live in Africa, and with Casius Clay in the audience. The singing is great too.

**pubylakeg** · 07-28-2014, 06:22 PM

Wooo hooo!.. break out the NGD bubbly and Birthday cake.
Happy Birthday when it comes Rob, and can I suggest "3 Cheers For Lady MacKillop" from all on the forum.

**Broyale** · 07-28-2014, 06:28 PM

Congrats and happy birthday!

**gcb** · 07-28-2014, 07:16 PM

What a present! Have fun! Never played one of those but seems a tone machine...

**AlsoRan** · 07-28-2014, 07:28 PM

Oh yeah!

Enjoy, my friend!

**Danny W.** · 07-28-2014, 07:37 PM

Congrats--should be a great present!

I had a red BB Custom (the original name of this model) that I played throughout the '90's. I thought it was a great guitar, though I'd probably find it too heavy today. Never used it for jazz, but it was excellent for rock and blues:

Danny W.

**fumblefingers** · 07-28-2014, 08:19 PM

Happy NGD!

**skykomishone** · 07-28-2014, 08:37 PM

Awesome, and brings back memories of the night B.B. was playing in 1971 at the Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati. The place was packed and B.B. was driving people out of their minds, including me. Standing next to me was a tall well dressed fellow that I later learned was a jazz D.J. for WEBN radio, and seeing my enthusiasm, asked if I wanted to go back stage and meet him (B.B.). As it turned out, there was B.B., Lucial, a cooler of beer that he offer one from, the D.J., and I (obviously very young) and he asking if I wanted to play her, which I did. It was one of those magical moments that freeze frame in your brain. I played a few licks, and he smiled encouragingly. Wow.

**bohemian46** · 07-28-2014, 08:42 PM

Rob,

You are definitely "stepping out".

A far cry from classic banjo. ! : )

Congrats !

Happy B Day.

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-29-2014, 02:43 AM

Wow, a lot of great comments there. Thanks guys.

skykomishone - what an experience that must have been! Lucky man.

pubylakeg - thanks for the three cheers! I'll pass them on :-)

Now the wait begins for its arrival...

**Al Br.** · 07-29-2014, 07:48 AM

Congrats on your birthday and obviously excellent choice in partners. My significant other has exhibited similar acts of grace on a few occasions and the most important thing is never forget to return the favor. I had a chance to try out a Lucille at one of our local shops and can safely say you will love it.

Cheers, happy birthday and enjoy the ride!

**Greentone** · 07-29-2014, 08:32 AM

+1 on Al's don't forget to return the favor...

**Woody Sound** · 07-29-2014, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by FrankLearns

Congrats Rob - you have a wonderful wife!

My wonderful wife has also bought me a few guitars for my birthdays ... It's wonderful to be loved and to have a spouse that not only puts up with our little guitar obsession but is happy to share in our joy!

Mine usually says "Why do you have so much s***?"

**Rob MacKillop** · 07-29-2014, 08:58 AM

I will definitely return the favour, but might have to sell the guitar first just to pay for it! But, yes, there are other ways...

**Anvgnette** · 07-29-2014, 09:45 AM

Christmases for the next ten years rolled into one...

**jads57** · 07-29-2014, 12:18 PM

Great guitar but like Danny W has meantioned they're on the heavy side of thinlines. Just get a big wide padded strap if you plan on playing standing up for gigs.