Gary Clark Jr. Unveils Signature Gibson ES-355 Honoring Blues Icon BB King

The limited-edition guitar pays tribute to Clark's musical hero and the iconic Lucille guitar.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Acclaimed blues-rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. has teamed up with Gibson to create a new signature model, the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355. Inspired by BB King's legendary Lucille guitar, the limited-run instrument features a three-ply maple and poplar body, a mahogany neck, and Custombuckers with Alnico 3 magnets to capture a warm, dynamic tone. With only 100 guitars produced, the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 has already sold out, marking a dream come true for the four-time Grammy winner.

Why it matters

The Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 represents a meaningful collaboration between the rising blues star and one of the genre's most revered icons. By honoring BB King's iconic Lucille guitar, the signature model pays tribute to the blues lineage that has influenced Clark's own acclaimed sound and style.

The details

The Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 was handcrafted by the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville. It features a three-ply maple and poplar body with a VOS Cobra Burst finish, a mahogany neck with a '50s Rounded Medium C profile, and an ebony fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets. The guitar also includes Grover Rotomatic tuners, an ABR-1 Historic no-wire bridge, a Bigsby B7 vibrato, and unpotted Custombuckers with Alnico 3 magnets for a warm, dynamic tone.

  • The Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 was unveiled in February 2026.

The players

Gary Clark Jr.

A four-time Grammy Award-winning blues-rock guitarist who has collaborated with Gibson on previous signature models, including an SG and Casino.

BB King

The legendary blues icon whose signature guitar, the Lucille, served as the inspiration for the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355.

Gibson

The iconic guitar manufacturer that partnered with Gary Clark Jr. to create the limited-edition signature model.

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What they’re saying

“When I was a child, I had a poster on my wall with BB King playing his signature Lucille guitar. As a kid, I always wanted one of those guitars. I would go to the music shop, I would see them on the wall, and I liked the way that they sounded. I just wanted to be a part of that world.”

— Gary Clark Jr. (Gibson)

The takeaway

The Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for the acclaimed guitarist, who has now cemented his place in the lineage of blues guitar legends by creating a signature model that pays homage to his hero, BB King, and the iconic Lucille guitar.