“It’s a dream come true”: Gary Clark Jr’s signature Gibson honours his hero BB King
To honour Gary Clark Jr’s fusion of blues, rock, hip-hop and jazz, Gibson has unveiled a new signature model in his name. Inspired by BB King’s beloved Gibson, the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 serves as a testimony to the blues legend as well as marking Clark’s ongoing impact on the genre.
While Clark has previously worked with Gibson on his SG and Casino models, this guitar is particularly special. “When I was a child, I had a poster on my wall with BB King playing his signature Lucille guitar,” Clark explains in a Gibson promo clip. “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.”
Handcrafted in Nashville by the Gibson Custom Shop, the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 boasts a three-ply maple and poplar body. The multi-ply binding allows for a more vintage aesthetic, thanks to its figured maple outer layer and VOS Cobra Burst finish.
READ MORE: “Are you f**king kidding me? He’s one of the only guitarists you can identify with one note”: Joe Bonamassa’s brutal response to those who claim BB King “doesn’t play much on guitar”
The guitar also has a mahogany neck, which has been shaped into a ‘50s Rounded Medium C profile, with a bound ebony fretboard. In terms of frets, you’re looking at 22 medium jumbo frets and mother‑of‑pearl block inlays.
Up on the headstock, there’s another vintage nod in the form of the iconic Gibson Custom Shop split diamond inlay. There are also Grover Rotomatic tuners, to add a more premium feel.
Credit: Gibson
The hardware has also all been finished in VOS nickel, emphasising that aged and vintage feel. That extends to the ABR‑1 Historic no‑wire bridge and a Bigsby® B7 vibrato. Gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers have also been used to add that nostalgic edge.
The Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 is also kitted out with unpotted Custombuckers featuring Alnico 3 magnets, to capture a warm and dynamic range. The pickups are also wired with CTS audio taper pots and paper‑in‑oil capacitors, while there’s also a three‑way toggle, and a mono Varitone circuit to tweak and toy with your tone.
With a limited run of 100 guitars, it’s no wonder why the Gary Clark Jr. ES-355 has already sold out. Each lucky buyer will receive their guitar in a Gibson Custom hardshell case adorned with Gary Clark Jr. graphics.
Now a four-time Grammy Award winner, having his own signature Gibson is no longer a dream. It’s a reality he has earned. “It’s a dream come true, really,” he says. “And it’s one of the most versatile instruments… with the humbuckers and semi-hollow body, you can play it acoustic. It’s my go-to instrument at this time. And it’s gorgeous!”
For more information, head to Gibson.
The post “It’s a dream come true”: Gary Clark Jr’s signature Gibson honours his hero BB King appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
