Gibson unveils swanky limited edition B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355
Gibson has released the B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355, a limited edition guitar paying tribute to the bluesman’s performance at the Zaire 74 music festival.
For the uninitiated, the festival was part of a three night-long event promoting the heavyweight championship fight between boxing legends Muhammed Ali and George Foreman.
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Lovingly crafted by Gibson Custom and Murphy Lab, the guitar is said to accurately replicate King’s Walnut 1974 ES-355 he used for the concert.
With just 100 units available and priced at a cool $9,999, the B.B. King “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 ES-355 is packed with all the premium appointments one would expect from a top-of-the-line Gibson ES model.
To start, the guitar sports a laminated maple back, top, and sides, complete with a 3-piece Mahogany neck with 22 frets and a 24.75” scale length. Key features include mother-of-pearl inlays, T-Type Custombucker Alnico 5 humbuckers, a mono Varitone switch, Maestro Vibrola tailpiece, and Murphy Lab finishing for that authentic, road-worn look.
All hardware, including the Tune-O-Matic bridge, Maestro Vibrola, Kluson Waffleback tuners and True Historic pickup covers, have been given an aged gold finish as well.
Image: Gibson
The guitar also comes bundled with a host of case candy that ties back to that historic festival performance and the Rumble in the Jungle fight itself. A B.B. King “Zaire” hardshell case will be included with each purchase.
“B.B. King’s performance at the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ was not just a concert–it was a defining cultural moment,” says Vassal Benford, CEO and Chairman of the B.B. King Music Company. “This instrument is more than a tribute – it’s a continuation of his enduring legacy, ensuring that future generations of musicians can connect with the heart and soul of the blues.”
Learn more at Gibson.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
