Epiphone B.B. King Lucille - Ebony

Epiphone’s been knockin’ em outta the park lately, and this version of B.B.’s Lucille is right up at the top of the order. Not just visually stunning, the instrument is solidly built and feels substantial in my hands, with a very comfortable neck profile and ease of play rivaling any Gibson 335 I’ve ever used. I didn’t hold high hopes for the stock pickups and controls, but guess what—- no beefs. Good quality switch and pots; the pups have some hair when dimed and clean up nice on the roll back. Crisp and chimey for buckers, and no mud when pushed. Even the Varitone circuit functions surprisingly well, and could be put to good use by a picker more skilled in utilizing it than I. Stereo output, too. No complaints with the hardware. Frets could use a buffing, but no sharp ends as in some past experience with Epis. All in all, Big Bang for the buck! I’ve had mine for seven months now, and I wouldn’t part with it. Buy one now before the $$$ goes up.——Jimmy Roach