The First Quality Music Blog

Careful acoustic research has resulted in the full, rich and warm sound of this popular model. Two single coil pickups on a full size body are accented by a traditionally shaped sound hole. The 24 fret Rosewood fingerboard is punctuated by dot inlay fret markers, with full double cutaways permitting access to all the frets. Standard output is monaural through a single jack plate.

In the history of all music, there has never been a guitar associated with one musician quite like blues legend B.B. King is linked to his beloved Lucille – a custom-built Gibson ES-355 manufactured exclusively for the true “King of the Blues” since 1980. And B.B. King is not only the most renowned blues musician of our time; he’s also one of the most important electric guitarists of all-time. His singular bluesy style has influenced generations of players across genres, and his powerful and distinct songs have appeared on the charts more than 70 times, from blues to R&B to pop. He’s done it all, and at over 80 years of age he is still considered the hardest working man in show business, maintaining a pace many younger artists dream of keeping up with.

Standard appointments include all gold hardware, metal tulip tuners, a Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge and TP-6 tailpiece. As is customary with the ES-355 there are two volume, two tone knobs, and a three-way selector switch, Vari-tone switch, and both stereo and mono jacks.

White and gold engraved inlays designed by Greg Deering adorn Deluxe banjo. It is a sweet sounding professional quality mahogany banjo with our 20 hole -06- bronze tone ring, fast neck and comfortable feel. It’s a beautiful step up from the Sierra with added detailing and high gloss finish.
It is an inspirational banjo for the dedicated musician.

Neck:
Mahogany – Now Available in Maple
Original Deering Engraved Inlays of White and Gold Italian Pearloid
Slender fast & Comfortable Neck Shape
22 Pressed in Nickel-Silver Frets
Ebony Fingerboard with Mother of Pearl Diamond Shaped Inlays
Deering Planetary Banjo Tuners
Deering Geared 5th String Tuner
High Gloss Finish

Pot:
Deering 20 hole ’06 Bell Bronze Tone Ring
ViolinGrade 3-ply Maple Rim
Deering Brass Notched Tension Hoop
11” Frosted Top Medium Crown Head
24 Round Hooks with ¼” Hex Nuts
One Piece Cast Zinc Flange
Slender Shaped Armrest
Truetone Deering Tailpiece
Nickel Plated Hardware
Satin Finish

Resonator:
Mahogany
Trimmed in White/Black/White
Straight Side Walls
High Gloss Finish
Priced with a Deering Hardshell Case

A note from our friends Mike and Sue Gardner…

My wife and I have been avid collectors for most of our adult lives. There is very little that can match the beauty of a fine fretted instrument. We have also always been customers of First Quality for all of our needs. Our collection comes from a number of sources, including guitar shows, NAMM shows, music stores, other collectors, and even a couple internet purchases. The hunt for quality guitars and banjo’s has been as much a pleasure to us as owning the instruments. Our “rule of thumb” has always been to buy professional quality, mint or excellent condition, and a wide variety of brands. This is why our collection is so diverse with Martin’s, Gibson’s, Taylor’s, Guild’s, Gretsch’s, etc. Also, many of our pieces have some years on them…but never tuned up or played. I would think that there will be some sweet sounds flowing out of some of these instruments. Due to space restrictions, we have come to the conclusion that it’s time to offer a few of our instruments to customers of First Quality. We know these customers will value and enjoy these items, and will treasure and get some good use of them for years to come. Thanks for considering our collection.

Mike & Sue Gardner
Indianapolis, IN

We’re so happy to be able to give our friends a hand with moving some of their collection. A little something for players and collectors alike. Check out the videos, we’d love to hear from you.