The Gibson Custom Sierra Hull Signature F-5 Master Model mandolin celebrates one of the most groundbreaking voices in modern acoustic music. A two-time Grammy nominee and six-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, Sierra Hull is the first woman to have a Gibson mandolin bearing her name—a milestone achievement reflected in every detail of this remarkable instrument. Built to the exacting specifications of her own cherished F-5, it combines master-grade tonewoods like quarter-sawn red spruce and eastern curly maple, a custom neck profile and exquisite appointments that balance timeless artistry with Hull’s unique musical voice. From its Sierra Burst VOS varnish finish to its silver-plated engraved hardware, this signature Master Model stands as a fitting tribute to both Gibson’s tradition of excellence and Hull’s boundary-pushing playing.
Red Spruce and Eastern Curly Maple for Unrivaled Projection
The Sierra Hull Signature F-5 Master Model features a carved, two-piece quarter-sawn red spruce top paired with an eastern curly maple back and sides. This classic tonewood combination has long defined the Gibson F-style mandolin, producing a sound that’s both powerful and nuanced. Red spruce provides articulate clarity and headroom, while maple adds focus and brightness, allowing every note to cut through a mix. Reinforced with traditional multi-ply binding and shaped with meticulous hand-carving, the body delivers the projection and tonal complexity required for everything from driving bluegrass rhythms to Hull’s more progressive acoustic explorations.
Custom Narrow-Profile Curly Maple Neck Tailored for Performance
At the heart of Sierra Hull Signature F-5 playing experience is a slab eastern curly maple neck shaped to Hull’s custom narrow profile. Designed for fast, precise runs and long sessions on stage or in the studio, this neck carve provides effortless playability without sacrificing stability. The ebony fingerboard extends to 29 frets, opening up a wide tonal range for both traditional mandolin lines and more adventurous phrasing. Adorned with mother-of-pearl dot inlays, the fingerboard offers understated elegance while ensuring smooth navigation across the instrument’s range. A mother-of-pearl nut and compound dovetail joint further optimize tonal transfer and sustain.
Signature Gibson Custom Appointments With Artist-Driven Detail
Every aspect of the Sierra Hull Signature F-5 has been refined to capture both Gibson Custom craftsmanship and Hull’s personal artistry. The Sierra Burst VOS varnish lends the mandolin a vintage-inspired patina, complementing the instrument’s hand-carved contours. A custom-engraved truss rod cover features Hull’s reproduced signature, while the silver-plated tailpiece is inscribed with her initials—a personal touch that sets this model apart. Multi-ply top binding and classic celluloid nitrate trim add visual depth, underscoring the timeless beauty of the F-5 silhouette.
Precision Hardware for Unwavering Stability and Superior Tone
The Sierra Hull F-5 is fitted with premium silver-plated hardware designed to match its world-class build. Waverly tuners provide rock-solid tuning stability while adding vintage authenticity to the headstock. An ebony bridge offers reliable intonation and tonal balance, ensuring the instrument responds faithfully to every nuance of your playing. From the engraved tailpiece to the nickel-plated fittings, each hardware element contributes to the mandolin’s blend of performance reliability and collectible refinement.
An Heirloom-Grade Master Mandolin With Performer’s Soul
Beyond its stage-ready design, the Gibson Custom Sierra Hull Signature F-5 Master Model mandolin includes exclusive extras that elevate it to a true collector’s piece. Each instrument ships with a certificate of authenticity, a custom paisley leather strap, a Sierra Hull BlueChip pick and a pack of commemorative stickers, all housed in a vintage replica case. Together, these details make the F-5 not just an instrument but a complete package celebrating Hull’s artistry and Gibson’s legendary craftsmanship. Whether you’re a dedicated performer seeking the highest level of playability or a collector drawn to its rarity and significance, this mandolin embodies the gold standard in acoustic excellence.