Gibson has been shaping the sound of modern music for over 130 years, ever since Orville Gibson began crafting carved-top mandolins in his Kalamazoo workshop in 1894. This October, the company adds a historic milestone to its legacy: its first-ever signature mandolin designed in collaboration with a female artist.
On October 7, Gibson will launch the Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and the Sierra Hull F-5G mandolins worldwide—marking a major moment for both the brand and the bluegrass world. Arriving in a Sierra Burst VOS Varnish finish and complete with custom case candy, the instruments were developed over the course of two years in close collaboration with Hull herself.
A statement from the company discloses that Sierra Hull is "one of the most gifted mandolin players and singer-songwriters of our time,” said Mat Koehler, Vice President of Product at Gibson. “She has redefined what’s possible on the mandolin and across the many genres she explores. Her signature models reflect her passion for the instrument and her uncompromising approach to tone and feel.”
Hull has long been associated with the Gibson name. Since 2009, she has played a Master Model mandolin signed by Gibson’s Master Luthier David Harvey. A statement from Hull explains that "It’s become my voice after so many years of playing it,” she said. “Being able to work on this project with David personally gave me the confidence that we’d be able to achieve something unique, while still honoring the legacy and history of those beloved Master Model mandolins.”
Seeing the creation of the instruments firsthand gave Hull a new appreciation for the craft. “She shared that ‘This was the first time I’ve gotten to see the process of building mandolins up close and personal, which has been such a beautiful and fun thing to witness.’” Though she says she’s not one to focus on technical specs, Hull emphasized the importance of how the instrument feels and sounds. “She noted that ‘I’ve learned, and continue to learn, a lot about this tiny instrument I love so much through this process.’”
That personal connection runs deep. “Hull added that ‘Mandolins can be very expensive… If I’m going to put my name on something with that kind of price tag, it needs to be a great instrument and something long-lasting. I truly believe these mandolins are, and I’m really proud of that.’”
Currently nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year and Mandolin Player of the Year, Hull is the only woman to ever be nominated for, let alone win, six IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year awards. Her career has been one of steady innovation and early excellence—she began playing mandolin at eight, debuted on the Grand Ole Opry at ten, and has been carving her own musical path ever since.
Her sound blends traditional bluegrass with elements of Americana, jazz, folk, and progressive acoustic music. Over the years, she has collaborated with artists like Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile, Béla Fleck, Dave Matthews, Billy Strings, and Alison Krauss. Her discography includes Secrets (2008), Daybreak (2011), Weighted Mind (2016), and 25 Trips (2020), with her forthcoming release, A Tip Toe High Wire, arriving as her first independently released album.
“Sierra's music transcends traditional bluegrass,” said Codey Allen, Gibson’s Cultural Influence lead for North America. A statement from the company adds that "She strikes a beautiful balance between old-time sounds and contemporary Americana… and has inspired all of us at Gibson.”
The Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and F-5G reflect both the heritage of Gibson and the modern artistry of a musician who continues to redefine what the mandolin can be. For Hull—and for Gibson—it’s a collaboration built on craft, legacy, and a shared belief in the future of acoustic music.
Explore current Gibson mandolins here and the Epiphone Bluegrass Collection here.
Watch Sierra Hull and her band perform “Lord, That’s A Long Way” off Sierra’s latest album, A Tip Toe High Wire, live at Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music festival:
