Sierra Hull Makes History as First Woman With Gibson Signature Mandolin

Gibson has announced that two-time Grammy-nominated mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull will become the first female artist to have a signature Gibson mandolin. The Sierra Hull F-5 Master Model and Sierra Hull F-5G mandolins will debut worldwide on October 7.

The announcement comes as Hull prepares for her September 24 performance at The Kent Stage, giving Northeast Ohio music fans a chance to see the groundbreaking artist perform.

Hull, who has won six International Bluegrass Music Association “Mandolin Player of the Year” awards, worked closely with Gibson for two years developing the instruments. The mandolins feature a Sierra Burst VOS Varnish finish and are built at the Gibson Custom Shop.

“We spent about two years talking and dreaming about what this mandolin would become,” Hull said. “The exciting thing for me is that the mandolin that I have played exclusively since 2009 was signed by Master Luthier David Harvey. It’s become my voice after so many years of playing it.”

The Tennessee native started playing mandolin at age eight and made her Grand Ole Opry debut by age 10. Her innovative style blends bluegrass, Americana, folk, jazz and progressive acoustic music, earning praise from Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Brandi Carlile and Dave Matthews.

Hull recently released “A Tip Toe High Wire,” her first independently produced album in five years. She has performed on stages including Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry and the White House.

Gibson Vice President of Product Mat Koehler called Hull “one of the most gifted mandolin players and singer-songwriters of our time” who has “redefined what’s possible on the mandolin.”

Hull’s 2025 tour includes stops across the country, with the Kent Stage performance scheduled for September 24. She is currently nominated for International Bluegrass Music Association’s “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Mandolin Player of the Year.”

The Gibson announcement highlights the company’s 130-year history of mandolin craftsmanship, dating back to founder Orville Gibson’s first designs in 1894.