The Gibson Originals Ricky Skaggs Distressed F-5 mandolin

So, you’d like to own Ricky Skaggs’ 1923 Lloyd Loar F-5 mandolin?

Sorry, it’s not for sale — but you can come close.

Gibson Originals is releasing the Ricky Skaggs Limited Edition Distressed Master Model mandolin. The instrument is the result of a year-plus of Gibson luthiers working with Skaggs on the project.

According to Gibson, “this signature model mandolin is closely based on Ricky’s 1923 Lloyd Loar F-5—an instrument revered for its tone and playability.”

The Ricky Scaggs Distressed F-5 mandolin has a spruce top, flame maple back and sides, and ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dot inlays. Classic appointments include a flowerpot headstock inlay, silver-plated, hand-engraved hardware, and a vintage reproduction bridge. The hand-rubbed, ultra-thin Cremona Sunburst finish is carefully aged by the skilled luthiers at the Gibson OAI division in Nashville.

Each mandolin in this limited 30-instrument run comes with a certificate of authenticity, and is personally inspected by Skaggs to insure it meets his standards for tone, playability, and appearance.

The hardshell case for this mandolin is protected by a custom-embroidered Small Dog cover, and the instrument comes with a Tone-Gard back isolator.

The Gibson Web site lists the mandolin, but not its price. If you’re interested, check this one out with a Gibson dealer who can get that magic suggested retail price for you.