Instrument: Mandolin
Brand: Gibson
Model: Ricky Skaggs Distressed Master Model (DMM)
Finish: Distressed Cremona Sunburst
SKU: RSDMM 17-30 (#17 out of #30 produced)
Handedness: Right
Made In Year: 2007
Country of Origin: USA
Top: Hand-carved Solid Red Spruce
Back/Sides: Hand-carved Solid Hard Eastern Flamed Maple
Neck/Fingerboard: Flamed Maple/Radiused Ebony with Pearl Dot Inlays and medium fretwire
Bridge: Adjustable Ebony
Tuners: Waverly (Pearl Buttons, Silver Plated)
Radius: Radiused Fingerboard
Scale Length: 13 7/8"
Nut Width: 1 1/16"Electronics: None
Case: Hardshell
Modifications/Repairs: None noted
This 2007 Gibson Ricky Skaggs Distressed Master Model (DMM) mandolin is an exceptional, limited-production instrument—one of only 30 produced—designed to faithfully capture the tone and feel of Ricky Skaggs’ legendary 1923 Lloyd Loar F-5. Finished in a beautifully aged Cremona Sunburst varnish, it features intentional light distressing that gives it the look and vibe of a well-preserved vintage original.
Built with a hand-carved, tap-tuned solid red spruce top and hand-carved solid Eastern flamed maple back, sides, and neck, this mandolin delivers outstanding projection, clarity, and that sought-after dry, woody chop synonymous with pre-war Gibson instruments. Internally, parallel tone bars further enhance its focused, articulate response.
The thin “speed” neck profile—replicated from Skaggs’ own 1923 F-5—pairs with a radiused ebony fingerboard for fast, comfortable playability. Premium appointments include a mammoth ivory nut, pearl dot inlays, a distressed 1923-style flowerpot headstock inlay, and a bound tortoiseshell pickguard. High-end hardware includes silver-plated Waverly tuners with pearl buttons and a traditional adjustable ebony bridge.
A true collector-grade instrument with professional-level performance, this Ricky Skaggs DMM is ready for the stage, studio, or your collection.
It has been set up by our in-house luthier and contains the original strings that Ricky Skaggs played. Please review all photos for condition and reach out with any questions.
Ships from Athens, Georgia!