sigma guitars

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,PROTOTYPEDRIVER
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 11:33 PM

I HAVE A MARTIN SIGMA MODEL 52SDR-9 SERAL # 18263. IT WAS MY GRANDFATHERS.... IT IS IN MENT CONDITION.... BUT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT.... ALL I KNOW IS THAT THEY DIDNT MAKE VERY MANY OF THESE..
I KNOW ITS NOT FOR SALE... SO DONT ASK... I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT THE VALUE OF IT AND HISTORY OF IT... IT WILL BE PASSED DOWN TO MY CHILD... AS IT WAS PASSED TO ME... I HAVE LOOKED FOR INFO ON THIS MARTIN SIGMA.... BUT HAVE VERY LITTLE ON IT... I JUST KEEP HEARING HOW THEY DIDNT MAKE MANY OF THEM... I WOULD LIKE ALOT OF DETAILS ABOUT IT... PLEASE SEND ME ANY INFO ON IT ... MY EMAIL IS [e-mail] OR IM ME PROTOTYPEDRIVER ON YAHOO... MY MYSPACE IS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PROTOTYPEDRIVER I WOULD PUT MY PHONE NUMBER.. BUT I KNOW SOMEONE WILL ABUSE IT... SO CONTACT ME WITH ONE OF THOSE.. I WILL CHECK BACK HERE.... TOO

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Lefty
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 03:32 PM

Does any one know the value and history of the sigma SE 19 made in Japan cut away electric acoustic guitar. I purchased one in the early 80's and have rediscovered its beauty. How many were made? I can find little to no information on this guitar. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:18 AM

Zach The top may or may not be solid, check the edge of the soundhole for clues as to whether it's laminated. Back and sides will be laminate. You really need to play it with a fresh set of strings and compare it to similar sized guitars to know. If you like the sound that is the real question, if you do grab it.
Look for a flat top/solid bridge connection/straight neck/action and if thes is enough saddle to modify, and other structural issues.

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Zach
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 05:08 AM

So, I've been interested in getting one of these for a while, and now I've been offered one.

There seems to a load of scholars here - what can you guys tell me about a GCS3? I'll try it before I buy it, obviously, but is it solid, etc.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 25 Nov 09 - 02:08 PM

To Guitaaress,   Shame on you , you didn't do your homework therefore you are commenting on something you shoudn't because you lack information. No worries, we will educate you. There were Sigma models made at the Nazareth plant. The DR-28N and the DR-35N are 2 of them. The N suffix tells us this. Taylor, Santa Cruz and Collings are good instuments but not everyone can afford them Your comment on the Sigma brand..."they are excellent value if carefully chosen as the quality varies greatly"....applies to ANY mass produced brand at any price point. Tonal deficiencies appear at ALL prices, I own and have owned and played/recorded Martins and Taylors. My Japanese DR-7 competed with these guitars on many occasions and performed very competently.
I have read this thread from top to bottom and I have yet to read a post stating these intruments were renuine Martins.
What I have read is that there are many owners that tested their Sigmas agaainst the big dollar brands and couldn't justify the huge difference in cash for, at times a minimal gain in performance.
Your 76 tour to Martin enforces the claim that all Sigmas were setup and inspected in Nazareth before being delivered to the dealers. Thank you for that.
Please don't be a "brand snob", spend some time reading this thread.
You will learn a lot.

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: guitaaress
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 05:56 AM

I toured the Martin factory in 1976 and saw literally piles of Sigma guitars at the factory that were inspected restrung and sold to Martin retailers with CF Martin backing. Any idea that they are anything but imitations of the real thing ie genuine Nazereth made Martins, is fanciful. But as Leadfingers points out they are are very workmanlike instruments.
The tonal deficiencies will be exposed when you take a Sigma into a recording studio and discover the absence of the extended harmonics that are the halmark of genuine handcrafted Martins and the other quality makers like Taylor, Santa Cruz and Collings especially. But as a budget instrument that plays well and does the job they are excellent value if carefully chosen as the quality varies greatly.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 12:25 AM

I have a Korean TB-1B that I picked up in the early 90's, It also has O C REJECT stamped on the back of the head stock. What is the deal with this? I can't find a whole lot wrong with the guitar except that the machine heads were not installed as straight as they should have been.
It's not a great guitar, but it's not bad either. I bought in Hollywood as a cheap instrument for traveling while my better guitars stayed home.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Magnus H, Gothenburg Sweden
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 07:14 PM

To Rick with the DR14.

Rick, I am allmost positive that all Sigmas imported and sold by Levin was all laminate. I have had that information first hand from people with background in the Levin company, and it is also stated in the Sigma catalogs distributed by Levin.

Levin had their own people sourcing instruments from Japan, and in the beginning they were sold under the brand name Nippon Best. Nippon Best were available in both Gibson style and Martin style. Later they branded all Japanese import guitar Sigma, and there were still models starting with SG which had a typical Gibson shaped headstock. These are the only Sigmas I have seen which does not have a Martin shaped head.
One example here:
http://www.vintage-guitars.se/1970s_Sigma_SG-9_black.jpg

For those thinking all "greek-Sigmas" have solid top, I can say for shure that my greek GCR-7 (sideways M and zerofret, and adjustable bridge) is all laminate. I have reset the neck and inspected the wood under the fretboard carefully, there is no doubt.

Still a great sounding guitar.

Magnus

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,sigma dude
Date: 15 Nov 09 - 04:46 PM

I got my first guitar when I was 16, it was a cheap Yamaha, played it for 8 years~, then years later I bought myself a more expensive Yamaha, then 2 months after that I bought myself a 30+ year old DM-5 Sigma at a pawn shop for $100, excellent condition no serious issues, long resonance. Cleaned it *well* fret board, body, gave it new light Martin strings. I consider this to be the best acoustic I heard/ best $100 bucks spent. Proud to say, it says Made In Japan & CF MARTIN & COMPANY on the old darkened paper sticker inside. Never selling it. btw good to see all of you with the same passion.

Now my DM-5 acoustic and Electric BC Rich beast is all I own.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,RPA
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 11:28 PM

Neil,

The inside label has at the bottom "Manufactured in Japan". The inside label has the following information by line:

Sigma Guitars
Est.1970
CF Martin & Company
Model DR-15          (the DR-15 is stamped)
Serial No. 35089      (the 35089 is also stamped)
Manufactured in Japan

RPA

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,fret nut
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 09:14 PM

RPA where was your guitar made?

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,RPA
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 12:15 AM

I see this is an old thread, but it was still great to read so much information about the history of Sigma guitars. I have a DR-15 with a S/N of 35089 that I bought brand new in 1978 in Harrisonburg, VA. My DR-15 is pretty much the same as Bob Spradlin's except it does not have abalone inlay around the hole. Mine has alternating black and white inlay around the hole.   

I had contacted Martin a couple of years ago to see if I could get any information about my DR-15. The representative at Martin told me they didn't retain serial number records for Sigmas, but noted the DR-15 model wasn't produced by Sigma until the mid-1980s. It's good to know someone else purchased one in 1978.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: gavmusic
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 04:37 PM

My eBay finger got the better of me & I bought a Sigma CS2 classical guitar.

I'm interested to find out about how when it was made & if the CS2 is regarded as a good instrument.

The label inside says "Sigma Guitars, Est. 1970, C F Martin Company, Model CS2, Serial No: 890900024, Made in Korea".

It is in very good condition & has come up nicely after a clean & some lemon oil on the fingerboard.

As for my own perception of the CS2, it seems to be a pleasant instrument to play, although it feels very different from my "everyday" guitar (A Santos Martinez SM44). However, each time I play the Sigma I get more used to it. I am intending to use the Sigma for guitar pieces that use non-standard tunings (I am learning a couple at the moment) without having to disturb my main guitar. At least that's my excuse for having 2 classical guitars ;-)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,steve waggle
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 02:26 PM

I am really glad I found this discussion. I own a Sigma DM-5 that I traded a Yamaha electric and Fender amp in on. Reason being that I had to replace my father's acoustic that got destroyed at a party and being a college student, I had no cash. Was wanting to know if anyone knows the price range the DM-5 normally goes for? It is in excellent condition w/ no blems, scratches and plays perfect. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 03:05 PM

Stefan, Glad you got a chance to see that ebay listing. The real answer to the identity of the guitar I believe was under the soundhole label the dealer had applied. I did send a note to the seller asking if he could see any clue of a stamping. He said he would look and get back but that didn't happen, no surprise. He also did not post my question. There is a very good chance the new owner uses this forum, so we may find out in due course.
Look forward to news of the database, a good idea.
I also am interested in MIJ guitars.
I have 4 Hohners, 3 Suzuki's, 1 Aria, all acoustic. I have 2 acoustic and 1 electric telly copy NORTHERN brand guitars that were made in japan for the Canadian market, info on these is virtually non existent. They are easily identified by the maple leaf on the headstock. My best guess is Hoshino made but I think the electric could be Tokai, high quality stuff.
My DR-7 is MINT and my best player.
My 65 Harmony Rocket and 66 Harmony Bobkat, and Seagull SM12 round out the collection.

My other Japanese collectible is my 1977 Toyota Celica GT Liftback.
Check out collectiblecars.nytimes.com
I search from time to time for Toyota guitars cause they are out there but no luck so far. Be nice to throw one in the Celica for fun! Cheers Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 04:20 AM

Hi Neil,
I just had a quick look at that "logo-less" DR-7 on eBay, and although I'm of course by no means an expert on Sigma guitars - I just started to learn about them a bit more, also courtesy of the various contributors of this very thread - my "gut feeling" somehow makes me doubt that this is indeed an original Sigma...

For me the key indicators are the fact that it simply doesn't have a Sigma logo on its headstock plus its internal label doesn't mention that it's a Sigma either (and I've also never seen a Sigma yet that had a label that looks the same as this particular one), so I'm inclined to think that this is not a Sigma DR-7, but who knows (as the variations of this brand are seemingly alarmingly endless)...

I've now somehow become quite fascinated with those old Japanese-made Sigma's, so I decided yesterday to create a little database (in MS Excel format) for myself (and maybe some others will be interested as well one day?) & attempt to bring a little "method to the madness" here...:)

My "Sigma-database" will exclusively consist of Japanese-made models from the 70's (so the original Sigma line), and I've decided to add as many as possible data - as found on the www - to it (currently based on 23 different categories, e.g. model name, adjustable bridge or not, type of label, body material etc. etc.), and in this way I'll hopefully be able to get a better understanding of the many existing variations out there of this fascinating brand...

Stefan

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 10:59 AM

Stean, Didn't realise you were a pro in the vintage guitar field, good to have you on this forum. I did not ever notice thee S vs Z issue...interesting. On another note, check out EBAY Item number: 380171080773 only 9 hrs left as i type. A very unusual dr-7, it's uncertain that it's what the seller says it is in my opinion. Hope you get to look at it before it ends and offer your opinion...

Cheers   Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 12:31 PM

P.S. -
RE : "I was interested to see your label quote "Imported and inspected by the CF Martin Organisation" in an above post. Organisation with an s instead of the American OrganiZation, Wonder what that signifies? Probably just a British influence on the Japanese."

Neil, the spelling of "The CF Martin Organisation" with an "S" was actually implemented in the second half of the 70's by...the Martin company itself, believe it or not.

I've seen literature/brochures by Martin from the 70's where they used this name, and apparently the reason why they decided to use this spelling was simply because Martin's management at the time thought that "The CF Martin Organisation" had a somewhat more "wordly" and international ring to it...:)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 12:07 PM

Hi Neil, no need to get worried about my sanity :), as I've been dealing in the field of vintage guitars (also the more obscure brands) since about 20 or so years, and I see it as a nice little challenge to find out a bit more about the history about these particular guitars, confusing as it may be...:)

Anyway, here's a pic showing the label of the GCS-6 with serial no. 5628 that was recently sold on eBay :
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/Sigma6E.jpg

I read somewhere that only the very earliest Sigma's had this particular paper label (and this sounds quite possible, considering the low serial number of this example), however note that the Sigma that was for sale here until last week had an even lower serial number (4747) yet had the same type of label as my example...

Confusing? Yes..
Interesting? Also yes!

Kind regards,
Stefan

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 08:59 PM

Stefan, You're going to drive yourself nuts trying to make sense of this brand. Yor fingerboard is most likely "ebonized" rosewood, a fancy way of saying "rosewood stained black". You will likely be able to see the rosewood grain pattern if you study it closely. This technique is widely used in guitar manufacturing Looked at your photos. Nice guitar! Looks as though it could have been made at the same location a my DR 7. I see a lot of similarities to the Tokai(Cat's Eyes)guitars that makes me think some Sigmas were made there. It's very likely there were a few Japanese plants under contract to make this brand that explains the difference in finishes/labels etc. I was interested to see your label quote"Imported and inspected by the CF Martin Organisation" in an above post. Organisation with an s instead of the American OrganiZation, Wonder what that signifies? Probably just a British influence on the Japanese.

Cheers Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 05:48 AM

P.S. - I forgot to add three more observations in my previous post :

1. the end of the fingerboard of the GCS-6 with serial number 5628 that was recently sold on eBay has a rather prominent curve, whereas the fingerboard of my example does not have this curve;
2. The headstock and the neck of the Sigma with serial no. 5628 have a GLOSSY finish, whereas the finish of my Sigma's headstock & neck is matte;
3. All Sigma's from the early 70's that I've seen so far clearly seem to have a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, but oddly enough the fingerboard and bridge of my Sigma almost appear to be made of EBONY, as the wood has a really dark (almost black) appearance...

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 05:32 AM

Thanks for your input Neil, it's very much appreciated.

My Sigma does not have a zero fret, and here are some pics of my GCS-6 (which is b.t.w. a really great instrument, especially considering the price I paid for it last year) :

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/PICT2343.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/Body.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/FullII.jpg
I made a few addional observations about some of the earliest Sigma guitars, based on pics I've seen that were posted on recent eBay auctions :
- there were obviously different internal labels used on the early Sigma models; a Sigma GCS-6 with serial number 5628 (and which featured an adjustable bridge) was recently sold on eBay, and this guitar's paper label is quite different than the label of my example; this guitar's label bears the text "Imported and inspected by the CF Martin Organisation", whereas the label of my GCS-6 (which is only some 600 digits away from this one) does not have this text; the tuners of this example are b.t.w. also different than my guitar;
- Another GCS-6 with an 8-digit serial number (starting with "73") that was listed on eBay a while ago also has an adjustable bridge (plus the old SIGMA logo) but had exactly the same label as my guitar...
- Then there was a Sigma DM-5 (with serial number 4747) for sale here in the Netherlands until last weekend, and this model had the same features as my example : the "old" Sigma logo in big bold letters, non-adjustable bridge, no zero fret, the same paper label as my example & its serial number was 4747...interestingly enough its owner stated in her ad that she had bought her DM-5 NEW in 1981, and the previous owner of my GCS-6 told me that he had bought the guitar ALSO around this time, and it was new as well...

So, it appears that there's indeed not a lot of consistency here when looking at some of these early Sigma's...:) serial numbers of examples that were made in the early 70's are completely different (4 digits vs. 8 digits), most appear to have an adjustable bridge but some don't, then there are different internal paper labels etc..
Could it be that these earliest Sigma's were simply made by different manufacturers in Japan at the time, which could explain these differences?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 26 Oct 09 - 09:49 AM

Stefan,    6260 should be an early model. Does the guitar have a "zero" fret? That is a fret very close to the nut (approx 3/16th inch. That is a good clue that it's an early one. Most early Sigmas will have the adjustable bridge but not all,depends when the stocks ran out and where it was made. I will take a fixed bridge anytime over an adjustable. As Iv'e said before, the only consistent thing with Sigmas is inconsistency.

Cheers, Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 03:44 PM

Hi,
there's some pretty interesting info so far in this thread about Sigma guitars, that's for sure!

I hope one of the experts can help me with the following question as well : I've got a GCS-6 (bought for approx. US $90) since last year, and its serial number is 6260;
Based on this serial number (plus the fact that it has the original "Sigma" logo in gold block letters) I'm assuming that it must have been made in Japan in the very early 70's, however what confuses me is that it does NOT have an adjustable bridge, which apparently all of the earliest GCS-models by Sigma should have...

So, is there any way of finding out if my GCS-6 is a really early model, or is it simply a fact that the serial numbers of those Japanese-made Sigma's from the 70's don't have any real consistency?

Thanks for your help!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jonathan reid
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 10:08 AM

What was the DM_18 made for i want to know?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 02:05 PM

Fossil

Just click on the page numbers in brackets at top of page to get to earlier posts.

Page [1],[2],[3],

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Fossil
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 04:55 PM

Hey, JoeClones, what's happened to the rest of this thread? There's nothing like 500+ posts currently visible. Amongst the missing are the very informative early posts, on which most of the subsequent dating information was based. Please at least bring these back!

Subject: RE: Sigma Anniversary on EBay
From: GUEST,Dana
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 10:38 PM

That guitar went fast. If I remember correctly, it went for $577 US and change.

Subject: RE: Sigma Anniversary for sale
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 09:50 PM

There is a Sigma Anniversary in excellent condition for sale on EBay right now, Item number 270463735000. Check it out.
John (Valkyrie Guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,kysigma
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 10:34 PM

Hello, Multiple Sigma Owner,

I just wanted to let you know that at least some of the 52 series Sigmas have solid tops. I have a made-in-Japan 52SDR-9 which I purchased new in 1977, and it definitely has a solid spruce top.

My particular guitar has a laminated 3-piece rosewood back and sides, with white ivoroid bound top, back, fingerboard, and headstock. The greek "sigma" letter (sideways M) is inlaid on the rosewood covered headstock in MOP, with "SIGMA" in gold capital letters below it.

The rosewood fingerboard has inlaid MOP "snowflake" position markers, and the headstock is covered in rosewood veneer. The enclosed tuners have octagon shaped covers, and are silver in color.

This sound of this guitar has continued to improve with age, as would be expected with the solid top. I played it side-by-side back in '77 with other guitars of comparable price, and it sounded better by a significant margin. Not as good as the D-35 Martin I wanted, but definitely not run of the mill. It sounds better, in my opinion, than many of the lower end Martins of today, and at any rate, I would never let go of it because we have been together for so many years now.

kysigma

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: AgapeTile
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 01:42 PM

to Guest MIKE
There is an old Stella on sale at shopgoodwill.com
Good luck!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 12:44 PM

Hi all,
Well I just aquired my 2nd 1980 Sigma Anniversary mod.10. It is in very good condition, about a 9 in a scale of 1-10. My first one has brass nut, saddle, and pins. This one has Tusq saddle, pastic pins, and nut?
It was very dusty when it arrived, but after a good cleaning and some Gibson polish, along with a new set of strings,WOW what a great guitar these things are.
I am really fortunate to be able to own two.
John (Valkyrie Guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 09 - 07:51 AM

Hi, I have a Sigma DR-14! Made in Japan and on the label "imported and guaranteed by LEVIN Sweden, Göteborg", there is also a "M" stamped on the label. It is a 3 pieces back. It sounds fantastic! It has a solid top and I am not sure about the back and sides. Anyone can tell me more about this model and its value in case of a sell? The conditions are really great and the neck is still 100% straight with a nice action. Thanks for any suggestion. Rick

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jojuki
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 02:28 PM

Just a note to express my thanks and admiration for the amount of effort and even scholarship that has gone into this thread, and for the information I've gleaned from it. I own a Sigma 52SGCS-4, serial number 25569, which I bought (I think) in 1979-80. Like a lot of players, I bought it as a cheap alternative to the higher end models. I played it for a while, but gradually moved on up to other, different and more expensive guitars. I basically abandoned my Sigma and it eventually was picked up by my teenage daughter. She and her friends horsed around with it for a time, but she eventually just stuck with her violin and left it alone. It sat in a corner of her room, uncased, unplayed and unloved for probably five years, essentially gathering dust. Not a case of abuse, exactly, but certainly neglect. When we decided to renovate our house, I retrieved it and decided to spruce it up and try it out. I cleaned it up, oiled the fingerboard, re-strung it and adjusted the action (a slight lift in the strings was the only structural change that had occurred in all that time of inactivity). I was astonished! It sounded beautiful and played with more ease and fluidity than far more expense guitars I had tried in the intervening years. It was like running into an old girlfriend, finding out she was as gorgeous as ever and . . . well, we won't go there. Let's just say I fell in love all over again, discovering qualities and charms I was too unevolved to see before, and now it's my acoustic of choice. Viva Sigma!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,ned
Date: 24 Aug 09 - 08:40 PM

RE: C

When I purchased my Sigma SDR-28C in 1989 I was told that the S was for Solid, the DR was for Dread-Rosewood with rosewood sides and the C was for Cedar top. I could be wrong, but mine does look more like cedar and sounds much more mellow that a spruce top.

Odd to put cedar on a dreadknot, but I believe this to be true.

I am very happy with mine after 20 years. It is nowhere near the HD-28 LSV we also have in the house in terms of sound, but far beyond any sound that I have gotten from any guitar for less that $2000.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Derrick
Date: 20 Aug 09 - 01:09 AM

Here's a tidbit of info direct from the official Martin website in regards to a very narrow window of Sigma serial numbers:

"Serial numbers 900,001 to 902,908 were used on Sigma-Martins in 1981 and 1982."

Too bad they don't indicate any info for other years but I guess we'll take what we can get.

Derrick

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Aug 09 - 09:40 AM

Just in case any Sigma enthusiast is interested: Currently there´s a D-10 for sale on eBay by some one who claims himself a collector. The price right now is $850 and Byu Now $900.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-1980-Martin-Sigma-Anniversary-Acoustic-Guitar_W0QQitemZ250470930648QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item3a513b18d8&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Derrick Sorensen
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 07:30 PM

I have a Sigma DM-4 that I purchased brand spankin' new back in 1980 at the Guitar Center in Hollywood. After reading some of the previous posts I'm a little perplexed. It's been stated paper labels were phased out around 1979 and that Korean production began around 1984 or so. My DM-4 does have a paper label but it also says "Made in Korea" on the label. I bought this guitar in early 1980, so it could have been some leftover store stock from 1979. The top and back appear to be solid (I'm still trying to determine if the sides are also). The serial number does have a "79" in it but who knows if that indicates a production year. It also has the "1970" headstock decal and no sideways M. Based on this info it seems that the Korean manufacture of these guitars likely started much earlier than the 1984 date that has been discussed. I'm also wondering if during this transition period that some of the solid wood stock that was used in Japan was ported over to the Korean plant until it was exhausted and replaced by laminates later on. Any thoughts or comments from the Sigma experts?

Derrick

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,David McDonald
Date: 15 Aug 09 - 02:51 PM

I just picked up a Sigma that someone tried to disguise - they scraped of the headstock logo, blacked out the Sigma stamp on the inside and tore out the label. I can see that it was made in Japan and the serial number is 526649. It's a solid spruce top with a black pick guard and thick white binding with an thinner black/white/black/white/black inside of the thick binding, and the sound hole has a triple ring of black and white. The back and sides are rosewood - I can't tell if it's ply - and the two piece back has what looks like a maple and rosewood checkered inlay. The neck is rosewood with dot fret markers. Any ideas as to what I got or how old it is? I just brought it home and am about to restring it, but even with ancient rusted strings it sounds pretty good.

Thanks for any help you can give.

David

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: leerockarolla
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 06:27 PM

Hello, I have a acoustic cutaway Sigma guitar made by Martin. It says it was made in Korea for Martin & Co (Stamped on the inside). I'm assuming somewhere after 1984. I was wondering what info you could give me on this guitar. Year it was made and if it is a rare guitar or vintage? Can anyone send me perhaps a link or pictures of an old catalogue (pdf) file or something with pictures and info? Looking through the sound hole on the neck block there is a number stamped. Looks like 803134. The first #8 is hard to tell if it is an 8 or maybe a 3. Looks more like an 8. There is another number stamped when I look directly straight down into the sound hole (NOT on neck block). This number is 249332 and there is also(separately)DR-3C. I can't find anything on a DR-3C on the internet or in any books. I thought maybe it was DR-30 and not DR-3C but after taking a realy good look with a flashlight it IS DR-3C.(very odd). Unless it is a perfect half print of the number 0 but sure doesn't look like it. This thing sounds amazing. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,multiple sigma owner
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:29 PM

Joseph & Teawhy,

Not sure you're going to get much more information here than what is already posted. There just isn't much out there related to these guitars.

The guitars are worth what you can sell them for, and I don't mean that to be flippant. There just is no guide. The "most desirable" after the d-10 are the early dr-7's that were made in Japan. They "top out" at under $500 for a dead mint one, mostly, but there's always an exception. Without seeing your guitars and playing them, I have no idea. $200 - $300 is probably typical, maybe. Japanese typically bringing higher value than korean.

Joseph, the closest you'll come to a date, is a "range". Here's the best guide I can give you.

If it has the greek sigma headstock, with the sigma symbol that resembles a "sideways M", it is pre-1978. Most likely then a 1977 as the serial number is fairly high. (then you have to assume that they were numeric and there is little evidence of that but it's logical). If it has the "established 1970" headstock, it is 1978 or newer as that began the "second generation". We know this from looking at and collecting old advertisements.

It seems that if it has the "1970" headstock and a paper label, it is most likely 1978 or 1979, and if it has no paper label but a branding on the back brace it is most likely 1980-1984 if it's "made in Japan". Korea production started after that, and is typically thought to have ended around 1988, when it moved to taiwan.

Hope that helps, not much more to say, I'm afraid.

Thanks -

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Teawhy
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 12:12 PM

I have a Korean-made Sigma DR-2 (serial # 8811000127) purchased around 1987 that I'd love more info on. I'm the original owner, the sound is still strong, it has a decent amount of light wear, but I haven't found much about resale value online - any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Joseph Jeremiah
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 08:23 PM

It was nice to read about all the Sigma's out there.The fellow Sterling Webb really knew his stuff, Still I have a Question about my 52 SDR-7 SER# 15069 Any Ideas on year and such?? Mines like new, plays and sounds great. Value???? Thanks for any HELP""" Joseph

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Mike Mullins UK
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:34 AM

Hi, I've just aquired a Sigma DR-7 and I'm trying to find out a bit more about these guitars. The one I have has the sideways "M" on the headstock, adjustable bridge and seems to be of all laminate construction. It came with the original hard case and inside is the factory inspection certificate with the test played date showing 47.12.27. I believe this dates it to 1972 (the 47th year of Hirohito's reign) although the seriel number begins 74----. This certificate also states that the guitar was fitted with "light" strings which I'm assuming means 11's. The questions I have are: I've read on here and on Wiki that DR-7's of this era are all solid construction so why is mine laminated? Also, I cant find any information on the material used for the neck. It looks too light to be mahogony and is more like a teak colour with a very deep ebony? fingerboard. Any info would be appreciated. Finally, the action is quite high, despite little neck relief, a low nut and low saddle. I cant detect any raising of the top, so it looks like thats how it was meant to be. Is this true of all of these guitars? Any answers or info would be really appreciated!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: PHJim
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 12:39 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Good Soldier Schweik
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 01:07 PM

I played a sigma,when I a played a gig at Coatham Mundeville folk club,it belonged to the organiser John Snowball,it was good.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: kimert
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 10:56 AM

I Just listed this 1974 DR-7 on eBay if anyones interested.
Auction #220461866200

***************************************************

Just picked up my first Sigma - a DR-7 with Rosewood sides and 2 piece back and looks like spruce on the top. The serial number is in the 11,000's and it's the original style with the paper label and the sideways M on the head. Probably '73 or so?

Someone was giving it away on craigslist . . I happened to just be in the right place at the right time - the woman who owned it told me the strings were too far off the neck to be played, and a local music store told her the neck was warped and couldn't be fixed.

Anyway, it ends up that the top is just bowed out a little behind the bridge and the neck isn't warped at all. Probably has been leaning on a wall for the last nn years with some Black Diamonds on it.

It sounds as big as a Martin and the workmanship is just fine.
I remember when Martin came out with the Sigmas. They didn't really strike me as being a "low end" guitar and were priced along with the high - mid range instruments. I mean - I bought a Martin D 12-20 for a little over $300 and the Martin D45's could be had for just over a thousand bucks at the time.

I buy and sell guitars mostly, but after looking at what these are going for on eBay (200-300) I might just keep it. There is not a guitar out there anywhere right now that has the quality and big sound that this has for less than a grand.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: kimert
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 06:45 AM

Got a little slide presentation made up so you see the DR-7 Here is a link to the Sigma DR-7 in my last post.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: kimert
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 03:59 PM

Just picked up my first Sigma - a DR-7 with Rosewood sides and 2 piece back and looks like spruce on the top. The serial number is in the 11,000's and it's the original style with the paper label and the sideways M on the head. Probably '73 or so?

Someone was giving it away on craigslist . . I happened to just be in the right place at the right time - the woman who owned it told me the strings were too far off the neck to be played, and a local music store told her the neck was warped and couldn't be fixed.

Anyway, it ends up that the top is just bowed out a little behind the bridge and the neck isn't warped at all. Probably has been leaning on a wall for the last nn years with some Black Diamonds on it.

It sounds as big as a Martin and the workmanship is just fine.
I remember when Martin came out with the Sigmas. They didn't really strike me as being a "low end" guitar and were priced along with the high - mid range instruments. I mean - I bought a Martin D 12-20 for a little over $300 and the Martin D45's could be had for just over a thousand bucks at the time.

I buy and sell guitars mostly, but after looking at what these are going for on eBay (200-300) I might just keep it. There is not a guitar out there anywhere right now that has the quality and big sound that this has for less than a grand.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,guest ,brian
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 08:46 PM

I have a Sigma Guitars by CFMMartin&Co at top, and inside model#TB-IB serial#99050005 and barely see korea inside. can anyone give me any information on this acoustic guitar. thankyou!