I bought my sigma CS2 in the late 80's, new with a black cardboard case for $138. I have used it for many years at campfires with the Girl Scouts. I started taking classical guitar lessons and my teacher told me I needed something better to improve. I got a R3 Ramirez with a hard case for 6 times the costs. I kept the CS5 but bought a Alvarez steel string for more volume at camp. And I wonder how I ended up with 7 guitars! Now down to 5 after selling one and giving another to a student of mine.