Be wary of proclaimed experts describing Sigma models of solid tonewoods. Those who are active traders on Ebay may have a financial stake in proliferating misinformation. While Sigmas of the Japan build era are generally well crafted and they produce good sound, almost ALL of them are laminate sides and backs. Having owned several Sigmas, ALL with lam sides and back (DR-7, DM-5, DM-2 Korean, DM-1, and DM-1Korean and late DM-1ST), none can compare to my favorite git, a 1990's Korea built Alvarez 6010 model which has been confirmed by St. Louis Music--importer of the Alvarez brand-- as a handmade solid wood special. However, its price back in '96 was $675 with a hardshell case. Over 16 years, its playing action and neck have remained awesome, and the intonation at every string, every fret measures to virtual perfection. A special violin finish is a nice touch, too. It is more playable and has a more nuanced, balanced tone-- superior to the D10 Anniversary Sigma in my opinion. Written 9/27/2012