Hello:
What a treat to find someone of Mr. Sterling Webb's expertise regarding Sigma guitars. Thank you, sir, and to all who post in efforts to educate about these instruments.

I purchased a Sigma DR-7 recently. It has a stamped brace (made in Japan for C.F. Martin Co.), no "Ms" or "Ns", but sports an inner paper label where the serial number, 024680, appears, along with the inscription, "Inspected by K. Saigo."

It is a solid top, appears to be spruce, has closed tuners that display the word "Sigma", no veloutte (sp), lots of binding everywhere, and the gold "Sigma Guitars Est 1970" headstock logo.

I was drawn to this instrument not by its sound, but by the wood used for the back and sides. I assume its laminate, but it does not appear to be Indian rosewood. It has the chocolate and butterscotch tones of Brazilian rosewood. Not too swirly, but definitely inconsistent with respect to grain width. Bookmatched back. Dynamic sides. Lovely. It is more attractive and, in my opinion, much more desirable than the tight, straight grained, dark browns and blacks of Indian rosewood.

Mr. Webb, and others more knowledgable than I, please help me out here. I'll add this page to my favorites list and check back in a
day or two. If anyone can help me out with identifying the laminate used for the back and sides, I'd be grateful. Also, the guitar's approximate manufacture date would be appreciated.
Thanks for your help, and best regards,
Stephen Hankins
stevehankins@cox.net