Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,PAF Man
Date: 26 Feb 07 - 11:21 AM

I have a Sigma SBF2-6 -- the Tele copy. I would put it in 7.5/10 shape, with the important things just fine: neck's straight, no cracks, etc. It does not have the original pickguard, however. Does anyone know whether a Tele guard will fit this (a guard with the humbucker hole in the neck, of course). Another question: By the time I'm done with this, it'll have a new pickguard and a new pot or two, plus non-original volume and tone knobs (although they match the originals). How much will this affect the value? Or are these interchangeable without hurting value?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 07 - 08:55 AM

c.fordson, you asked about the Blueridge guitars. I bought a BR160 about a year ago. The inlay, banjo sized headstock and "aged" (call it yellow) coloration on the guitars top are a bit much, in my opinion. But man is this guitar a cannon. Solid rosewood body and solid spruce top (that doesn't match up all that well) make it a real deal at about $500. Google the model you want and you'll find a better deal than the site you have posted. I got mine from a shop in Kentucky. Though I am very leary about online guitar purchases, the salesperson said I could send it back if I didn't like it (a thing I have done with other guitar purchases), but he insisted I'd keep it. He was right.

As a side note, I was offered about the same amount of money that I paid for the BR160 for my gcs-6 discussed on this site, and there is simply no comparison between the guitars. I have 4 guitars laying around my house (washburn and gibson) and I ALWAYS go find the Blueridge...though I will still never part with the gcs, as that's the guitar I grew up with. I expect that in 35 years folks will be discussing their BR's in much the same manner they speak of Sigmas here.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,fret nut
Date: 23 Feb 07 - 10:14 PM

Jerry   they are usually solid , but I also have an all laminate DR-7. Not to worry   the sound is not audibily different to 99 out of 100 ears. Arguably laminates wll stay sraighter/longer than solid woods, given the solids are more prone to warpage.

I would not trade mine for a solid at this time, (It's also one of the first gen sigmas)   Yours is a valuable instument enjoy it and rest assured laminate or solid you own a very fine music maker

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jerry allen 312
Date: 21 Feb 07 - 10:25 PM

i bought a mint dr-7 from ebay absoluty perfect finish no scratches or dents of any kind. i have it at the luthier getting it set up right. ser no is 7128 has side way m above sigma and o fret at the nut. i was under the impression these were solid wood guitars but luthier says it is lamanite. i would surley appriciate any thought on this gang. thanks jerry

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,fret nut
Date: 20 Feb 07 - 09:49 AM

Hey Craig    It sounds like a good one 1st generation japanese. Need more info as to construction, solid/laminate??? etc.   12's generally don't fetch as much as 6 strings but given it's age (70-79)( serial #is low so it wiil probably be 75 or earlier). I'm thinking between $300-$400 subject to inspection. If anyone else wants to jump in here giddyup. I own a 1st gen dr -7 6 string (not for sale) and i have seen them go for up to $600 mint on ebay. A good guitar if its structurally sound.

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 07 - 06:01 AM

I just bought a Sigma of Martin and Company Made in Japan. Serial # 8182. Model Dr-12-7 with what I believe to be the original hard case. This guitar has the paper sticker inside and the Sigma name on the head is not like the others It just says sigma in bold lettering with a mother of pearl, sideways (M) obove it?
It plays awesome and has sustain for days and seems to be in good to very good condition.
Does any one know what it could be worth?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Craig
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 08:05 PM

oh ya the serial # is 8182

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Craig
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 04:09 PM

I just bought a Sigma DR 12-7 in good to very good shape* i was wandering if anyone knew what it's worth???????

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,c fordson
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 06:19 AM

Blueridge Guitars


any info on the Blueridge line of guitars, as shown above?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Doctor J
Date: 11 Feb 07 - 09:56 PM

Mr. Sterling Webb (Sigma Expert)

You probably get tired of all the e-mails requesting your expertise but it is obvious to me you may be the only one in the USA with such knowledge. I have a seen your comments on the DR-7 as being one of the most desireable Sigmas. I bought a Sigma DR-8 second handed around 1982-83. It has the paper sticker made in Japan in the sound hold. The serial is 34912. The headstock has the Sigma Guitars est 1970 in script and the headstock is bound in white iveroid. The tuners are chromb and are enclosed. It has the usual nicks, for the age but is still a beautiful guitar and is a pure cannon. I have three taylors, a Larivee and have played with a lots of Martins and this Sigma is no slouch. Please sir, if you know anything about this paticular model please let me know.

Thanks

Subject: Sterling Webb sighting
From: fret nut
Date: 11 Feb 07 - 09:00 AM

Mr Webb. has posted info on a Levin Sigma on an ebay (Feb 9 2007) listing. So he's still around it seems. Or someone is playing games

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Redeye
Date: 08 Feb 07 - 11:38 AM

I have a Sigma/Martin solid body electric guitar (Stratocaster style) purchased new in 2001 from a little music store in Billings, Montana. Can anyone provide me with some information about it (model, value)? I have seen a couple on ebay, but they didn't list a model. It is tabacco sunburst finish with a white pickguard. It's serial number is S99090155 and is made in Korea. Has "Sigma Established 1970" on it. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Redeye

Subject: RE: sigma guitar
From: GUEST,Meg
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 02:51 PM

Anyone know what the Sigma black cutaway TBNYB very good conditionis worth these days?

Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,daddog
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 04:34 PM

Hello Dekcat,
I will probably be able to point you in the right direction concerning your Sigma....give me an email @ [e-mail] and I'll give you some information!!
Thanks,
Daddog

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 08:54 PM

Hi Dekcat

      Email me with the model number. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,dekcat
Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:31 PM

anyone know anything about the models with just sigma & a sideways m on the headstock & an approx value. any help would be appreciated

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dan the weatherman
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 04:24 PM

For about 10 years I've owned a Sigma Guitar. I've always wanted to know more about it. (long story short) A man gave it to me.

The inside label reads:

Sigma Guitars
C.F. Martin & Company
Model: CFM - 12N
Serial No. 891000014

(not sure about the last digit, looks like a 4 but may not be)

Made in Korea

Anyone with information, or know a souce to check, please
let me know.

Dan the weatherman
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bill
Date: 18 Jan 07 - 11:48 PM

This is the ONLY page on Google to come up from my search for Sigma 52SRD-9. I have had serial number 18239 since 1978 when I bought it from a high school buddy (I think he bought it new, or maybe used.)

In the 80's had passive pickups put it (Martin brand) and played it to lead music for youth groups on and off. Now, 26 years or so later, I upgraded the pickups. I think its sound compares to ANYTHING I have heard amped.

This model has the sideways "M" or "sigma" in pearl above the gold block letters as have been described earlier. This is a solid top for sure, and I am about 90% sure the three-piece back is also sold (I can see the grain through the sound hole that I believe matches that of the back (rosewood).

This is a flat-picker, finger-picker's dream guitar!

Oh, not for sale. Just thought I'd see if anyone knew actual year info--I KNOW it is over 29 years old, since I have had it that long.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,doremient
Date: 03 Jan 07 - 12:20 AM

My husband has a SBG2-6 that he got from a friend about 15 years ago. He never thought anything about it. He recently started doing searches online for info on sigma's and the SBG2-6. There isn't much info we can find on it except that it is a rare electric.
Anybody out there have any more info on this model?
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,fret nut
Date: 22 Dec 06 - 11:23 PM

Picked up my $120 Jap Dr-7. Mint condition think it's a 78. ser #23178   Its all laminate but absolutely amazing rosewood back and sides. the back is flamed at a 45 angle and wild to look at    it looks way better from the back than the front. best part is the sound though even though its all laminate the bass is awesome and the top end rings like a bell. i'd like to add a pickup to this one   any suggestions

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,guest scott
Date: 20 Dec 06 - 02:19 PM

I have just purchased an SDR-35. It is in wondrful condition. I may entertain thoughts of selling this guitar, if the price is right. You can E-mail me at [e-mail] , All I have been able to find out so far is was made between 1987 and 1991.Maybe you can help me find out more specifics.Truthfully its probably not going to be sold. It sounds, plays and looks awesome.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Dec 06 - 02:59 PM

Hey Neil,

      120 bones for a vintage Japanese DR-7 is a smokin' deal !!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 15 Dec 06 - 10:38 AM

I just bought but have not picked up yet a DR 7.   japan ser 23178. Is this one of the good originals, I paid $120, good price?   headstock has the large SIGMA script with the greek symbol above not the martin lookalike writing

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,S
Date: 07 Dec 06 - 09:35 AM

I have a Sigma guitar and I can't find anything on it: Model is 0RC-40, Serial SE12708. It is shaped EXACTLY as a Les Paul. I baught it more than 20 years ago and remembered I payed aroung $800 Canadian. There is a piezo pickup under the bridge with a tone and volume control.

It is very hard to play; the strings are very hard to bend and the frets are thinner than a hair. I wonder if a luthier can make it play like butter?

S.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Nov 06 - 06:52 PM

Just picked up a Sigma Martin USA DR28Folks this is a 1981 or 1982 Genuine Martin D-28. It sounds awesome! How many did Martin actcually make in USA? What's the deal?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,rvt
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 03:27 PM

The number stamped inside on the back strut in S 94289 and 13354 k on the neck inside.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,RVT
Date: 22 Nov 06 - 02:49 PM

I have a DR-11 I bought in Chicago in 1982 or so I seem to remember paying a litle less than $400.00.   130354 K under the number.   It had s been through the mill, sort of worn in the sound hole from using a pick up but it's all original and I play it all the time. It sounds sweet an looks like a much more expensive guitar (that's been not too gently used.)

I would have sworn it was 1 piece but I look REAL close and found the seam down the center of the top-this after 28 year of playing it. I love it and wouldn't part with it.

Subject: RE: sigma 335 guitar
From: GUEST,WAYNE FORD
Date: 21 Nov 06 - 04:59 AM

HI, I HAVE A SIGMA 335 WHICH I HAVE RECENTLY ACQUIRED, BLONDE WITH GOLD HARDWARE,BLOCK INLAYS ROSEWOOD BOARD,FINISH AND CRAFTSMANSHIP IS FLAWLESS,IT IS ABSOLUTELY MINT WITH CASE, PLAYS BETTER THAN THE TWO 60'S GIBSON 335'S I HAVE OWNED, WOULD APRECIATE ANY INFO AND DETAILS ABOUT THE GUITAR. THANKS!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,tlmksm93
Date: 18 Nov 06 - 11:17 AM

YEAH, I GOT MY DAD'S GUITAR WHEN HE PASSED AWAY AND IT IS A DM-2 WITH HTE SERIAL #9302000278 JUST WONDERING WHAT IT IS WORTH? I WOULDN'T SELL IT FOR NOTHING TO SPECIAL TO MY HEART SOMETIMES WHEN I'M PLAYING IT REMINDS WHEN I WAS A KID AND MY DAD AND HIS BROTHERS PLAYING WHEN THEY WERE SITTING AROUND HAVING A GOOD TIME,SO LIKE I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYBODY KNOWS WHAT IT IS WORTH,EVEN THOUGH IT'S PRICELESS TO ME!!!!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jai
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:34 PM

hi...i hav a martin sigma and model number is GC1ST serial is 8050280.can any one give me some history on the guitar as i hav just started playing and would like some info on it...Thanks!!!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,SIGMA DJ-7
Date: 16 Nov 06 - 08:21 AM

I have one of the Sigma DJ-7's and would love to learn more about it. If Mr. Webb still follows this thread please contact me.

Thanks!

Scott
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dave B
Date: 14 Nov 06 - 10:54 AM

You guys with the DR-11's, when I asked about the solid spruce top, I was refering to laminate vs. solid not single piece vs. a splice down the center. Mine is laminate top but it sure sounds good. Just wondering of some were solid top.

Subject: RE: sigma guitar
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 06 - 03:24 PM

Sigmas can be all over the place in quality and sound. The ones to look for have the inlaid name plate and made in japan. I have had two now, the D18 clone was absolutely wonderful and I deeply regret ever having sold it. I now have a DR28 which is something of a D28 clone, laminated back and sides, V neck. Its OK but not a patch on the old 18 model, or for that matter my martins.

I also had a korean one - yuck. Heavy, laminated top, and a transfer logo. Flicked it immediately it was rubbish.

Looks like go for the older you can, and make sure you test it. the good ones are 90% of a martin, for pocket money prices.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,davesg
Date: 09 Nov 06 - 03:52 PM

Like others, this is about the only thread I have seen dealing with Sigma's. I recently was given a Sigma SDR-28, made in Korea. I would like to find out more about it. the only information I have found suggests that it was made sometime between 1987-1991. There is a "C" stamped on the back brace. Someone suggested in this thread that it might stand for cutaway, but mine is not a cutaway. It appears to have a solid top. If it isn't, someone did a fine job of matching the pieces. I has the Sigma Guitars inlayed with mop and a gold colored est 1970 underneith it. I haven't seen anything in this thread that mentions the "S" before the DR-28. Any information would be appreciated.   

My e-mail address is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitar
From: GUEST,davesg1
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 08:37 PM

trying to find info on a SDR-28. Made in Korea. also has the letter "C" marked into the back brace. Head reads "Sigma est 1970"

Anything would help. If you have any knowledge, my e-mail address is [e-mail]

Thanks

Dave

Subject: RE: sigma guitar
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 08 Nov 06 - 06:50 AM

I have a sigma dcm-18 (rosewood cutaway) bought it in 1993 in manchester, UK. Best acoustic guitar i've ever owned in fact. Now in 2006Hope to purchase the Sigma SDR-41 very soon. Can anyone give me info on it? Thanks!

Subject: GCS - 6
From: GUEST,shona
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 05:19 PM

We lucked out and found a GCS-6 at a garage sale.

Like Don at the Bay, we were also looking for info on it and can't find any.

It's the mystery model, it seems.

Anyone know how much it's worth, drop me a line (sblack2 AT uwo.ca)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 27 Oct 06 - 06:34 PM

I own a Sigma DR-11 as well. Would love to know more about it.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,julian
Date: 19 Oct 06 - 07:40 PM

I would like to talk to you about that Anniversary Sigma. Please call me at [phone]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bob in NE OH
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 03:33 PM

Wow! I've been trying to find some info on my Sigma guitar for a year or so and, as has been said by others, I've learned more in this thread than anywhere else. It's a DT-3 model probably from the mid-80s and I'm pretty sure it's a laminate but it sounds great to me. It's acoustic/electric and I play it through an old Fender Musicmaster bass amp. The tubes really give it a warm sound. It really doesn't quite stand up against my friend's all solidwood Blueridge BR-160 though. The best thing about mine is the appearance. The top (layer anyway) is kind of an orange colored sunburst in flamed maple. Also has a matching flamed maple headstock with gold colored Grover tuners (not original) The bridge pins are brass and have tops that match the flamed maple of the soundboard and headstock (even showing a "grain"). Beautiful guitar. Probably not worth much money-wise but that has no meaning to me since it was given to me by my friend for my 40th b-day.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Scrump
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:33 AM

I have a DM1-ST (? IIRC, haven't got it in front of me to check), made in Korea. Considering what it cost me (not a lot) I think it has been exceptional value and better than a lot of guitars I've tried costing several times as much, but not as good as the Martins I've tried.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Lisa
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:32 AM

I forgot to mention in my email that the Sigma 10th anniversary acoustic Ihave is a DM-18 model withsolid top and a few extra inlays with "Anniversary" inlay on the neck and some diamond inlays on the bridge. Built in 1980. Aain, looking for resalle value. It has hardly been used. Thanks.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,lisa
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 10:27 AM

I have an Sigma 10th anniversary acoustic guitar and am trying to asses it's value for resale. Any ideas? Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bobby
Date: 06 Oct 06 - 06:09 AM

Hey, I hope Webby's alright. The last time he posted anything here was Jun 05. Shit, I hope he's OK! I learnt a lot of stuff of that dude, not just about Sigmas. Though Sigma guitars was obviously the impetus. Come back Webby, if your still there? If not, I'll catch you up later:-)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Sep 06 - 03:15 PM

I think the DM-4Y is a youth model with a shorter scale.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,georbro
Date: 20 Sep 06 - 03:35 PM

Medic,

Unfortunately I have to disagree with you about the fairness of value pricing on ebay these days, ebay is not what it once was and a lot of folks have discontinued using it for more than reasons of just price.

Ebay has become a bargain hunters forum where value means little and the lowest price means everything. In the case of the Sigma DR-11, it is likely so rare that there may not be much demand for it at all because it is virtually unknown.

I had an idea one time about starting a website called "ConsignmentMusic.com" and even researched the name only to find that someone in Mississippi had the name reserved already. It was a simple idea where sellers could pay a small fee to post photos of their items and then deal directly with potential buyers via email. This concept has been extremely successful in the audiophile quality audio and video arena. I do not know why no one has done it for musicians yet.

I still cannot establish a reasonable value for the guitar yet, but I am working on it. When I do, I will let you know first.

George E. Brown III

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,georbro
Date: 20 Sep 06 - 03:27 PM

DaveB,

My Sigma DR-11 has a two piece spruce top with a seam so fine you can barely see it. The giveaway is the change in hue and grain right next to the seam. It does not seem to impact the sound enough to tell that it is not a single piece of spruce.

The "K" on your neck next to the serial number is not likely for Korea, mine has a "K" as well and during that era the Sigma guitars were being made solely in Japan. Later they were moved to Taiwan and the quality suffered, but I have never heard of any made in Korea.

By the way, I did get in touch with Adam St. James, but he could not relate any information about his Sigma DR-11 other than when and where and how much he purchased it for. He suggested vintage guitar dealers and a website called Gbase.com. I looked for one on Gbase and returned a big fat nothing, so the guitar is as rare as we believe it is.

Adam St. James has a cool new website where he reviews musicians new releases and sells some very good books about guitars, vocals, recording, lead styles, etc. It is simply AdamStJames.com.

Thanks for asking about my DR-11,

George E. Brown III

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dave B
Date: 16 Sep 06 - 10:02 PM

Hey georbro, is your Sigma solid or laminate top? When I got mine I thought it was a solid top but after having it outside in sunlight one day I figured out that it is a laminate top. (Mild bummer for value but I still love the sound) I'm guessing mine may be from right around the transition time from Japan to Korea as it's stamped made in Japan but the number on the neck block has a K in front of it. Of course, that may be coincidence? I just bought some Martin acoustic SP 80/20 bronze strings for it today but have not put them on yet.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,The medic
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 09:42 PM

If you're thinking of sellig, I got 20 bucks for ya....lol. (Sorry). Your best bet is to place it on ebay where thousands upon thousands of whatchers will dictate the actual value. Many believe that guitars usually sell for pretty much what they are actually worth on ebay. Email me some pictures, if the price is right, I might be interested myself. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,georbro
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 12:20 PM

I own a Sigma DR-11 that is appointed exactly as described in Dave B.'s post of July 15th, 2006; J. Kaufman's post dated June 16th, 2005 and Sterling Webb's post of November 3rd, 2004 where he states that he had heard the DR-11 was the rarest Sigma model.

Adam St. James, who is or was the editor of Guitar.com, owns a Sigma DR-11 as well. In a product review for the Fishman Aura that Adam wrote for Guitar.com, he describes the Sigma DR-11 as a "beautifully appointed, lower-priced version" of Martin's D-45. Mine looks exactly like a D-45 with the exception of the 3 piece rosewood back and bracing. If anyone knows how to contact Adam, he may be able to shed some light on the value and rarity of this guitar. My emails to him have kicked back as undeliverable.

This thread is the only place I have ever found in the twenty five years I have owned my DR-11 where it has ever been mentioned. I have had numerous Martin dealers tell me that the model number never existed.

I am very interested in establishing a value range for the DR-11 in mint condition with an original hardshell factory case.

Does anyone have any idea other than the original cost in 1980 of around $400?

Please advise,

George E. Brown III