Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,don at the bay
Date: 12 Mar 05 - 08:45 AM

I've been to the site badboy recommends. While extensive, it doesn't list every model Sigma produced (see my Feb, post regarding my GCS-6). The site, which I believe is provided by Steve's Music, will refer you to Orion Blue Book, which, for $4.00 will indicated the estimated value of your guitar. I found the same source at my local library some years ago...and again, the GCS-6, was not listed. So what do I believe the value of my old Sigma to be? To most, because I bought a hard shell case some time ago, someone might give me the $135 I paid in 1975 or 76. As evidenced by this site, to many, our old Sigma's value is that of an old friend that will get played once a week because we have a relationship. Is it the best guitar in my house? Of course not. Is it my most valued. Without doubt.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,badboy
Date: 08 Mar 05 - 11:57 PM

IF anyone needs to know the year there sigma was made there is a web site for past models.I found this on yahoo type in sigma guitars scroll down to past models it has the year when each one was made.I thought this info would be helpful.This website is by cf martin.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,badboy
Date: 07 Mar 05 - 12:44 AM

If anybody out there has any books on sigma guitars or has any sigma guitars for sale at fair prices please let me [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,J.C.
Date: 06 Mar 05 - 12:16 PM

Happen to own DM-4 Sigma. Martin stamp on the inside.Serial number is 89?91003. In exellent condition.As far as I can see, all original.Plays great and sounds amazing. Any information on this guitar would be greatly appreciated. Would like to know the year it was made,where it was made and the aprox. value.
    Thanks...J.C. .

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: jackprune
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 02:22 AM

Hey, ... neat thread.

My sigma "52SDM 2" has been through hell. It's been backpacked, camped, banged, burned, baked, dropped, and probably kicked a few times. This thing is a tank and fun to play. It has a full wooden tone with zero tin or ring. It really booms out nicely with banjos, fiddles, and mandos.

Obviously it's one of those 52S's Sterling mentioned. I imagine the 'D' is dreadnaught and the 'M' mohogany. Is the 'S' spruce? What about the the '2' ... it has a paper label, a black painted headstock face ("SigmaGuitars Est. 1970"), no internal Martin stamps, a solid top, and a 8612000524 serial number. I can't figure the sides or back. Great guitar.

Jack P.

jp

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,brebbman
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 04:08 PM

Regarding Sigma guitars, I have recently purchased a Picador 12 string. I read in another forum that a Picador is a blemished Sigma. If you pry off the Picador sticker/tag on the headstock you will find the Sigma name which is burned/engraved into the wood. I don't have the guts to do it.

So, is it true that a Picador is really a blemished Sigma?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Coma
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 09:58 AM

So a Sigma DM-5 with gold lettering a´la Martin and a Made in Japan stamed back brace would be made 1980-84. Most likely not solid mahogany back and sides but a solid spruce.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,JT3
Date: 26 Feb 05 - 09:36 PM

just found myself a Sigma DT12-4 in a pawn shop great tone! whats it worth? minimal wear, and beat up orginal case. thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 01:39 PM

Hi,

If Sterling Webb is still out there, can You help me with info on my Sigma. I is a dreadnough, all dark, I was told by the seller (bought it in the early 80s, in Gothenburg Sweden)that it was redwood and jacaranda. I imagine the top can be redwood. The guitar in total is a beauty.

The seller was a guy I used to meet windsurfing and he used to work for the Levin Company until they were shut down (by Martin)in the late 70s.

The guitar is marked on the Label in the Soundhole as follows:

"Sigma Guitars, Est.1970, CF Martin & Company, mod. FW 315 G, Manufactured in ....."

It seems allmost like the label is deliberately torn to hide the rest.

It has "Sigma Guitars Est.1970" in gold on the headstock and also "1.7.82" stamped there (a assume build date)

If You share mail adress with me I can send pictures.
([e-mail])

The guitar has adjustible stable (which i don´t are much for) but it plays and sounds great.

I am also intrested in if Sigmas were ever built in the Levin factory (the building were torn down 2 years ago)

Best regards.../Magnus Hultin (Levin/Goya obsessed)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,badboy10261
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 09:54 AM

I have two sigmas a dm1 and a dr41.They are both good guitars the 41 seems to be the better of the two.I have never seen so much info on sigmas.It,s nice to know there are other sigma fans out there that don,t just think of them as martin copys.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,irving
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 04:55 PM

HOW DO I KNOW IF MINE IS MADE IN TIAWAN OR JAPAN.........
ITSA DM3........i FOUND A SITE FOR SIGMA   AND THEY SAID DM3 WERE ON ENDED IN 79
       aND THEN I HERE HERE THAT ..........THERE R SOME THAT ARE LATER..........
ANY HELP FROM SOMEONE KNOWLAGABLE WOULD HELP......
IS IT MADE IN JAPAN THAS WHAT I WANNA KNOW........THERE IS NO LABEL DOESNT SEEM TO EVER HAVE BEEN ONE.ALSO I WAS WONDERIN IF IT WAS LAMINATED

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,don at the bay
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 03:55 PM

Sterling Webb, are you still out there? I have a model GCS-6; serial
# 74080626. I purchased it shortly after graduating from college...Bill Dowdy Music, Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1975. It's remained in amazing condition, especially considering its 30-year history. As I've not found any information specific to the GCS-6, figured I'd come to the mountain an see what the master has to say.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From:
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 01:29 AM

I have a sigma dr41 serial number 922055 model number s19752.
made in japan. headstock logo SigmaGuitars / EST. 1970
could anyone give me information on what year this was made.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From:
Date: 04 Feb 05 - 07:15 PM

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
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bryant
Date: 03 Feb 05 - 05:14 AM

Hi Sterling,

Thanks for all the info. I have a DT-4N that I bought new in 1995 and I was curious as to whether you knew what wood the "T" stands for.

Also . . . although I'd like to think the "N" means it was assembled in Nazareth, both the stamp and the paper label read "Made in Korea" and there's nothing to indicate otherwise. Any other idea what that "N" means?

Thanks again for sharing all your knowledge. My Sigma has been my one and only 6-string for 8 years now and I really love it. Good to know there are other fans out there.

Regards,
Bryant

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,1980
Date: 02 Feb 05 - 02:57 PM

I bought a sigma dreadnought in 1980 it is an anniversary model can you show mw that guitar

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From:
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 06:18 PM

Hi

Got a SIGMA SG-5 marked CF Martin inside and imported to Sweden by LEVIN. As I remember it was named "hummingbird" and I bought it new in the late 70´s. It has SIGMA mark and a M sideways on top of the neck. Anyone knowing anything about this guitar?

/Jan

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,CLM
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 02:34 PM

Re; The DM2N,There is no stamp in the neck end block,"Made in Korea"
is in gold leaf on the back of the headstock.
This is the nicest sounding acoustic I have ever played,even if it isn't worth much money.
                  CLM

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,S. Webb
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 03:37 AM



    Gator, your DR12-7 has the older 1970-79 logo: a pearl greek letter sigma ("sideways M") and the word "SIGMA" in gold, apparently. If so, it probably has a solid rosewood body and solid spruce face. At least all the 70's ones I've seen do, unless it's a 52S DR12-7. Great guitars, built like a tank and very resonant. Go way upstream in this thread to my short history of Sigma for more information.

    Jerry, is it solid rosewood? First, compare the grain pattern on the inside of the guitar with what appears at the same spot on the outside of the guitar. (It helps if the grain is pronounced or stripey.) If they're the same, it's solid woods (one piece).

    If the guitar has a traditonal endpin (not a screw-in strap button) on the butt end, carefully remove the endpin and you can look at the edge of the sidewood and the endpin hole. Very easy to tell if it's one solid piece or a layered laminate.

    To tell if a spruce face is solid, examine the soundhole edge nearest the bridge with a magnifying glass and a strong light. If it's solid, you can see the grain lines run all the way across the edge and disappear onto the underside of the face. If it's a laminate, the grain lines will not match across the edge or not even be visible. You will also be able to see the seam(s) between the layers.

    But the important thing is how the guitar sounds, not the construction details. Yes, as a very general rule, solid is better, but the very best sounding guitar I own has a solid rosewood body and a bi-layer spruce face. It's a hand-built from 1974, made by one of the original luthiers at what became Taylor Guitars, Bob Mossay. After listening to it, old Martins crawl off in a corner and sob uncontrollably...

    Yes, I have other guitars besides Sigma's: Yamakis, Daions, Harptones, G. J. Goulds, assorted Japanese made oddities, a couple of unidentifible guitars, two Harmony's, a pre-war Regal, a few Dobros, Kronbauer, and two of Ted Thompson's wonders, one banjo, and a partridge in a pear tree. I think know a good guitar when I hear it. And like people, they're all different.

    I just bought a Sigma DR-15 like the one described (above) by Bob Spradlin, on eBay (naturally). I just got it today and even with black and ancient strings, it sounds good. In virtually mint condition. It has the GenII logo, so it must be 1980-84, but the serial number is lower than Bob's 1978 model! That's the kind thing that drives ya crazy about Sigma's...

    I can hardly wait to get new strings, ebony pins, and a bone saddle made for it. Drool. Unlike Bob's, it doesn't have an abalone rosette, but does have the herringbone bindings and backstripe, pearl snowflake dots, solid body and solid face, and what looks to be a one-piece neck. It came with the original case which is wood covered in real leather.

    One really odd thing: it has modern sealed tuners (original, not replacements) but instead of cylindrical bodies and caps on the gear drives, they have hexagonal bodies and caps. Very strange. Never seen hexagonal tuners before anywhere.

    CLM, the "N" on the end of your DM-2 interests me. In the older Sigma's the "N" meant a model that was actually assembled in the Martin factory at Nazareth! Look inside on the neck end-block to see if there is anything stamped on it. I had (sold) a DR-35N that had a Martin logo there, with "Made in USA" and a 6-digit serial number. These older "N" models were re-labeled Shennandoahs.

    How'd I learn so much about Sigma's? The hard way. I've bought about 40 Sigma's on eBay. (Yes, 40; fix their problems, set them up, send them on their way again.) Er, some I kept -- too nice, or too much money invested. I also buy up old Sigma catalogs for information, and I scrounge the net for data, too. The really good (rare) Sigma's are possibly the most undervalued high-quality guitars around.



Sterling Webb

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest CLM
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 05:38 PM

Wow I had no idea Sigmas had this kind of a following!
I found this thread looking for information on my recent purchase
of a DM2 N Korean Model SN 93041288 Amazing Tone!
From what i read so far the "2" denotes low quality but the finnish on this guitar is beautiful and it plays like a dream.
The tuners are Grover,is this stock? It also has a pickup hidden inside and when plugged in it sounds great(no feedback)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:39 PM

Whew!!!!
Wow. I guess after 2 years of trying to find out about my DR-28, I guess there isn't much more I could learn. Except when it was actually made to the month and year.
I bought it new in January or February of 1980. It has a body serial # of ES22477 and a stock serial # of 034065 K. Since it is possible it was made in 1979, could it be made with solid rosewood sides and back?

If anyone knows, could they e-mail me at [e-mail] to let me know.

Thanks for all the info from everyone espescially S. Webb. Could S. Webb tell me a little on how he came up with all his info?

Thank you muchly.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Gator
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 12:54 PM

I have recently found a Sigma DR 12-7 made in Japan. I'm trying to find some info on this guitar. It appears to have a different printing of the logo than the normal Sigmas, which look like the CFMartin logo type. If anyone can help with date, value, quality info, I would greatly appreciate it. It's a beautiful guitar in fantastic shape. Thanks -- Gator

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dogger
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 06:11 PM

I have a sigma dm-3 accoustic made in korea. Could someone give me a new/used price. I paid $30 for it with a case. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 03:52 PM

Well done.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 12:32 AM

To Allison
I was offered a Sigma DR28A a few years ago free but I would not take it free, I gave the lady $40.00 for it. It is the best acoustic I have ever played. A few weeks ago, I found it had a pick up in it. All these years I did not notice it.

Johnny Pate

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Spikeis
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 03:52 AM

Just a thought, but being as this thread seems to have "outed" LOADS of us Siggy fans, do you think it's time to pressure Martin into re-establishing the strong links they had with then a few years ago, and AT LEAST MENTIONING THEM ON THEIR WEB SITE!!! Or is it that the low end modern Martins don't measure up to the Sigma's!!! Ooooh I DO so like starting a good slagging match!!!
Merry Crimble all

cheers

Spike

Keep on Sigging!!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From:
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 10:02 PM

Thanks for the Info. I seem to remember the salesmen at the store I purchased it at said it was a limited edition. To me at that time it didn't mean much. It looked good, sounded good and the price was reasonable. I never regretted that purchase. As for the wood, you have to be right....I was mearly guessing. I am assuming abalon inlay is what my back seam is only because it's different then my top edges. I remember the salesmen telling me that the top edge was a herringbone inlay. So I guess I will keep my eyes open on eBay for another DR-15 and grab it if I can. Thanks for the tip on strings...I always use light strings anyway but now I will not feel bad about tuning it up.

Bob Spradlin

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,S. Webb
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 03:42 PM



    Bob Spradlin, another mystery Sigma, the DR-15! It has to be Rosewood (that's what the R in DR-15 means). Your description of the DR-15 sounds exactly like my mystery Sigma, except that instead of herringbone inlay for the top binding, my "mystery" Sigma has abalone inlay.

    These "mystery" Sigmas must have been made in very small quantities (or they wouldn't still be mysteries). I knew about the DR-9 and DR-11, but the DR-14 reported here was news to me and now, a DR-15! That's two more models I didn't know about. I haven'e found either one in my collection of old Sigma catalogs. That's another reason to suppose they were only made in small numbers, if they get in the catalogs.

    Since the "15" is what Martin called a "quality" number, it's as good as you think it is! I don't know if you have to tune it down so much as to make sure you never use strings heavier than Lights. Light strings have only 75% of the tension of Medium strings at the same tuning, and I've seen evidence that the use of Mediums will damage Sigmas over the long run.

    R. W. Maiden, all I can tell you is that you have a solid wood mahogany Sigma in the DM-4S. I concentrate on buying the Japan-made Sigmas, so I haven't had the chance to look over Korea-made Sigmas. The serial number suggests it might be from the mid-80's, when Martin and the Japanese manufacturers were setting up their joint Korean factories. In a Japanese Sigma the "S" would mean sunburst finish. Today, the "C" would mean Cutaway. Is it a cutaway?

    The "sideways M" logo means Made in Japan between 1970 and 1980. These models are usually the most valued Sigmas, so it was probably a good one. The "214" is probably an internal stock reference and doesn't help figure on the model. Sorry I can't be of more help.


Sterling Webb

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,sport
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 07:19 PM

S.Webb, I have read your very informative history on the sigmas - thanks - I am still not sure however , what sigma model and year I have - hopefully you can help - the guitar has the sideways M on the top of the headstock - it has a spruce top and either a mahogany or rosewood side and back - the inside of the guitar is missing the label although you can see bits of the paper - on the inside on the side of one of the wood braces has the number 214 ink stamped - the guitar has aged patina - if you could help me out or anyone out there I would greatly appreciate it - thank you

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,sport
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 02:50 PM

Hi-I have a sigma guitar with a sideways M on the stockhead-no inside paper label - the #214 is stamped on the inside - it is old but not sure what I have

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,R. W. Maiden
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 10:04 PM

S.Webb. Thanks for sharing all the info about Sigma guitars. I was curious to know if you could shed any light about my Sigma. It is a DM-4S (as in Sam) model and also has a "C" designation after the model. The embossed stamp inside says it was made in Korea for Martin and Co. The two serial numbers stamped inside are 286850 on the body and 804158 on the base of the neck. What makes it different is the top is Mahogany sun burst. I don't know if this is unusual or just an option that was offered. I, like many others, am pleased with the sound quality of this guitar. I would appreciate any insite or information you might have on the particular model.

R.W.Maiden

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From:
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 05:15 PM

I have a Martin Sigma DR-15 S/N 35039 I bought brand new in 1978. This has been and remains a sweet sounding guitar. The neck is as straight as the day I bought it. I have kept the guitar tuned low to reduce stress to the neck over the years. It has pearl snowflake fret board buttons, Solid spruce top, looks like walnut sides and split back with special inlay in the back seam. It is made in Japan. The edges of the guitar have a Herring bone inlay, abalone inlay around the hole, ebony pegs and rosewood fretboard. Does anyone know anything about this guitar? I wouldn't sell it for anything and everyone who plays it wants to keep it. I would say this has been the best investment I have ever made in guitars. How much is it worth, and any history on it would be nice. I am shopping for another one just like this one but I cannot find any information let alone another DR-15.

Bob Spradlin

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,shashi4g
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 02:10 AM

Thanks for the info S. Webb. I just purchased my CB5 off ebay. The photos are still there if anyone cares to take a look. Ebay # 3760509104. I love the guitar and feel like I got a great price at $150.00. What does everyone think? Thanks for any more info anyone may have including a value.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,S. Webb
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 01:39 AM



    Some (partial) answers to some of the earlier questions in this thread.

    Early serial number DR-7's. My DR-7 bought in March, 1970, has the serial number 6860, so a DR-7 with the serial number 6806 should be an equally early one. Two things to look for in a very early model: a "zeroth" fret right in front of the nut and a printed label with no place set aside for model and serial numbers, so they are just ink-stamped on it whereever there's room.

    S. McBay, what is your DR-7 serial number? Numbers up to the low 10,000's are probably before 1974. Sigma serial numbers were neither consistent or continuous, though. I have a 1974 DR12-7 with a serial number 74xxxxxxxxx, eleven digits, and had a 1980 one with a 29,xxx serial number!

    Sashi4, the CB-5 is a classical guitar is made of Bubinga wood. I don't know what the AC-10 stands for, but the two CB-5's I've seen (on eBay) were also stamped AC-10, maybe a manufacturer code. They're from the early 1970's. Sigma never put the logo on the front of the headstock of the classicals.

    Price of Anniversary Model: In varying condition, I have seen them (on eBay) go for $150-$200 with dings and scratches and other detracting features and up to $300-ish if minty. I actually paid $375 for a dead mint one with the original Martin factory case they came with if you bought one from a Martin dealer, but then I'm a Sigma nut, as is plainly evident.

    An old beatup DM-5 from the 1970's is just about the best sounding guitar for the dollar you can get: solid mahogany and solid spruce face, yet they rarely bring more than $150 on eBay. Invest in a set of ebony bridge pins and a good hard saddle (brass or bone) and you'll have sound that would be hard to match at four times that cost in a new guitar.

    Guest! Re-finishing an older guitar (Japan-made DR-28H) tends to re-set the clock on any collector value it may have now or in the future unless there's really horrible damage. It's also hard to do well on a nitro high-gloss finish unless you have a lot of experience with the task. A lot of things can be buffed out of a nitro finish, though. Check with a luthier.


Sterling K. Webb

Subject: Sigma Classical
From: GUEST,shashi4g
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 04:39 AM

You can click here [e-mail] to email me any info on my Sigma Classical guitar. Any help will be greatly appreciated. THANKS.

Subject: Sigma Classical
From: GUEST,shashi4g
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 11:19 PM

Can't seem to find any information on my Sigma classical guitar. No logo on headstock. Paper label inside says CB-5 and AC-10. Imported and distributed by C.F. Martin and Co. Nazereth, Pennsylvania. USA. Paper label has the sideways M above the word Sigma. Serial # stamped on the headstock is 8512-8. Anyone with any information please email me at [e-mail] Thanks in advance and have fun picking.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Dec 04 - 02:30 PM

I got one sigma called SG-9 japanese build serienr: s 36085. It´s a lovely guitar and I wonder if someone know anything about it.
Best Wishes Staffan

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,D. Smith
Date: 30 Nov 04 - 01:41 AM

I have an early 80's sdr-35 that I am completely nuts over. From the first time I picked it up till now- My dad has the Martin counterpart and Mine is certainly no MArtin, but my gosh- it is incredible. Have recorded w/it several times and it travels well anyway- I stumbled upon this incredible site and Ive spent a good hour reading. Never ever heard of such an extensive discussion of "cheap" guitars. Thanks!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Nov 04 - 06:51 PM

I have a Sigma ACoustic DM-5 dreadnought that my mom got in college, so it is at least 30 years old. It sounds and plays great. it is a high quality guitar. very good. i would never buy another acoustic unless i needed an acou/elec.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: elmiras
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 11:17 PM

dr-7 serial no.6806 anybody know the age
thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Allison
Date: 23 Nov 04 - 01:44 PM

i started this thread and forgot about it till today.......i finally got a sigma dr 41 on e bay,got it shipped to ireland which took about 3 weeks.i was very happy with the price too,till the irish customs held it up on me   for another week till they got their whack out of it...(bastards)...anyway i am thrilled with the guitar it gets better every time i play it,and apart from a buckle mark and a few   battle scars is in great shape.this guitar came from a dealer in the denver area(golden) anyone with any idea of its past history i would love to hear from them....

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,S.McBay
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 07:27 PM

I have one of the bottom of the line Korean made Sigmas.
It is a DM-1B. A black guitar. I bought it for $75. I
needed a guitar I could travel with and not worry about
getting banged up. This guitar is built like a rock. I
have bumped it alot of times with no damage at all. I
have also realized that it is my favorite guitar to play.
I loaned it to a friend of mine who is a banjo player
so he could learn a couple of Tony Rice songs. He has
has it for two months and I truly miss the guitar. It
is an excellent guitar for the price. I have others that
I refuse to play that are more expensive that the Sigma.
Now I play my Martin while looking for another Sigma. Not
to say that the Sigma is better sounding than the Martin
but my Martin costs too much to drag with me.

just my two cents...

I would recommend this guitar to anyone. Even though mine
is Korean made, I would look for one made in Japan.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 06:11 PM

BTW, I'm saying grab it if it is one of the DR 41 made in Japan models that was mentioned by Sterling in his excellent summary of Sigma guitars above. Like I said, I lucked out with the one I bought, it seems to be one of the rare gems of the 1980-19084 models, that obviously came from one of the better manufacturers. My guitar oozes character, which is why I'm hanging onto it.

Not a pro quality guitar, as everyone else has noted. But damn near perfection for the price, action, and sound factors, especially over time. I never expected an inexpensive guitar to age as gracefully as this baby has--it's one sweet guitar.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 05:46 PM

I've got the Sigma DR 41, made in Japan, bought in 1982. I got it because after selling off a couple of Martins and Strats from my bar band/partying days when I was broke, I didn't think I was worth spending the money on for another Martin, since I was only playing for pleasure for myself, family & jamming with friends.

It's funny how my feelings have changed about this guitar over the years. When I bought it, my thoughts were "a cheap version of the Martin" even though I brought several folks into the shop to hear this guitar, and we all agreed it just seemed to good to be true for the price.

Nowadays, I realize I have a guitar every bit as good sound and action wise, as most Martins I've ever played, regardless of the model. Everybody who picks my Sigma up says that too, so I know it isn't just me trying to make myself feel better about buying the cheaper version of the Martin D41. And just like the best old Martins, mine's only gotten better with age. It is one sturdy bugger too. I finally broke down and bought a high end case for it about 10 years ago, when I decided me and this guitar would never be parting, and I needed to start treating it with the respect it deserved.

Mine has GORGEOUS sound, especially bright with a new set of strings, and especially for the sound it has for playing trad, bluegrass, walkin' blues...it's as good as anything I've ever played.

Grab that DR 41 and ignore all the "it's only a cheap Martin rip-off" talk. If you love the sound and action of it now, and it seems to be a guitar with personality and is structurally sound (you know, top matched to perfection, that sort of thing) to the point of the guitar seeming too good to be true, BUY IT! I guarantee it will age beautifully for you. You can tell some of these Sigmas are made by true artisans. If you are lucky enough to find one those, you'll only be more pleased with the brilliance of your purchase as time goes on!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,S.McBay
Date: 22 Nov 04 - 04:13 PM

S.Webb,

you mentioned something about a low serial number dr-7.
what serial numbers were in that 1st 100 guitars shipped
the the states? I am looking at a dr-7 and wondering
how early it is based on serial number.

thanks.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 09:14 AM

Another proud graduate of the Sir jOhn From Hull School of Communication Arts

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,branch
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 03:22 AM

got a dr-7 today head stoke broke off all there no trouble only thing is that it has a m inlaid side ways at the top of head stoke
and the sticker inside doesnt say made in japan
anybody know thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Jim Anderson/guest
Date: 13 Nov 04 - 01:46 PM

I have one of the Sigma Anniversary models in near perfect condition.

what would it's value be?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 10:55 AM

How much sould i pay for a dm5 in pretty bad shape. No major damage just worn. This guitar sounds amazing. Just looking around the music store and picked this one up. Never played a Sigma before. It looks terrible but sounds better than anything i have played in a long time. Poor thing . Looks like the devil sings like an ANGEL !!!!!!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 05:54 AM

Sterling,
I happen to own a mid 70's Sigma DR28H Serial #34067 with a Manufactured in Japan label still present. It's still in excellent shape albiet for a little fading and discoloration of the finish...Any ideas on how to re-finish the guitar? Would love to install a pickup as it plays & sounds great!