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: 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 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,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,Lonhoiden Date: 26 Feb 07 - 06:30 PM I got two Sigmas, one DM-5 Japan made, wich is a very nice guitar, and a DR-2wich I find a mighty fine instrument. This has the Pearl inlay logo on the headstock and a paper etiquette inside with Sigma made for Martin etc. and the serial number. I can't find any info on place of production on this one anyone who can help. |
Subject: Info on Martin Sigma electric guitars? From: GUEST,PAF Man Date: 01 Mar 07 - 12:18 PM I have a Martin Sigma SBF2-6 Tele copy. I have done all the Web research I can, and I know that they were made in 1973-4 -- the only year Martin made this generation of electrics. They were Tokai guitars, actually, and are supposed to be wonderful instruments. Mine's a not-quite-as-pristine version of this one, that sold on eBay recently. I'm wondering if anyone else is a collector/maven of Martin Sigma electrics? http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-TELE-C-F-MARTIN-ELECTRIC-GUITAR-MADE-BY-TOKAI_W0QQitemZ140080509384QQihZ004QQcategoryZ119094QQcmdZViewItem |
Subject: RE: sigma guitar, SG-7 From: owain Date: 05 Mar 07 - 04:51 PM Hi, i'm looking at a sigma SG-7, i belive it to be a gibson copy from the late 70's / early 80's. I've only found a result on goole for a SG-5 on this site, the others were funnily enough in sweden. What i would like to ask is are they any good in the scheme of things, what would their value be and any history to boot would be awesome. Cheers, Owain. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Michele Date: 06 Mar 07 - 10:45 AM Hallo from Barcelona, Spain. all the people have tried my end 80' SigmaGuitars DM2 (or 3, it is not well stamped)n° 232209, made in Korea n° 2, most of them much better player than me, recognized the good sound and quality of this guitar. Recently I started again to play this guitar whith new set of good quality thin cords: it's a fantastic guitar in sounds and aspects. Very proud of the circa 150$ I spent in Italy (my country) at that time, a big effort for a 18 years old guy loking for his first acoustic guitar: so, doubly proud and happy to have found this forum of SigmaGuitars estimators. Thank to all writers for the precious information I have found here. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Nettleton at hartford.edu Date: 06 Mar 07 - 04:27 PM Hey Sterling, I'm looking to get a sigma guitar, and I stumbled across a sigma martin SDR-28S I was just wondering if you or anyone could let me know what it may sound like? |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Dano Date: 08 Mar 07 - 01:04 PM I have 1 Dr-7 with the paper label and the inverted m on the headstock..all the above info is very helpful..looks like I have a good one..just wondering if anyone could decifer the serial number for the rest of the picture..# 75100202 |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,jerryallen 312 Date: 08 Mar 07 - 10:20 PM hey neil i got the dr-7 back from the luthier today, plays like a dream sounds good for the money.[ but] not nearly as good as my 52 d-18. however it plays eaiser than the martin and all in all im a happy guy, thanks for the come back on the last message, made me feel a lot better about my purchase of the dr-7 ,again thank you. jerry |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: fret nut Date: 10 Mar 07 - 01:07 PM Jerry Glad you are happy. I knew you would be. By the way ,what type and guage strings did your luthier suggest? |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,jerryallen312 Date: 13 Mar 07 - 09:04 PM light guage martins, eaiser on the fingers and guitar. thanks jerry |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Dave Talbott - Richmond, VA USA Date: 27 Mar 07 - 02:55 AM Sterling Webb - Your Articles have been golden to me. I have purchased 6 of your most recommended guitars so far - and am seriously interested in more information. I remember that you were acquiring a number of older catalogues, books, etc. on Sigmas - and am interested in a more direct contact with you. Please write me if you're willing - at: lighthors@yahoo.com Thanks! Dave |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars - STERLING WEBB contact needed From: GUEST,Dave Talbott - Richmond, VA USA Date: 27 Mar 07 - 02:58 AM Sterling Webb - Your Articles have been golden to me. I have purchased 6 of your most recommended guitars so far - and am seriously interested in more information. I remember that you were acquiring a number of older catalogues, books, etc. on Sigmas - and am interested in a more direct contact with you. Please write me if you're willing - at: lighthors@yahoo.com Thanks! Dave |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,elif Date: 27 Mar 07 - 02:41 PM hi from İstanbul, TURKEY, i've got a sigmaguitar,1970, martin and co.made in Korea.electroacoustic.serienumber isn't written. i cannot find knowledge about it.if you know something, write me. thanks ELİF |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Jimj Nugent Maple Glen, PA Date: 28 Mar 07 - 12:16 PM I have a Sigma DR28H, ser. 42508, made in Japan. I purchased the guitar in the early '80s. Anybody out there know the value of this beautiful piece. I haven't touched it in at least 20 years. It's in excellent shape. Thanks in advance for any help. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Josh Date: 09 Apr 07 - 10:31 AM I have a Martin Sigma with the Sideways "M" on the headstock. It does not, however, have the block gold foil SIGMA... just the inlaid M. I can't seem to find a picture that is similar on Google. Any ideas? I will check the serial and make when I get home, but if this headstock design sounds familiar, I would love any info anyone might have. Thanks, j |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Alex Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:18 AM I have a Sigma model 52SDR-7 that was bought new by my father and given to me. According to the brief history early on in this thread, these models were made in small numbers from 79-81, and were made entirely out of "strange" laminates. I'm somewhat confused however. As far as I can tell, the guitar is made out of all solid woods. It has the first generation logo on the headstock and a paper label. The serial number is only five digits (127070, all of the numbers I've seen posted here (I confess I didn't read them all) were six. Anyone know what the story might be here? The guitar sounds great and is still in near perfect condition after 30 years of 12 gauge string tension. The only evidence of wear is a slightly worn fretboard and a slight bulging of the top behind the bridge (which I'm having looked at tomorrow). In the last few months (most likely from my recent move from humid Miami to arid Blacksburg, VA) some string buzz has developed when fretting high on the neck. I bought a humidifier, this guitar is too good to take chances. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Alex Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:27 AM I just found out something else. This model is not listed on either the Sigma web site or in the Orion Blue Book. The closest they get is DR-7 and DR-7S. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Alex Date: 10 Apr 07 - 02:56 AM I just realized that I never completed a thought from my original post.even though this model was supposedly only produced from 79-81, my dad was born in 1959 and bought it age 15 or 16. That would put the date of purchase in 1974-75. Obviously that doesn't match up, and beyond that, most guitars sit in a store or warehouse for a while before they're sold. (There's a Takamine I've had my eye on for years that has never left the guitar center in the kendal region of Mimai.) |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,DR7 Date: 12 Apr 07 - 06:40 PM Hi, I have a jap DR7, sigma and side-M on head, serial 73081672 - traded it around 12 years ago for a bass guitar i had at the time. Has been (professionally) fitted with a mic amp inside (does this detract from value?), few little dents as would be expected with its age - any ideas on approx value? (have been looking on Ebay etc but not seen any) thanks |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: Buzzy Date: 13 Apr 07 - 11:43 AM Hi all! It's nice to get some information on the old Sigmas. I own a Sigma model DR-7S,... with serial nummer 23214. She's been with me through many of the midnight bonfires and those quiet evenings (21 years). I've written a few songs on it and like an old wine she gets better with age. My best song (in my estimation) is a classical piece written in Em in which my lovely wife walked down the isle to. I was in a classic rock band in the late 90's in which I was the Drummer (my first love), but we would and still do, get together for the midnight bonfires. One of my guitar players loved the sound of my Sigma so much he went out and bought himself a Martin D-21. Although delighted with his investment he still admires my Sigma. To all those that believe Sigma is a cheap rip off of the famed Martin; when you find a guitar that suits you, just play it and enjoy. Brandnames don't make music, people do. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Bill Date: 16 Apr 07 - 07:14 AM I wish to thank all of you on this forum, particularly Mr. Webb. I just purchased a DR-35 Japan model for $285 on ebay. The sound on this guitar is amazing. It has the spruce top, SOLID Rosewood sides and 3 piece SOLID Rosewood back. I looked at and played new Taylors, Crafter, Fender, Blueridge, and Seagulls. I really do not believe that anything I tried matched this guitar for sound or feel. This guitar has its share of "character marks", but sound and playability are all that matter to me. I don't believe I have EVER heard a guitar sound this rich!!! Thanks again to all of you. Without your convincing testimonies, I probably would not have bought a Sigma. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: fret nut Date: 17 Apr 07 - 10:40 PM Hey bill I was looking at that guitar, you got a great deal on a solid instument. I was going to jump in but I own too many guitars at this time. My wife would leave me if I bought another.....mmmmmmmmmm?????????? Enjoy it Neil |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Bill Date: 18 Apr 07 - 05:20 AM I sure am glad you let me have it!!! I really enjoy playing and hearing this quality instrument!!! Thanks Neil!! |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,mike c Date: 19 Apr 07 - 03:57 PM For Mr.Stirling (sigma expert) I have just purchased a pre-owned sigma 00018m serial no. 91100904 any specs. or info welcomed. Thanks mike c (UK) |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,mike c Date: 22 Apr 07 - 02:37 PM Can anyone help with info.& specs.for Sigma Martin ooo18. Thanks mike c (UK) |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,danserinden Date: 27 Apr 07 - 01:11 PM I just got hold of a DR 14, which I can see only one guest has referred to earlier. It has the three solid rosewood pieces at the back and inside two wooden coverings instead of one in the middle. Top seems to be laminated My theory is that those numberes DR 14 was meant for import to Scandinavia and the markets of Sweden Denmark and Finland, as this instrument also is imported and garanteed by Levin of Gothenburg, Sweden, and in other countries the model was called DR 41. I also have a black SG 9, imported by Levin too, with some kind of saddle pickup in brass, and plug in at the bottom. Both have a fantastic sound. Any information on the SG 9 ? Thanks soeren |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Robbi Date: 28 Apr 07 - 03:41 AM Hi, Im trying to read and find out about my favorite guitar of all times. It is a Sigma DM5 S, numbers on the inside (stamped on the wood) S 35618, 011402. I bought it new sometimes in 1980? I always thought it was a cheap peace of crap, but had it at home as a practice guitar. Every "good" guitar I bought lost in comparison with my Sigma. So for years i've tried to found a expensive guitar that match my Sigma. The thing with this guitar is that it just sounds and plays so well. Im a professional player (from Sweden) and have a lot more expensive guitars, including Martins and Takamines. When it comes down to nail the perfect sound in the studio, my Sigma always nails it. Please could someone give me some information about my guitar. There's is one for sale on Ebay and im consedering bying it. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Robbi Date: 29 Apr 07 - 12:40 PM I just aread all the threads on this side and I've never seen such great information about Sigma guitars as from Mr. Sterling Webb. I do understand that Sterling doesnt have the time to answer all questions and I fully respect that. But I have one word for you Sterling, please set up a website about Vintage Sigmas and let the world know! It would be great to have all this information in one place. You could even make some money on it. Regads Robbi from Sweden |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Michael Babb Date: 11 May 07 - 10:17 PM I have a DRISTCE sigma cut-a-way, serial #99010092. Its like brand new.Just wondering what it might be worth these days. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,J Oswald Date: 12 May 07 - 02:23 PM I have a Sigma DM-18 that I purchased new in the early 80's stamped made in Japan with the inlaid headstock I have played the heck out of this guitar and the first 7 frets all have groves. I guess it's time to find a good luthier and refret and install bone nut/saddle If anybody finds a website with info on these please post the link Cheers |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,J Oswald Date: 12 May 07 - 02:27 PM I forgot to mention in my first post. I'm pretty sure the sigma guitars made in Japan were constructed at the Tokai gakki plant |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Love Doc Date: 13 May 07 - 01:32 AM The following excerpt was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%C5%8Dkai_Gakki In 1972 Tokai went into a joint venture with C.F._Martin_&_Company to supply Acoustic guitar parts and also build Martin's solid body Sigma guitars. In 1973 Tokai started making the "Cat's Eyes" Martin Acoustic replicas. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,sandra Date: 17 May 07 - 11:15 AM I have a sigma guitar of martin & CO. Made in Japan DR-12-28. Two set of numbers on inside F839265 and 037035 with a k below it. If anyone knows anything or interested please email me at burciul60@msn.com I've owned it for about 5 years and got it used. Thanks to any info. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,jjwoods Date: 19 May 07 - 01:35 PM ??? I've read many of the post here about serial numbers and manufactoring dates. Mine is a 12 string DR-12-7 SERIAL #24233. In reading bout the serial numbers the 24 would be the number of guitars that month, the 2 would be febuary, and the 33 would be the year. this guitar wasnt built in 1933. But it may have come from the future:) I just picked it up at a garage sale 35.00 Any guesses on value. Great shape |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,kathy Date: 21 May 07 - 04:00 PM I have my husbands guitar and I'm looking for more info to set it aside for my 8yr old son it is SEMC-28 S# 019 manufactured in Japan sideway M Sigma of Martin & Company on paper in side at the top where the keys are it has in gold/brass lettering sigma guitars est.1970 I looked on the net and found very little I read through most of the post and didn't see anything close so if anyone has any info please contact me at gilkaryyo@yahoo.com Thank you Kathy |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Magnus H Date: 31 May 07 - 12:38 PM Soeren or "danserinden", I assume You are danish and bought Your Sigmas in Denmark, which might explain why Your instruments are marked "imported and guaranteed by Levin". Levin was after they were bought by Martin, the distributor of Sigmas in Scandinavia, and possibly also in the rest of Europe. At the takeover, Levin had already started their own import of japanese guitars, sold under the brandname "Nippon Best". They were laminated wood in top and bottom, presumably of fairly good quality, Levin would never have put their logo on them otherwise. In the 1975 Levin catalog, these guitars were still in the Levin catalogs, but I do beleive these guitars were later sold under the Sigma name, and that You have one of these. In the 1975 catalog there is a Nippon SG-2, and I am shure I have seen a Sigma SG-9 on internet with the same shape of the headstock, quite differrent from the typical Sigma/Martin shape. The SG-9 i saw, if I remember correctly, was black, with double pickguards and a bit decorated. link to 1975 Levin catalog: http://goyaguitars.tripod.com/levin75_8.htm |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,ahnotme Date: 04 Jun 07 - 11:21 PM Hi, I have a Sigma 52sgcs-4. It was made in 1973. It is still in excellent condition. The sound has improved over the years. I always thought this was a Great guitar. I have not been able to find much info on the net about this model. I have noticed that this guitar does not have the adjustment rod in the neck, so I have been very careful to control the humidity level that I keep it in. Supposedly the best level is in the low 40%. My understanding is that Sigma is an off shoot of Martin. Backed up by the fact that Martin puts their name on it too. They are made in Japan (to the best of my knowledge). I'm no expert but this guitar has served me well over the years. I recently bought another Sigma. A "DM1stce" it came with a very nice "Martin hard case". Got it at "8thstreet.com" for $380.00 American-delivered. This one is an electric acoustic with the cut away body style. A couple of my buddies have let me do a closed eye comparison to their guitars (one a Martin DCX1e and the other was an Ibanez AEF37E) both electric acoustics. I could not tell the difference between the Martin and my Sigma. The Ibanez (and I was really surprised by this) I could pick out every time simply because the tone was more muffled than the other two. As I said I am by no means an expert. But for the money Sigma is a good low to middle price range guitar. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,soeren Date: 09 Jun 07 - 08:33 AM Hello Magnus! Guess youre from Sweden! Absolutely true- my Sg 9 is black, double pickguard. They have a photo of it at vintage guitars.se under gallery of sold instruments. It is a beauty and have a very nice sound. Headstock a bit like Gibson open book. I got caught up in these wonderful guitars ans bought three Sigmas on Ebay. com. Dr 7 with sigma logo, dm5 and dm 4, the last solid wood. If you are swedish and plan to do the same, beware of customs expenses and and the way some americans spell Japan, namely k-o-r-e-a, as two of the guitars, dm5 and dm4, allthough very nice and good guitars were not japanese. Thanks alot for your link. Soeren |
Subject: Martin sigma dr41 From: GUEST,simon bar sinister Date: 11 Jun 07 - 09:53 AM I bought a sigma dr41 awhile back and cant find any info about this model.It has the usual 41 top with abalone but the back is a 3 piece like the d35.I know the newer ones has the 2 piece back but can someone tell me something about this as to how old or value?Thanks for any help. |
Subject: RE: Martin sigma dr41 From: Peace Date: 11 Jun 07 - 04:20 PM Ballpark is $600 US with case. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,smetro Date: 12 Jun 07 - 08:41 PM I have a marquee style dreadnaught Sigma...model # DT-4C..serial# is 386866. It seems all for the world that it is a solid wood instrument. Does anyone have any info on this model??..the internet and Sigma sight don't say much about it. I did put a bone nut and saddle on it..and a Martin Gold pickup. Plays well..sounds much better unplugged..but sounds great either way. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,Lon Date: 12 Jun 07 - 10:30 PM Have two old sigma guitars, SE-36 C Thin body / rounded back cutaways( not venetian) both had a martin thin line saddle pick-up in them from birth and were made with 3 of each other according to the S#'s. They both are made in Japan and have the sideway M stamped before the S# and are brown sunburst. We own martins, taylors and these and I have to say I have never played an acoustic thin body rounded back guitar that played so well and was amazingly loud when not plugged in. I have played them for years now and play up to a 12th fret bar chord and they are true. I bought the first one in 1985 and another two years ago. My son and wife were in a music store and my son saw it and made my wife buy it. 200.00 dollars. I believe the first one was 530.00 with a "martin" like hardshell travel case. (big lunky ones) Got to love those sons don't ya'. Anyway, don't know anything about either of them and thought I would try and find a little about them. Bought both because of the way they played and knew Martin Co. was stamped on them. These models also had the closed tuners that were Martin also I believe. Anybody familiar with this model please respond. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars 12 string From: mrneil2 Date: 13 Jun 07 - 02:45 PM Anyone have any experience or opinions about Sigma 12 strings? I'm looking to purchase a 12 string. I have been very satisfied with sigma's in the past. I own a CGS-4 (my fav) and a CGS-1 (o.k.) Can anyone suggest some model numbers and how much I should expect to pay? |
Subject: Sigma 12 string guitar From: GUEST Date: 16 Jun 07 - 08:51 PM Anyone have any experience or opinions about Sigma 12 strings? I'm looking to purchase a 12 string. I have been very satisfied with sigma's in the past. I own a GCS-4 (my fav) and a GCS-1 (o.k.) Can anyone suggest some model numbers and how much I should expect to pay |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: winterport Date: 22 Jun 07 - 06:36 PM I've joined the Sigma Owners Group. An SDR-28 was for sale from the original owner, who bought it in about 1995 and never learned to play. It sounds very good, nice tones, lots of sustain, and bass is not too boomy. This one really sings when tapped, just like my hammer dulcimer. Headstock has Sigma Guitars EST. 1970 (underlined) in MOP. Pearlish fret dots. Paper label inside says Sigma - Prepared and Inspected by C.F Martin - Made in Korea. Serial 90041052. Solid spruce top, rosewood sides and back may be solid. Glue job is neat and interior construction looks fine. Fingerboard is a very dark wood with slight reddish and black tones. Chrome tuners with no markings. Finish looks good, not overly thick. I'm happy with it. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,KLouque Date: 23 Jun 07 - 11:07 PM Lost in Sigma. I have one of the best souding guitars I've ever played but not sure what it is. There is a sticker on the headboard that says Sigma Guitars, Est.1970. Inside has a sticker that says PICADOR, made in Korea. Inside against the neck has a serial #324007. It has no model number and anything else on it anywhere. It looks identical (almost) to my Martin HD28. It plays as well with not as much tone. I've seen a few others in this forum made in Korea, but not with PICADOR mentioned. It is a six string. Thanks Guys, Great info! Kent, Baton Rouge La. |
Subject: RE: sigma guitars From: GUEST,New member of the Sigma Owners club Date: 27 Jun 07 - 05:04 PM What an abundance of info! I have 7 accoustic guitars, a couple of mandolins and 6 string banjo...but the best is my Sigma DR-28H. Got it from a Car boot sale in Norwich fo £20.... Super sound and beats the others into the ground...Keep the comments comming. Best info site for Sigma on the Web. I 'll look for a link for Vantage (not vintage) guitars now Allan from norwich |
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