Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Feb 22 - 01:22 PM

Joe, can I get access please ??. Love ya, it's Jake Holliday

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,sigma newbie
Date: 11 Nov 20 - 01:10 AM

I have a sigma dm2 serial "sk 230114" made in Korea. Headstock says sigma guitars est 1970. Paper label with pink rectangle. Adjustable truss rod at headstock and fixed bridge. I've read somewhere that this is possibly early 1970s. Any info would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars 1989/90
From: GUEST,Matt
Date: 10 Nov 20 - 05:54 PM

Please could you advise on the following.
I have seen a number of Sigma SDR-28H guitars with ebony bridges and rosewood fretboards. Normally the same wood is used.
Was there a reason for this choice.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Stuart Amesbury.
Date: 03 Oct 20 - 06:14 AM

Just to put a bit more information forward regarding the Sigma DM 4 model I'd flagged up a couple of months ago ...
The guitar had originally been purchased by the seller as a brand new instrument in 1983, from a shop in Liverpool.
The DM 4 model is based on the Martin D 18.
It was made in Korea for C.F. Martin & Co. - this is branded into an NFL football shape on the internal back bracing along with its serial number and model number.
There is no paper label inside the body.
The 'propeller' inlay at the 12th fret position is alternatively referred to as 'cats eyes' - we'd wondered whether this inlay design was significant to date of manufacture or materials of construction?
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,DR28 japan made
Date: 12 Sep 20 - 10:09 PM

I purchased a sigma DR28 in the early 1980s from a guitar shop. It is in amazing condition still today and can see it definitely has a solid top. Sn 076081 made in Japan.
Does not have a paper label, oval stamped inside. The back looks to be two piece rosewood.

Can anyone tell be about this guitar? History. Is is laminate sides?
What would it be worth.
Only one owner. Loved and looked after by myself...

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: PHJim
Date: 10 Aug 20 - 12:57 AM

The Current Sigmas:
Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Stuart Amesbury.
Date: 07 Aug 20 - 07:48 AM

A pal has recently bought an old Sigma DM-4 acoustic guitar, s/no. 90090097.
There is an internal 'branding' - no paper label.
Significantly, it has what appears to be a propeller inlay marking at the 12th fret.
Allegedly, it is in excess of 20 years old?
I am trying to find out as much info about this particular guitar on his behalf - any info would be much appreciated.
My email: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: gillymor
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 02:59 PM

Here's a fellow named Chris Brennan playing Tony Rice licks on a Korean-made Sigma. Someone may have put up this link already.
I had a Sigma when I first started playing, almost 40 years ago, and I thought it was great until I played a real Martin D-28.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Mic W
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 02:02 PM

The Wikipedia article on Sigma guitars disagrees with Sterling Webb who wrote this 23 Oct 04 article, concerning the DR-7. The Wiki article says it had a laminated spruce top and laminated rosewood back and sides. I wonder which is correct?

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Byronthegrate
Date: 26 Jan 20 - 07:33 AM

In Melbourne Australia Was gifted an old Sigma Dm-5 S/n #9137 B&W label inside reads SIGMA c f Martin and co made in Japan. Headstock Sigma label with the sideways “M”Also on back of spatula headstock is a made in Japan sticker. It’s looks like she’s early 1970’s it’s had a busy life n still plays fine.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Gloria
Date: 03 Feb 19 - 05:08 PM

I have a DM12/1ST that belonged to my late husband. It is in good condition and I would like to sell it. What should I ask for it? Thanks

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Charlie
Date: 01 May 18 - 09:04 AM

I have a Sigma DR 12-7 with serial number K3040 It has the paper label very good shape.I am trying to date this guitar and get an appx.value Thanks

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,David Warner
Date: 24 Mar 18 - 06:10 PM

I have a managed to collect various Sigma's bought over the years. DR28,DM5,D10,DR35 and a DR41 best of the bunch. My very first Sigma bought in Austin for $200 in 1999 secondhand.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,nick penn
Date: 19 Mar 18 - 07:23 AM

i recently bought a 000R 28VS made in China.traditional open headstock solid top and laminate rosewood b and s, she is awesome.
certainly a guitar i would recommend for fingerstyle . lots of volume and really comfortable along the neck. intonation spot on even capoed on the 6th fret.

this one is a keeper and now one of 11 acoustic guitars

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: Stanron
Date: 18 Mar 18 - 06:19 PM

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745174712356192/?fref=nf

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Ton Nugent
Date: 18 Mar 18 - 03:36 PM

Check out this group I have created for all D 10 anniversary owners

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745174712356192/?fref=nf

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 09 Nov 17 - 11:30 AM

Just bought a unusual Sigma for $70.00. It's an early 1980's Korean made DM-3 CV. Beautiful sunburst with the Venetian cutaway.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,guest-rivcreamery
Date: 14 Sep 17 - 02:05 AM

Just bought a clean DR-11 with a clean old hardshell case for $280 including shipping, from the Bay auction. Can't wait to get it. It's a sideways M headstock; and has the old version label with both model and serial numbers hand written, over "manufactured in Japan. Seller describes it as a 1972. Any other DR-11 owners out there with info? One poster here said he bought his new, a "Sigma by Martin, since 1970" headstock he describes as costing $388 in 1979. Thanks

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Outlaw3088
Date: 25 Aug 17 - 03:06 PM

I have a MIJ-DR41,Serial #014782...I was just wondering what the odds of it being made in 1982 since the SN ends in "82". Also would like a value in these guitars in todays market, Its in great condition and comes with the original Black/Copper Martin Hardshell. Thanks

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,geordiecaller
Date: 16 Aug 17 - 08:26 PM

Recently bought a Sigma 000m from Germany for a good price and had a setup done. It's great.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,cam
Date: 16 Aug 17 - 08:02 AM

if it's any help, it's got the "football stamp" brace on the inside rather than a paper label.
(the only way i know its approximate age is because in december i got a new strap button from a local shop and the guy there told me it was late 70's early 80's)

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,cam
Date: 16 Aug 17 - 07:59 AM

hey folks
in the past year or so i got my hands on a seemingly late 70's sigma dr-28-sb. it's really nice, plays very well. it's the darker sunburst model, and i haven't seen many of those on the internet. could you guys maybe help me place the year, background, et cetera?
thanks
cam

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Louis
Date: 11 Aug 17 - 10:29 PM

Just picked up a Sigma TB-1B in really nice shape. Lowered the action and now it plays well. Can't find much on the net about this model. Anyone out there have info on this model? Is it patterned after a Martin?

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Corey
Date: 25 Jun 17 - 01:57 PM

I just bought a Sigma DM12-4 with the serial # 88082411.

Does anyone have any idea what it's worth? I paid about $170 USD for it, with a hardshell plush lined case. It sounds pretty decent, with no apparent structural issues and no buzzing in the strings.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,elbrt1
Date: 21 May 17 - 01:44 AM

Bought a Sigma dm-3y at garage sale 7 years ago along with lower end fender acoustic. purchased both for 150.00 . Fender I gave to grandson to learn on. Sigma was restringed and "adjusted" . Will never part with it . Sounds crisp and clear compared to all other "Garage" sale purchases.

Subject: RE: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Roy Canada 🇨🇦
Date: 16 May 17 - 09:27 PM

I have a Sigma Guitar DR-14. I have read that it is very rare and a DR-14 is on display in a museum in Munich, Germany. Can anyone help me find a link to see a picture of it?

Subject: Nmi Guitars
From: GUEST,Jaybyrd
Date: 27 Dec 16 - 07:59 PM

Anybody want to discuss NMI guitars? I have 3 and nobody ever mentions them!

Subject: RE: Tech: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Some bloke
Date: 16 Nov 16 - 08:59 AM

Martin used to own them. When they sold them to a German outfit, they sold the rights to existing designs.

Sigma have improved the quality since moving production to the Chinese manufacturer the German owners use. Nowadays, all guitars from anywhere over £100 can be made to be ok. I've often considered adding a Sigma mahogany twelve fret parlour to the collection.

In terms of Martin copying, I have a Recording King, same solid woods and similar build quality (a bonus) to a D18. Stunningly good, embarrassingly outperforms some of my £2k+ guitars yet cost £390 new, and what's more, from Amazon.

The label appeal of large American outfits such as Martin and Gibson will always be there and smaller manufacturers here in The UK or increasingly Canada will always get the nod of approval when you take them out of the box.

But for concert bashing around, the likes of Sigma are becoming fairly widespread.

Subject: RE: Tech: Sigma Guitars
From: mkebenn
Date: 16 Nov 16 - 07:57 AM

I believe Trewster is right, they were licensed by Martin. Not a bad product for what they are. Mike

Subject: RE: Tech: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,rewster
Date: 16 Nov 16 - 07:51 AM

Weren't they originally Martin's answer to cheap far eastern copies?

Subject: Tech: Sigma Guitars
From: GUEST,Mandoman
Date: 16 Nov 16 - 07:45 AM

Can anybody tell me how Sigma Guitars are allowed to copy so exactly most Martin Models when on the face of it they have no connection with Martin.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Motorcity
Date: 26 Oct 16 - 05:13 PM

Add me to the list of Sigma owners who's not completely (or even close to completely!) sure what he has.

For starters, it's got the "Sigma Guitars, Est. 1970" headstock. What it DOESN'T have is Sigma label inside...though it DID have the "Picador" label that you hear about on guitars that weren't of first quality.

To that end, there's a lone number---2----on the inside where the Sigma label might have been; I had to peel off the "Picador" label to find that (was hoping for a little more than a single digit). The "2" almost looks hand-written, but I imagine it was done by stencil.

I've heard and read that "second quality" Martin-related guitars were often blemished or victimized by poor glue jobs. The latter is certainly true in my case; there's a nasty splash of glue below the sound hole which is not what you'd expect from any Martin product. It's led me to believe this was, indeed, a second-quality box.

Anyone got an intelligent guess on this? The previous owner thought it was a D-18 (based on shape and size) but I'm not quite convinced. If you know a Martin or Sigma expert with knowledge, I'm all ears.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Sep 16 - 02:37 PM

I have a Sigma by cf martin dm1 n.
It has a label inside with made in Korea.
Can anyone assist in pricing this guitar.
Any other information is welcome cos I can't seem to find any information on this guitar.
Thanks
Ravi

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Sep 16 - 02:25 PM

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Sep 16 - 01:59 PM

Ravi

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,wadehaskell
Date: 06 Apr 16 - 08:21 PM

I bought a korean made GC-1st in the early 90's and can find almost no information about it. It seems to be relatively rare. Most korean gc's appear to have laminate tops and the lower numbers are the lower quality but it appears that only the gc-1st (solid top) was made (not a gc-[2 through 8] st. Any help or information would be appreciated. Thanks, Wade

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Musket
Date: 02 Mar 16 - 04:45 AM

I reckon they have come on well since Martin ditched them and the German company who know owns them have improved them.

I rather like their solid mahogany topped range, especially the 00 size. The 12 fret slot head is rather close to the Martin in sound when new, and set up correctly, is as rewarding to play.

I reckon it's headstock snobbery. If they had a unique headstock design to remove the poor man Martin image, I reckon they could stand on their own merit more. The £2-500 market is cramped and lot of good guitars in it, but when asked, I always advise people to give them a try. The more expensive end of the D28 copies, especially the D42 copies are too expensive for what they are and you can get a Recording King with similar spec and solid rosewood back and sides for around the same money and quality. The torch headstock being less of a "wannabe."

But I like them. I just see a difference between the newer ones and the ones Martin had made. The German owned ones are all made in China by the way.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Sterling Webb
Date: 01 Mar 16 - 07:53 PM

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,P R Brown
Date: 21 Oct 15 - 02:48 PM

Where would my DM 3Y stand in the quality spectrum?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Mark Wheatley
Date: 13 Aug 15 - 03:20 AM

I recently purchased a Sigma DM-4 which was stamped on the brace as apposed to the paper label saying it was made in Korea. From what I've read its a very early model made in Korea. Sounds good and in great condition as the previous owner bought it and never took up the guitar.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bryan watson the dr-41 are a great guitar as
Date: 15 Jul 15 - 08:28 PM

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,bbrown
Date: 05 Jul 15 - 01:06 PM

I have a Sigma electric, can you tell me about it? I bought it used in about 1977-1979. Thanks [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Apr 15 - 06:30 AM

Mine is a Sigma DM12 - 4 bought second hand in 1997. The paper label is still on the inside but it only states:

Sigma
Prepared and Inspected by
C F Martin & Co
Made in Korea

The only serial Number I can see is either 120499 or 420499

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,James D Crofton Ky
Date: 14 Apr 15 - 04:32 AM

I have a sigma dm-35 solid top back and sides. The headstock has custom on it no sigma emblem. It was made in Korea has a paper label inside the sound hole. I have never found any info on a custom sigma however I have one. The grain on the inside back and sides match the outside and the top is one piece viewin from the edge of the sound hole. I bought it used back in the mid 2005 to 2006. It is in almost mint condition but the tuning machines have been upgraded I believe. I bought it from and old man who owned a small music shop and at the time I was going to buy a blue ridge but he said this was a better guitar and I paid close to 200.00 for it used. Never seen or heard of another custom sigma. If anyone has info please share. It is a very good sounding guitar with great projection. Spruce top mahogany sides and back. A definite good find and a real keeper. Thanks
James D.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Martha Kerr
Date: 17 Nov 14 - 10:41 AM

For Sale: Sigma 18A made in Korea 1990's.Excellent condition. barely touched. New Jersey. $300 plus shipping.
Reply to: [e-mail]
Photo upon request.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Aug 14 - 11:33 AM

Sorry, live link here; https://www.facebook.com/Sigmaguitarfanpage

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 26 Aug 14 - 11:30 AM

There is a facebook page run by a Sigma lover who's writing a book on their history. It's the best place to find info on them and queries are welcome. https://www.facebook.com/Sigmaguitarfanpage

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Psycedelic
Date: 25 Aug 14 - 05:29 PM

This link should work

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ysjgA4PNRjKZA2_vqB_3LpcpdgGec2xxSpbfzan74Pg?feat=directlink

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Psycedelic
Date: 25 Aug 14 - 03:54 PM

Crap, pics are not available, going to try later on , sorry

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Psycedelic
Date: 25 Aug 14 - 03:46 PM

Hi , I bought a Sigma DR 14 in `79 or `80 , you can find a little note on Wikipedia.
And here are some pics and a link to my sound cloud recording /Users/Micha/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Modified/2014/01.05_3.2014/photo 4-1.jpg
https://soundcloud.com/psycedelic/4-20-interpretation-on-sigma
hopefully useful