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Sigma Guitars

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GUEST 10 Oct 10 - 04:33 PM
GUEST,bigrickpa 11 Oct 10 - 07:45 AM
GUEST 13 Oct 10 - 08:03 PM
GUEST,uga_bob 14 Oct 10 - 04:59 PM
GUEST,Skibu 26 Oct 10 - 10:11 PM
GUEST,Mello 16 Nov 10 - 07:18 AM
GUEST,peter ehrlich 12 Dec 10 - 12:01 AM
GUEST,ken l 13 Dec 10 - 01:20 PM
GUEST,Andrew in Austin 14 Dec 10 - 12:26 PM
GUEST,gabosifat 24 Dec 10 - 11:07 AM
GUEST,Scott 24 Dec 10 - 11:25 AM
GUEST,susieb721 25 Dec 10 - 11:16 PM
GUEST 09 Jan 11 - 12:36 AM
GUEST,My Korean Sigma I bought in 1986 is loud too 17 Jan 11 - 11:14 PM
GUEST,Stevio 24 Jan 11 - 07:52 PM
GUEST,Stevio 26 Jan 11 - 04:55 PM
GUEST,David 27 Jan 11 - 11:37 PM
GUEST 14 Feb 11 - 05:04 PM
GUEST,Dana 17 Feb 11 - 06:33 PM
GUEST 18 Feb 11 - 04:12 PM
GUEST,jim K. 20 Feb 11 - 04:40 PM
GUEST,Mike G 20 Feb 11 - 10:27 PM
GUEST,mick, england 23 Feb 11 - 04:38 AM
GUEST,GUEST, Terry D 23 Feb 11 - 05:05 PM
GUEST,Jamaxe 03 Mar 11 - 03:18 AM
GUEST,picker 04 Mar 11 - 10:13 AM
GUEST,Terry D 16 Mar 11 - 10:01 PM
GUEST,GraZe UK 28 Mar 11 - 11:08 AM
GUEST,connieg 10 Apr 11 - 05:34 PM
GUEST,GUEST, Brian 28 Apr 11 - 02:54 PM
GUEST,B-Rad 06 May 11 - 04:25 PM
GUEST,B-Rad 06 May 11 - 04:54 PM
GUEST,Guest Redpick 07 May 11 - 09:54 AM
GUEST,Tele68 01 Jun 11 - 03:38 PM
GUEST,Michael 03 Jul 11 - 06:20 PM
GUEST,debbie 19 Jul 11 - 02:59 PM
GUEST 28 Jul 11 - 08:04 AM
GUEST,Don Wise 28 Jul 11 - 11:03 AM
GUEST,Oddball Sigma 07 Aug 11 - 01:14 AM
GUEST 08 Sep 11 - 02:01 PM
GUEST,Oddball Sigma 26 Sep 11 - 09:14 AM
GUEST,jdp55 10 Oct 11 - 08:42 PM
GUEST,Lazy Fingers 15 Nov 11 - 12:00 AM
GUEST,Ken 16 Nov 11 - 10:08 AM
GUEST 21 Nov 11 - 05:36 AM
GUEST,Johnny Mac 24 Nov 11 - 09:13 PM
GUEST,Geno Geno 04 Dec 11 - 12:15 PM
GUEST,SIGMA resurection? 23 Dec 11 - 12:28 PM
GUEST 14 Jan 12 - 09:35 PM
GUEST 14 Jan 12 - 11:04 PM
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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 10 - 04:33 PM

QUOTE:

From: GUEST,bigrickpa
Date: 06 Oct 10 - 10:59 AM

guest, i don't know what the 4 digit # is, mine has a 5 digit burned into the brace. my serial # is printed on the heel block, kinda hard to read.
i did some checking on the martin website. the only thing i found was in dating your guitar. it said that sigma's with serial #'s 900,001 to 902,908 were made in '81-'82.
i don't have a paper label,mine has "made in japan for cf martin" burned into the brace under the sound hole, with the 5 digit in the brace towards the heel block.
i bought mine in the summer of '87 new at a local music store and my serial # starts with 912. if these are numbered like martins sequentially and were made in japan and korea, maybe the 4digit is the factory #.
i dunno, just a guess.   :END QUOTE

i wanted to reply to this particular post so i reprinted it. the 4 digit # 3993 is shown on the paper label as the serial #. the 227 is stamped on a brace near and under the sound hole.

i took it to a technician friday morning and he thinks its a solid wood. regardless, he says, i got a bargain! so i'm tickled. we're "boning" up the saddle and nut. i have a set of tusque pins and bone pins, i'll see which sounds best.   i've been told the tusque provide a bit more sustain than bone.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,bigrickpa
Date: 11 Oct 10 - 07:45 AM

that seems to be the problem with identifying these guitars. martin didn't keep good records and with the different plants and countries involved, it gets confusing. there's a man, sterling webb, at the beginning of this thread that seems to have the most complete knowledge of this brand. wish he would post some more.
i did a bone saddle only. that really opened up the sound. went from being tinny to nice full lows and highs. this is my travel guitar so its been exposed to the elements many times and always took it well.
don't think the hd-28 could take the same abuse. we'll see after a few years of ageing.
yep, you got a deal. i've not seen many, but the ones i've have been solid. let us know how yours turns out.


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Subject: my DM-5s
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 08:03 PM

looks like its a solid wood instrument as best we can tell. boning it out has made a significant improvement in the sound.

i love to play this little feller...


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,uga_bob
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 04:59 PM

Any idea when the Sigma model CS3 was mad ? I just bought on on ebay for $100.. did I pay to much or get a good deal ?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Skibu
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 10:11 PM

I have a D-10 Anniverary Model for sale $650.00! contact me at skibu20032003@yahoo.com


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Mello
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 07:18 AM

hello i have to make a decision to buy me un old sigma 12 string guitar...but the neck is as problem...but there is another screw inside ..doest it have a roll somehow to calibrate the strings in the neck ?
thanks so much.
Amateur


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,peter ehrlich
Date: 12 Dec 10 - 12:01 AM

Here in the US, Sigmas are pretty available used. I got my first and current 52SDR-7 rosewood git new in the latter 70's, and it has aged beautifully. Its action and neck yield no ground to any Martin I have plunked on (not to say I wouldn't want one), and after setting it up with Grover tuners and bone nut and saddle, I'm set to keep it as my go-to guitar. I've recently acquired a Sigma DM-2 in mahogany (build nation not stated on soundhole label or otherwise marked), which needed truss-rod adjustment, re-hydration, a bit of fret tweaking, and nut replacement, and it now has great attributes, though mid and upper fret action a bit higher than on the DR-7. I got crazed and worked the soundhole to Martin's D-28 Clarence White edition specs (plus pickguard mod) and it really cranks out volume! Next guitar? Don't know, but I am mighty impressed with the 1970's vintage K. Suzuki guitars out of Nagoya, Japan.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,ken l
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 01:20 PM

Hi i also have a sigma est 1970 dm3cv ive had it for 25 years it was made in korea, it also has grover tuning ,it has a cut away up the neck. i do not know what it is worth eather    KEN.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Andrew in Austin
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 12:26 PM

I guess in 1980 I got tired of my '59? Les Paul Jr 3/4 (wish I still had it tho) and Ray traded me straight up for a Sigma which was my acoustic ever since. Recently it started buzzing from too many hard knocks, needed frets, had deep gouges in the fret board, etc so I started considering purchasing a new guitar, but I couldn't justify sending over $1000. Thing is, even though I knew Sigmas don't necessarily rate high, I always liked the tone, the neck, and overall playability. So when I started trying to figure out what I had, it turned out to be the D10 Anniversary, and only ONE OUT OF 100! Long story shorter, I just spent $500 having it refretted, the end block refastened, and some amazing refill on the fretboard. I couldn't be happier. Cosmetically, it may never be worth what I put into it, but that's not the point. So thanks to this and other forums for validating what I always suspected - I have a really nice instrument.
Cheers ya'll


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,gabosifat
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 11:07 AM

Just picked up a dr 28, which looks nearly new except for the nice colour and patina. Put new strings on it and wow, I'm amazed at the sound. Now I always thought that all Sigma's were laminate back and sides, but if I look very carefully and follow the grain pattern inside to out all around the sides and back, it matches the outside. This would make me think solid, but I was under the understanding they were laminate. Does anyone know if they grain matched the inside and outside of their laminates?

Thanks,
Steve


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Scott
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 11:25 AM

I have a Sigma-Martin that I purchased in Calgary in 1978. On the head stock it says "MARTIN CANADA EST. 1970" but inside it says made in Nazareth PA USA. It is a "DR 28N" Serial no. is 901451. I would appreciate any info anyone could give me about the guitar. I plays very nice and has great sound.

Thank you
Scott McIntosh


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,susieb721
Date: 25 Dec 10 - 11:16 PM

I have a Sigma DM 12-3 Korea. My dad bought it, I believe in 1980, serial number is SK97(?)21 The ? may be either a spacer or a Zero? I'm not sure. Dad paid $179 for the guitar, case, strap, pics, and capo. The only alteration to the guitar is a DeArmond pick-up and 1/4" jack/cord port. I know it needs some neck adjustment but other than that and one minor scratch on the back from a belt buckle, it's in excellent visual condition. Can anyone give me any idea what it is worth? I have no idea? $50? 500? Anybody?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 12:36 AM

Hi all! I thought it would be neat to try and track down the remaining Anniversary D10 Guitars. I've started a FACEBOOK page to that effect- Drop by and let us know about your D10-

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sigma-D10-Ownership-Circle/178301788870690

Cheers!
Charlie


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,My Korean Sigma I bought in 1986 is loud too
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 11:14 PM

I got a '92 DM8 for $50 to go with my '86 DM2
It seems the first two numbers of the serial number are the year built
The different years have different serial number lengths


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stevio
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 07:52 PM

I just found a Sigma DM 5 (looks like Martin) in Moms closet where is has been for at least 30 years that I know of. It has slight scratches on pickguard but other than that is looks brand new. Even the original chipboard type case is pristine. Does anybody know its value other than just to keep and play. Is says made in Japan inside along with a #S91356. If I did not know its true history it could be mistaken for brand new. The binding is white and black, and headstock says SigmaGuitars est.1970....any input is appreciated!


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stevio
Date: 26 Jan 11 - 04:55 PM

On closer inspection the serial # o the DM 5 could be 891356 with the #8 looking a lot like an S?   Either way....as stated, I appreciate any input from you guitar hounds out there.....!


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,David
Date: 27 Jan 11 - 11:37 PM

I have a Sigma DM-S4S, sunburst in color and on the headstock it says Sigma Guitars Est. 1970. Can anyone tell me how old it is and what it may be worth?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 11 - 05:04 PM

I am selling my Sigma D-10 Anniversary guitar that I bought new in 1980 or '81.
It is in excellent condition and looks like it's only one year old.
I can email HD pictures.
It plays great and sounds great too
I would trade it for a Taylor 310 which suits my playing style better.
Barring that, I'd consider offers over $950
Email 1163024@gmail.com
Thanks


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dana
Date: 17 Feb 11 - 06:33 PM

Haven't been here in a long time. Took my DR-28C to a pro last June. Got the frets dressed and brought the action down as far as practical. I paid $350 or $375 for this guitar and a nice, hard case when I bought it from a coworker, a few years ago. I've been trying to get the action down myself. Every string change, I would sand a wee bit off the saddle. Eventually figured out that my favorite strings for this guitar and my clumsy fingers are D'Addario Custom Lights. Also figured out that it would be good to let a pro set it up. I spent $93 on the set-up. It was worth it, to me. The guitar still sounds great (some buzz can be induced if frammed on really hard), and it's easier to play. Other than strings, I've got less than $500 invested. Me happy.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 11 - 04:12 PM

How can I find the fair value of a used Sigma DMS 5 Acoustic Guitar in Excellent condition? Thank you.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jim K.
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 04:40 PM

I have a Sigma DR28H, serial #020781 with cfmartinCo est.in 1970 on the headstock and the made in japan stamped (burned) on the inside bracing. Can anyone give me any info on this. One sight says it was made in 1990 and another sight says between 1980-1984. and also does the H stand for Herringbone? There is also a label on the heel stock with the model and serial #. someone wanted to trade me his Taylor guitar for it but I declined. any info would be appreciated, thanks


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Mike G
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 10:27 PM

I just acquired a Sigma DR-15 made in Japan I believe around 1977, and boy what a sweetheart! It has the Diamonds and Squares Long inlays on the fretboard and a set of Grover Patent Pending Star tuners which I have never seen on another Sigma. And what sweet tone and a great player to boot. Anyone know more about her?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,mick, england
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 04:38 AM

A friend has acquired a sigma dr-7. Good guitar, but it's missing one of the two screws for the adjustable bridge. Any idea where she can get a replacement?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,GUEST, Terry D
Date: 23 Feb 11 - 05:05 PM

I just acquired a Sigma DR-7 with adjustable bridge. My recent research tells me 1970-1975, no zero fret, so I figure 1971- 1975. Paper label has sideways M Sigma symbol, model DR-7 stamped, but the s/n is hand written in thin black marker 0729 and the label is all gold, not the usual greek sigma black and sigma in gold. Made in japan. Have you seen this before?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Jamaxe
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 03:18 AM

re-visited this excellent thread after first discovering it about 3 yrs ago. Sad to see nothing from Sterling. Have a question,just broke out my Sigma DR12-7 after a bought a year, plays and sounds great. I know it says here if they do not have the M on headstock they cannot be a 70's, well, I SWEAR I bought mine new in 79, has the Sigma guitars est 1980 emblem. serial #020909, no adjustable bridge. I graduated High School in 1980, I KNOW I bought it while still in school. I remember playing it with my first band at an outdoor party, so it would have had to be summer of 79 as I graduated in May 1980. Let me know if you think this is possible. No paper serial and stock number stamped on inside brace and made in Japan for CF Martin as well. Tell me I'm not crazy?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,picker
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 10:13 AM

ive owned my sigma since i was 13 years old im 24 now and it still sounds as good as it did when i got it out of the box i think its an excellent guitar for any type of music it has a good tone and a fairly rich sound (though it isnt a fender or a martin) if your looking to buy one id say go for it i dont think youd be disappointed


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Terry D
Date: 16 Mar 11 - 10:01 PM

Just checked my early model DR 7,and it definitely has a a solid spruce top. Took a look with a mirror and the grain matches. Just thought I'd pass it on.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,GraZe UK
Date: 28 Mar 11 - 11:08 AM

Hello folks I have an SDR-28H purchased in the early 90s. It's in as new condition, only the scratchplate shows any sign of wear, no knocks,dings or scratches, no mods always kept in a case and hardly played. She's for sale anyone interested?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,connieg
Date: 10 Apr 11 - 05:34 PM

Greetings! I've a Sigma GCS-6 that I purchased new in 1974 after sampling similarly priced Yamahas, etc., and the Sigma outshone them all. This info should be pretty accurate for dating GCS-6 Sigmas made from '70-78. The early models were solid wood, in this case a spruce top, mahogany sides and back, rosewood bridge. The original peghead logo for Sigma is in gold with Greek symbol Σ above in mother-of-pearl. There is a paper label with a silver gray border which has SIGMA with CF Martin & Company underneath. Then there's the model, serial number and "Manufactured in Japan". On the back of the peghead there's a label that reads "Made in Japan." I never learned to play her but now I think I will.


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Subject: 1970 Sigma DR-7 for sale
From: GUEST,GUEST, Brian
Date: 28 Apr 11 - 02:54 PM

I have a 1970 DR-7 that I am needing to sell. The paper label has come out, but I discovered an interesting marking where the label should have been and where they later burned in the "Made in ...." It reads 47.6.21
My guess (and that's all it is) is that, perhaps before putting on the label with a serial number(which is useless for dating Sigmas)they did put on a production mark, in this case 6/21 #47. If that were the case, this would be a fairly early guitar since they began introducing them in Spring 1970. It has the zeroth fret and the original adjustable bridge. I would rate this in very good condition (9/10) with no repairs or damage. E-mail me for pics or with an offer @ knoxsteinbach@juno.com. Thanks. I may put this up on EBay if I don't get any response this week.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,B-Rad
Date: 06 May 11 - 04:25 PM

Hey Jamax, Yes there are 1970's sigma's with out the sideways M. I think they changed the logo in 79 actually.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,B-Rad
Date: 06 May 11 - 04:54 PM

Didnt have time to read through every post, but here is what I (think) know about sigmas.

-DM or DR 1-7's ....1 being lowest grade woods, 7 being best. early 70's models have sideways M, some later 70's models have sigma guitars EST 1970.

- 1983 moved manufacturing to Korea. Then late 80's moved to Taiwan. Taiwan models are the worst of the bunch, Jap models are best, but some Korean models can still be quite nice in sound.

If there is an S in the Model number, most likely a solid top. The laminated backs or sides are all over the place, you have to look to see if the wood grain in the sound hole is there for solid backs and sides.

- DM1st models are solid tops,the ST stands for it. some have laminated sides and backs, some have solid sides and backs.

- The DR 28, DR 18, DR 15, DR 11 and some others are all over the place. Some are really nice, some are not. DR 41's are really nice if you find an early model I think.

Look up Sigma on Wikipedia for some other good info.
Everyone asking what their Sigma's are worth are not really going to get an accurate answer. The market can only really decide this. Whatever someone will pay for it I guess. The problem is, you need to hear them to know if it's a lemon or a good one. I've heard of early DR1st models sounding way better than DR -7's and I've heard that some Sigmas sound better than some Martins. Me personally, I would take an old Sigma over a new Martin. You can't get that aged wood tone on a modern built guitar. AND there alot cheaper.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Redpick
Date: 07 May 11 - 09:54 AM

Hey GraZe, I might be interested in your guitar, can you give me more details please.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Tele68
Date: 01 Jun 11 - 03:38 PM

Just purchased a Sigma CS 5, $80, 8 out of 10. I have just read the entire post. There was not much information on dating by the label.
The soundhole label is shiney white with a violet border.
It reads; E (SIGMA letter in violet)
         SIGMA (in black)
      CF MARTIN & COMPANY
       Model CS 5
    Serial NO. 000073   N
    Manufactured in Japan

I'm guessing this is an early '70's guitar?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Michael
Date: 03 Jul 11 - 06:20 PM

I recently found a 1979 (Ithink) Sigma DR-7 that had been hanging in a music store for about six months. After learning the Sigma story, I bought it. There was a wall full of pretty nice acoustics in the store, and with the dead strings and no setup, this guitar sounded as nice as they did, minus the dampning effect of the strings. I took it to a high quality luthier and told him to make it a "player". The nut and saddle had already been replaced with some very inexpensive plastic ones, so he made new ones out of bone, set the truss and string height, and did a nice intonation setup. I thought it was good when I bought it, now it rings like a bell! The increase in bass is incredible, and I now have a very nice guitar that sounds really nice, is very playable, looks great (not a scratch on it), stays in tune, and didn't break the bank. I'd put it up against alot of much more expensive models I have played and heard. If you can find one in good shape, and it has the solid spruce top and is made in Japan, buy it and get it professionally set up. You will not be disappointed.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,debbie
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 02:59 PM

I bought the sigma anniv model d-10.... It is amazing. esp. after i cleaned it up, put new strings on it and bone saddle. It rings like a baby. Only thing that i dont like the body its bit wide. other than that i will get used to it. I now have 2 of them.
they are both in mint condition for its age. minus normal wear and tear.
I'm interested in selling one if anybody is interested. email me: debdayy@att.net


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 08:04 AM

Hey, I own a Martin Sigma SE -19, serial 11979, with case and 'dust cover'. All the info I could find on it aside from made in japan stamp and that it was one of the early 'special' made - acoustic with pickups.

It has great sound after all these years - got it in '84 and even crappy strings sound good on it.

No one at the local stores when they had their 'experts' come in could even find it or knew what it was.

its a great guitar and I love it to death but want to know more about it - any ideas or help??

Plz??


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Don Wise
Date: 28 Jul 11 - 11:03 AM

Sigma DR12-7, N 052600 (headstock), S21630, Made in Japan for C.F.Martin & Co.
This means?

Got it cheap years ago from a girlfriend who decided that it wasn't her type of guitar.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Oddball Sigma
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 01:14 AM

So, I recently found an oddball sigma that I had to pick up - it's clearly a 70s model; greek letter above the sigma logo. The guitar is, unfortunately, missing the label from the inside, so I have no serial or model number. The guitar seems to be a DR or DM 7, judging by the body and headstock binding. However, the bridge is not adjustable. It's either a replacement bridge, or, like I said, an oddball model. Any ideas?


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 02:01 PM

Well, Oddball, you should be able to tell right away whether or not it is a DR or a DM. The difference is pretty big. Rosewood has a lot of wood grain throughout and Mahogany has smaller grain lines and is lighter. If it has the greek letter headstock, then it was made prior to 1978 and in Japan. There were no DM-7's as far as I know. DM-5 is highest, unless you talk about newer models like the D10 and others. Could be a DR-7 though. There is no real way to tell the number 1-7 though. You can only guess if the label is missing I think.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Oddball Sigma
Date: 26 Sep 11 - 09:14 AM

The wood is part of the problem - it's not as dark as the rosewood sigmas I've seen - is is a lighter almost caramel color with a slightly wider grain... Don't suppose this is a DJ-7? The guitar has the white binding on the headstock and body, rosewood bridge and fretboard - very odd


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jdp55
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 08:42 PM

Are all DM 18 Sigmas solid tops? please answer at jdp55@sbcglobal.net
I've been playing a DM2 for years and love it.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Lazy Fingers
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 12:00 AM

I have a Sigma DR-7S (Sunburst) that will go on EBay Soon! Itʻs got the sideways M pearl inlay and SIGMA in gold on the headstock (1975-78). I need the money to deposit towards a classical guitar that Iʻm having built. I have a Taylor 510 and a Martin OMC-28, but this Sigma compares well in tone and volume and is the brighter of the three. Since I have large hands, I have a little bit of a problem finger-picking this baby. Just canʻt get used to the nut width of 1 11/16".


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Ken
Date: 16 Nov 11 - 10:08 AM

Amazing to see that this thread is still running, some six years since the Sigma brand ended! What is it about this mysterious brand? My experience is limited to just one, a Taiwanese made DR-28 from c1995. It's still just about my favourite all-rounder guitar.

I bought my DR-28 new from Hanks in Denmark Street W1 in '96 or '97. It was my first "half-decent" guitar so I didn't know anything about the make or the woods etc. The sales guy asked me what I wanted and I said that I want a Martin dreadnought but couldn't afford one. He immediately pointed me towards the Sigmas (as well as a few other similar priced guitars), and this DR-28 just rang out louder and clearer than any of the others (including a Sigma DR-28H) so I bought it for the asking price (which was <£300). They also threw in a hard case.

This guitar has been a mix of good news and bad news:

The good news is that, 15 years on, this guitar sounds bigger and better than ever. I know I've upset a few Martin players (particularly those with new Martins) because it sounds better than the DR28s Martin are currently selling (I appreciate that this could be an "age" thing). Strange thing is that I still envy them their Martin logos (silly old superficial me!). I recently replaced the plastic saddle with bone and the pins with ebony, and it now sounds even better. I've also fitted a K&K pure western mini pickup which replicates the acoustic tone faithfully.

Now for the bad news: how do I upgrade from here? could I be happier with anything else?

Since my playing has improved over the years (and my bank balance) I felt it was time to get a "really decent" guitar. I spent many hours playing new Martins and Taylors up to the £1500 range, but none of them came close to the sound of my Sigma. Again, perhaps this is because they were all brand new, or maybe down to the horrible habit that guitar makers/shops have of putting coated strings on their stock guitars. Either way, it was terribly disappointing (I still really wanted CFMartin on my headstock, even if it cost me more, but not at the sacrifice of tone and sustain).

In the end I bought another far-east made guitar (a Freshman FA500 GACED) which is a very lightly braced, highly resonant, Cedar/Rosewood tone machine that is great for fingerpicking Celtic style music and is a great addition. It will not, however, replace the Sigma.

My most recent acquisition is a beautiful, hand-made, custom Brook Tamar. For about the same price as a new (production line) Martin D28. This has at last satisfied the itch for a high-quality, well made, guitar that represents the best of the Luthier art/craft. It has a wonderful tone that sings out even though it's still less than a year old. It even gives the Sigma a run for its money, although the Euro-spruce, claro walnut combination of the Brook provides a very different tonal palette.

Anyway, my points are: you don't have to spend a lot of money to buy a great sounding guitar; spending a lot of money does not guarantee a great sounding guitar; buying an iconic "name" does not guarantee even a "half-decent" sound.

I still regularly gig with my Sigma, it's perfect for that Neil Young sound, and I'll never part with it (except to hand it on to my daughter when the time comes). I've dropped it several times, and it bears the scars of battle with pride.

If I sold it now I would never get its true value. If you can find a decent one (of any period) grab it, it will be a bargain you will never regret.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Nov 11 - 05:36 AM

Sigma Guitars returns!!

see http://www.sigma-guitars.com


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Johnny Mac
Date: 24 Nov 11 - 09:13 PM

I have a Sigma OMC Sunburst finish acoustic electric Model OMC-3OS, volume and tone on the upper body near the neck, made in Japan with an OVAL sound hole - similar to the Keith Whitley guitar shown on the site
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150361283484477
This is the only location I have seen showing anything even resembling this guitar. It has a sharp edge cutaway while mine is rounded, and the cable jack is out the bottom, while mine is integrated into the strap peg at the end of the guitar. Any ideas on the origins and value of this guitar would be appreciated.


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Geno Geno
Date: 04 Dec 11 - 12:15 PM

Hey what's up?

Got a Sigma DH126 (12 string) Curly maple back and sides and it appears to have a spruce top. Serial# 273391. I'm thinking about buying. Any idea on the price I should offer?

Thanks a million.

Gene


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,SIGMA resurection?
Date: 23 Dec 11 - 12:28 PM

Officially Sigma are no more, but Thomann - a german mail order company - seems to have them for sale.

Go to www.thomann.de and search for sigma guitars - they have more than 10, all strikingly similar to Martin models, in naming and spec, many in stock, the others available in 2 to 5 days.

Has production restarted?

I sent an email to Martin to ask but they didn't answer (yet)

Andrew


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jan 12 - 09:35 PM

not much traffic here recently... i scored a very early DR7, zero fret and adjustable bridge. still awaiting its arrival. i was hoping for today, but looks like tuesday at the earliest what with the holiday monday and all. shux...


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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jan 12 - 11:04 PM

hey andrew... i saw a german company has resurrected the sigma line. they aren't sold in the USA yet...

http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=268


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