Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 09:40 PM

Hi, I have a Sigma that is in great condition and the model number is 52SGCS-4. If any one has any idea how much this is worth I would really appreciate it if you would reply.
Thank You

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 10 Jan 08 - 01:50 AM

Have not heard from Mr. Webb in a long time, but if you are still reading this thread, I have one of your mystery Sigma's. Sticker is missing from inside. It has the Greek Sigma symbol and the word sigma is inlaid in MOP just like the one you stated you had seen only one of before. I think it is a DR-11 from earlier descriptions on this thread, it looks just like the DR-41 but with silver tuners instead of gold and has a three piece back. It is easy to tell it is all solid wood, top, back and sides. Some finish cracks going with the grain but not into the wood. Sounds fantastic. Also have a
52SDR-9 with the earlier logo and snowflake markers. In minty shape. It aslo sounds great, like an aged D-28. If Mr. Webb is out there, please respond if you can, about the MOP SIGMA on the first guitar.
Thanks.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jan 08 - 10:08 AM

i have just purchased one from ebay Item number: 300188918559 / serial 417035 ....

anyinfo on this one he say's it's at least thirty years old.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Jesse
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 12:57 PM

I have a Sigma solid body electric ser#740361E. I can't find the model# anywhere on it. Could anyone tellme where it is on the guitar?
It has dual pickups and reverb bar(I'm not sure that's what you call it I'm sure you know what I mean i'ts spring loaded and vibrates
when moved) these things are all gold, and finger board and inlays between the frets all look like pearl. If you can helpme find out whatmodel it is and the current value, E-Mailme @

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 21 Jan 08 - 03:04 PM

To the guest who purchasde the Sigma DR-11 on e-bay, it is probably no more than 27 years old, since it has the "est 1970" on the headstock. They went to that logo in 1980. If it says made in Japan, it is an excellent guitar. One of the best. It sure looks great in the pictures. Enjoy it. If you want to PM me and discuss it more my e-mail is [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jay
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 03:43 PM

where would it say made in japan ??

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jay
Date: 22 Jan 08 - 03:45 PM

yes it say's made in japan inside it.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Martin (really)
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 09:01 AM

What a great and helpfull forum this is!

I am about to choose between two Sigma's. A ragged DR-7 with serial# 6465, or a Mint DM-4 with # 51208380, "est 1970" logo (Martin style). I understand the DR-7 will be the better choice but is 80 euros more expensive.
What I really can't figure out what year and in wich country the DM-4 is made?
Please help.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 24 Jan 08 - 02:04 PM

I'm pretty sure the DM-4 was made in Korea, but some may have been made in Japan just prior to the change. If you can see or have someone read the sticker in the soundhole, it should say. The M in DM stands for Mahogany back and sides. The DR-7 with that serial # would most likley be early 70's and if sound in body, an excellent guitar. I don't know the exchange rate of the euro, but that sounds pretty fair in price. Then again the Mahogany guitars sound rally good, so if it is mint, depending on price???, you may like it really well.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jay
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 03:45 PM

i been looking around ebay an there is some nice sigma's but not many made in japan. are the dm5 an there a dm3 made in korea i think are they good.... an i even seen one said made in indoniesia. what are they like are the jap ones the best or are there othere's as good.

Jay

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 06:25 PM

The Japanese Sigma's are the best and some of the Korean are pretty good (DR-28,35,41 and 45) also the DM (Mahogany) withe higher numbers ie. DM-5 is better quality than say a DM-4 and so forth. The Taiwanese or Indoniesian are all of lower quality than the others. They are the later Sigma's and most are DM-1 status which is the lowest quality you can get. If you want to have it as a collector guitar, but the Japanese models. If you want good players, also Japanese but lots of the Korean made sound very good. The older they are (aged) the better they sound.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jay
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 03:09 PM

anyone selling any nice jap sigma's ??

email [e-mail]

jay

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Martin (really)
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 08:07 AM

I just bought a Sigma DR-7 with serial# 6465, located in Amsterdam (Holland). First I thought it was ragged (bad photographs), but when I had it in my hands it was actually in great shape. Headstock has the SIGMA in gold capitals with the sideways M (or greek sigma) in "golden mother of pearl" above it. Inside is a paper label saying:
                                             SIGMA
                               C F MARTIN & COMPANY
                                        MODEL DR-7
                                     SERIAL NO. 6465
                              MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN
Bridge saddle is not adjustible. Topnut, saddle, endpins and strap-pin are very cheap plastic (will change). I am pretty sure that top, sides and back are laminated: looking at the side of the soundhole rim shows the venation (lines in the wood) are only in the top mm of the wood and then another colour wood starts. The lines on the sides and back are not near the same on the inside and outside. Nevertheless a beautiful guitar with great sound, now I know what people mean with a grand piano sound from a guitar. I installed new tuners and a bone saddle, new strings and set it up right, and it really sings, the lower strings vibrate like a baritone in a cathedral. As far as I remember, my father's old Martin D-18 sounded a bit more sofisticated, but this Signa seems to have more power (could also be strings or set-up off course). I payed 170 euros ($250) to a friendly beginner, who thought the sound too soft (??), he knew what it's worth, and had other bidders, for the same price. So this is what you pay for a 70's Sigma in Holland (although I have seen people ask 450 euros ($650) for a post 1984 DM-2, probably still on sale). I am very happy with this beauty, it's just the price/quality combi that's right for me. And I love early 70's gear...

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 08 - 12:58 PM

Subject: RE: sigma guitar preamp electronic repair
From: GUEST,GUEST Jim
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 08:42 AM

I have a Sigma DM4 accoustic with an built-in EQ2 preamp. The preamp will come on but does not amplify or provide for any sound. I would like to have it repaired or replaced with another original sigma preamp. Please help.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Ryebo
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 01:38 PM

I just bought a sigma 52 sdr-7 serial#25376 made in Japan by cf martin, all info was written on papaer inside body. Headstock reads sigma est.1970. I paid $250. I would appreciate any insight anyone might have.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Paula
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 03:12 PM

If you add up all the Anniversary model owners on these pages, we may well account for at least a third of the 100 made! I also have the Sigma Anniversary Model from 1980 and am the original owner. Back in 1981 I really, really wanted a Martin coz all my favorite musicians played them. As a high school senior, I quickly found that option out of the budgetary question. The salesman told me to try this Sigma. It had been kickin' around the showroom for a while as it was not a "real" Martin like most folks wanted. Soon as I played it I was sold. It has been my primary guitar ever since and it sounds even better as the years have passed. I do a lot of flesh picked fingerstyle and it gives a perfect balance of bright and warm with amazing natural volume. Strummed it fills a space with ease, losing nothing in nuance. I was so glad to stumble upon this forum and find out more about my Sigma. Now more than ever, I feel blessed to own this special guitar!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,greg
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 07:06 PM

I am looking at a DM 12-3 / 12 string Sigma, ser# SK123200
anybody have info on this model
Thanks
greg

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Valkyrie Guy
Date: 09 Feb 08 - 06:15 PM

Hi,
I just purchased a dr12-7 made in Japan off EBay for $179.00, and it is just about mint. I think it is 1980-1984 as it has the newer logo.
Really nice guitar. I had the local luthier replace the nut and bridge saddle with Tusq, really nice.
I found a Picador for $125.00, and I am wondering if anyone can tell me anything about it. Made in the early 70's as it has an adjustable bridge. Any help would be great.
John (valkyrie guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 08:42 AM

Greg,
About your DM12-3, per Mr.Sterling Webb, The D=Dreadnaught,M=Mahogany,the 3 is the grade as in 1-2-3-4-5-6-7,one beining the lesser,and 7 being the best or highest. Made in Japan = best, and earlier the better. Inverted M on the headstock, Greek for Sigma. Hope this helps.
Sure wish Mr. Webb was around to give a better desription.
John (Valkyrie Guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,sigma g
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 10:03 PM

I have a sigma d18 est 1970 dm i have had it for 25 years I also have a 1947 D 18 witch I was offered alot of money for But I prefer to play my sigma better I play a lot of bluegrass I will put it up against any D18 out there or D18 aiso

Subject: RE: sigma guitars MODEL#DM-8
From: GUEST,MARTIN
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 10:02 PM

I HAVE A SIGMA GUITAR MODEL #D M -8 IT'S SURE PLAYS GOOD.I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT HOW OLD IT IS
KEN BOLLING
E-MAIL [e-mail]
THANK YOU

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 05:39 PM

To guest Martin, The highest number DM I have seen is a DM-5, not to say they do not have higher numbers. If it is a DM-8 it ia assuradly rare I would say. Could have been made from early to mid 70's on. Does it have the inverted M headstock or the "est, 1970" headstock?
The M in DM stands for mahogany back and sides, and I have seen some DR models in the higher numbers such as DR-7-9-11-14 & 15 but not the DM models. Of course I certainly have not seen them all, but yours is probably pretty rare. Look in the sound hole at the sticker to see if it was made in Japan. The Japanese are the best of the Sigma's.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,mobus
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 05:11 PM

having sigma matin usa, nazereth pa made. it is good guitar. I like. cost wwas $80 from man bought new martin d1. he say 100. I say no, 80 or no show joe. he bought, needing money for oil, heat house. soundf is very very nice. I play it tonight at sigles mixer

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,mobus
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 05:22 PM

no best sigma is usa martin sigma!!!!!! have played jap made and these usa sigma martin look hand built and not mass produced like jap sigma. made in martin factory like a d-28. mine has very silked top. these were sold when you toured the factory in the mid '80's

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,mobus
Date: 21 Feb 08 - 05:29 PM

no best sigma is usa martin sigma!!!!!! have played jap made and these usa sigma martin look hand built and not mass produced like jap sigma. made in martin factory like a d-28. mine has very silked top. these were sold when you toured the factory in the mid '80's

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Karen
Date: 24 Feb 08 - 09:47 PM

Just bought a Sigma DM 1 today for my 11 year old and 16 year to learn on. Paid 75.00 bucks came w/case and new strings. Can not make out any serial number. Previous owner says he bought it ten to fifteen years ago. Inside label says made in Korea. How did I do? Sounds like I bought the bottom of the barrel (I was excited because I knew Sigma was an off shoot of Martin). I am bummed though because the first string is buzzing really bad - so right off the bat I've got to have it looked at. Give me feedback please, good/bad/ugly all appreciated!

Karen

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,nick long
Date: 25 Feb 08 - 09:19 PM

does you 52sDR-9 also have the cross style inlays? i have one serial#29241 and it has some odd inlay on the frets..

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 26 Feb 08 - 01:01 AM

To guest nick long, my 52SDR-9 has the same neat cross style fret markers. It is the only Sigma I have seen with it. Mine is a little earlier, has the Greek Sigma symbol on the headstock. These 52S models were a professional series and really well made, with great sound, even if they did have strange laminents on back and side. They were higher end than the DR-7. Enjoy your guitar.

To guest Karen. Yes the DM-1 is the lowest quality, but is still worth every penny you paid and then some. The case could be worth the $75.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: sigmadr-11
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 01:44 AM

If anyone has or knows of a Sigma DR-45 for sale (preferably Japanese made, but not a must), please e-mail me at [e-mail]   Thanks all.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars ( Alert)
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 09:44 AM

Just got off of EBay, and there is a 1980 D10 Anniverasry model there up for bids. I have one and can not afford another, so I am posting so someone here has a chance to get a really great guitar.
Hope someone who really wants it gets it.
Good Luck!
John (Valkyrie Guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Feb 08 - 10:59 AM

Have a Dr-41 and wondering how much it would be worth. Any ideas? Its about 10 years old and am thinkin of selling it

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,furasta
Date: 01 Mar 08 - 01:45 PM

Hi, i traded for my dr-28n in either 80 or 81. It was new and hanging in a pawn shop in Calgary Alberta, Canada back then. I've had plenty of work done on it to keep it up to snuff over the years but have generally abused it by hauling it all over north america from the mountains and campfires to the ocean life on extended exposure. Have you any idea how many were made? any idea what they're worth? Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.
jim

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,SIGMAN
Date: 02 Mar 08 - 04:09 AM

hello, i have a 80-82 DR-28C MIJ that is a beautiful single cutaway that i have never heard of or seen anywhere. it cost under $300 brand new with a solid case in 1982. when new it was very brassy and very loud and i used it mainly for slide. as the years have passed it has mellowed in tone and sounds great for open D or C as it really rings out with the overtones of open tuning. the soundboard has become a beautiful deep amber color from its almost blonde spruce when new.
i have two other Sigmas, a DR-7 and a GCR-6 both early logo MIJ guitars that i will post about next time.

re:the dr-28n .... it's good to know it survived your travails Jim as this model was actually the only Sigma model that was built in the US at the Nazareth,PA (which gives it the n designation)factory! It's virtually a clone of a Martin D-28,was built in small numbers and should be labeled MartinSigma/USA.

it's great there is a place to talk about the underated SIGMA line

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,D. Moore
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 08:29 AM

Hi everyone. There are some GREAT guitars up on EBAY at the moment -

As valkyrie guy said, there is a D-10 up there,as well as:

a few Dr-28H (H = herringbone)
1972 MIJ DR-7 12 string
an SE-19 - thinline acoustic / electric w/ Florentine cutaway
SE-28 - thinline acoustic / electric w/ Florentine cutaway
An SMC-68 - does anyone know ANYTHING about this axe?? I've never heard of it or seen one in an advertisement - I'm quite intrigued...
EJ-35B - semi hollowbody double cutaway - only made for one or two years in the early 90's. I have a ej-75 that is a solid guitar, and I assume the 35 is just as capable. Great tone.

If anyone knows anything about the hollow bodies or specifically about the SMC 68, please enlighten me!

thanks

Dustin

Also - please feel free to add to my limited post on wikipedia about sigma guitars. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 09:19 AM

Quick question....... Has anyone ever played a DM-19 and if so, what are your thoughts ?...Thanks.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Irish
Date: 06 Mar 08 - 09:59 PM

I have a Sigma twelve string 52SDR serial 25445 made in Japan. Sigma cf Martin and Company on the label. Bought it back in the eighties new. I think it was about $460.00 Canadian. It's been strung tight all these years and the action in as good as the day I got it. A beautiful instument in my opinion.
As you say there is little info on them.
Cheers.

Subject: Searching for Martin Sigma information
From: GUEST,memejudi
Date: 07 Mar 08 - 09:19 AM

Could anyone give me more information an the manufactured date of a Martin Sigma DR-7 made in Japan with the serial #13268?? Know that they were made from 1970 to 1983 in Japan but trying to narrow down the exact date. Any links or help would be greatly appreciated Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Terry
Date: 07 Mar 08 - 10:26 PM

I'm sitting here now playing my Sigma SE-19. I love this thing. I have several Martin D-size and a Martin 0-16NY (New Yorker), but I find myself grabbing this SE-19. I am SURE it's laminate, but I like the neck.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,steve germany
Date: 08 Mar 08 - 04:16 PM

hi. i have bought my sigma dm 5 in strassbourg in the early 70´s.
i incluted a pickup and played it also on stage fore some years.
in the early years i played medium g. strings (very hard and loud sound)..today light g. because better to bend..
..but the problem is, that the nut has a little crack and this crack become grown up
(at the 19 th fret the flascholet done by the big e-string is not the same tone than when u play that string on fret 19)

who can help?

steve

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Graeme M Hunter
Date: 09 Mar 08 - 12:35 PM

hi i have had around 7 sigmas and still own two ,one is a 12 string with i believe all solid woods flamed back and sides that is excellant and also a d28h this has the paper label and the brace stamped made in japan for cf martin and the serial number is 021581 im 99 % sure its all solid and its incredible i paid very little for it with hard case 2 pickups and 70s gibsn capo its out of this world any help on this would be great is it a 70s or 80s model ??
thanks graeme

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 10 Mar 08 - 10:34 AM

To Grane M Hunter,
If you will search back to 2004-2005 for posts from S.Webb or Sterling Webb,you will get the answers to a lot of your questions.He was the Sigma expert here who we dearly miss. I have printed all of his posts just to have for reference.
Good luck.
Sigma 1980 Anniversay
Sigma 1980-1984 Dr12-7 12 string

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Per
Date: 16 Mar 08 - 03:19 AM

Hi!

I bought a Sigma Martin SMC-68 in 1994 in Stockholm Sweden at a shop on Södermalm. The original price was approx USD 2.500:- and during a special drive the price came down to an affordable level.

This is the absolute best acoustic guitar I have ever played on an I would never consider selling it. It has a delicate and crisp tone and well suited for my type of playing using my nails. I have been trying to search on the web to find more details about this model.

I hope you get your hands on one.

Best regards,
Per

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,billyjblues
Date: 17 Mar 08 - 03:13 PM

I found an old Sigma DM-5 in a garage dusted it off and put on a new set of strings and it is now my favorite guitar to play. The only issue I have is, that the tuning pegs are very tarnished and pitted and I would like to replace them does anybody know where I can get a set.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,SIGMAN
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:53 PM

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,billyjblues
Date: 17 Mar 08 - 03:13 PM



give Stewart-MacDonald a try: www.stewmac.com

as they state on their print catalog:
Everything for building and repairing stringed instruments!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Bob
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 11:27 AM

Hi,
I have a Sigma DM 1ST N Serial Number 97110209 "Made In Korea".
The sound is really nice and it's a great guitar. Could anyone give me any info on it, like what the DM 1ST N means?
Also the paper label inside the sound hole has a red "X" on it, is that a "second" or something?

Any info appreciated.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,SIGMAN
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 02:07 AM

Unfortunately, in general information on Sigma guitars is quite scarce. Aside from this forum, from which you will glean almost
as much info on these Japanese guitars as there is to be found.
THe only other place i have gotten Sigma information is from Sigma
items on EBAY or from direct promotional material like old magazine
adverts.
As production moved to Korea(1984-93/94) then Taiwan(1993/94-2007) there became no back info especially since production of the
Sigma was ended in 2007.
But you said it best ...

"The sound is really nice and it's a great guitar"

That's all it comes down to.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 23 Mar 08 - 01:58 PM

Thanks for that Sigman. I was a bit sceptical of the "By Martin" on the headstock when i got the guitar, but have to say the sound is great and it plays so nice!
Loud too!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Max 3646
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 02:42 PM

I have owned a Sigma c-7 classical guitar since the early 70's and it still sounds good to me. I paid $159.95 and only had to change the tuning heads 2 yrs' ago. My Sigma was made in Japan. I play it daily.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Mar 08 - 08:35 PM

vvvvv