Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,multiple sigma owner
Date: 27 Mar 09 - 08:06 PM

FretNut,

thanks for letting me know that. I've never seen an all wood sigma that was made in japan, and I've never seen one with a laminate top... so, that's one thing about Sigma's - there is NO consistency.

The Japanese Sigmas that I've seen used pretty good tonewood, even the laminate pieces are pretty good wood. So, I'd assume that it would fool many players. After all, it's all about what it sounds like.

There were several manufacturers in Japan, so maybe one of the builders used all laminates. The "52s" series are all laminate. They are really nice sounding guitars. were marketed as "professional instruments", and geared toward performers. Maybe yours is one of those rebadged.... Martin used that 52s series to test some of the glues and laminates that they use today on their lower end guitars.

I like to set up a few chairs in my living room, then make my friends sit facing away from me.

Then I play my 5 best guitars. Two are sigmas, one is a Martin, one Gibson, and one is a Thompson. Frequently they can't tell the difference, occasionally you'll get one who prefers the sweeter, clearer sound of the thompson, but all are amazed that the $400 Sigmas that I have hold their own against the Martin and Gibson and mostly against the Thompson.

Subject: RE: Sigma D-10 Anniversary
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 07:03 PM

There is a Sigma D10 Anniversary on EBay up for sale. They have a Buy-it Now set at $950.00. Thats the highest price I have seen yet.
They just keep going up. I guess that is good for those of us that already have one. I know I love mine!
Good luck to anyone that goes for it.
John

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,the might sig
Date: 01 Apr 09 - 10:14 AM

I noticed that D10 Anniversary on Ebay at 950$ for "buy it now" too! It's not even in great condition with dings on the neck--but hey it's 20 some years old, and hey it's a D10. It has been up on Ebay for a week now and no bites. We'll see if it sells for that price.


On a different note, I can't seem to come to a conclusion on this question: Did the early MIJ sigmas (specifically the dr-7) have an adjustable bridge? I found one with an original tag (no place marker for the model and "Made in Japan"--it's just stamped where it fits on the tag). This one has an adjustable bridge and not sure what era this is indicative of? Mr.Webb!!!! : ) thanks to anyone who can help.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dana
Date: 02 Apr 09 - 09:13 PM

I have returned to this thread, occasionally, to see if the appreciation for Sigma is still alive. It is!

I am saddened to note that there has been no posting by Mr.Sterling Webb since, I believe, January of '05.

Mr.Webb, are you out there? You are a rare and valuable resource for the Sigmaphiles of the world. Speak to us.

I am still loving my DR-28C (not a cut-away). I do not know what the "C" signifies. Mr.Webb, if you care to share, what does that "C" mean?

Dana

Subject: RE: sigma guitars BOLT NECK?!?!?
From: GUEST,mighty sig
Date: 04 Apr 09 - 12:35 PM

Does my early sigma DR-7 have a BOLT ON NECK? I have major action problems that can't be corrected with the bridge and truss adjustments--bascially it needs a neck reset.

I looked inside and to my amazement there is a bolt! Anyone know if any sigmas have bolt necks? this would make the repair much, much easier.

Any experiments with taking them off? are they heavily glued?


My dr-7 has old logo headstock, "made in japan" and "Dr-7" stamped where ever it could fit on the tag--should be an early MIJ.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Fossil
Date: 05 Apr 09 - 01:29 AM

Just to keep the interest going, I've just bought for a very good price from TradeMe (the Antipodean EBay competitor website), an oldie-but-goldie Sigma 12-string. So, I've been using all the info on this thread to try and date it.

Here are the specs: Headstock: is inlaid mother-of-pearl "Sigma Guitars est 1970", (no sideways M), which (I think) dates it at later than 1980; interior stamp says it's a DR 12-28 model, which makes the body style the dreadnaught D-28, top solid spruce and the back and sides rosewood (R) - and very nice they are, too, only a couple of very minor dings. I've polished it up with Martin guitar polish and the wood just glows with that beautiful patina that old guitars get.

One stamp on the back-brace; "Made in Japan for G.F. Martin & Co"; and a separate stamp for the serial number S46 82. Which places it as no later than 1984, when they moved production to Korea and went back to paper labels.

I suspect that these items may place it at around 1982, which was during the time they were using Martin body design numbers.

Anyway, for all that it's over 25 years old, the neck is as straight as a die, the action is low and sweet, the volume of sound you can get out of it is awesome and the tone sounds very nice. Also it has an under-bridge pickup (which is still working) so I can put it through my amp when I play with my church music group. I'm glad I got it!

Incidentally, IMHO, the reason G.F. Martin shitcanned the Japanese operation was that they were getting a bit embarassed by the quality of the products: this one certainly sounds well equal to any Martin 12 I've ever heard and probably sold for about a third of the price!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,FOR SALE: Sigma DR-7 early MIJ
Date: 05 Apr 09 - 08:21 PM

For Sale: Sigma DR-7 early MIJ

Hey all you SIGMA lovers!

I have a sigma DR-7 I am planning to put up on Evilbay (E-bay) : P soon. I ran into this forum, read a ton of posts, and learned a lot.

Maybe someone on here wants first crack at it.

It's an Early 1970's SIGMA DR-7. It has the old style headstock and with the sideways M. It also is stamped "as it fits" concerning the model and "made in japan" stamp on the label inside the guiar as others have talked about and indicates a early MIJ.

Serial number is in the 9000's, so it's rather low.

Leave an e-mail address if you're interested!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 12 Apr 09 - 09:05 PM

To Dana    If yor guitar wears a "C" and is not a cutaway it probably means " custom" in Martin speak.
That will mean it could have abalone binding/purfling on the body/neck/fingerboard or all. Is this the case, or is there any other feature that is not familiar with Sigma's?
There are Sigma's that sport an "H" after the model # that signifies "herringbone" binding like the Martins.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 02:39 PM

Greetings,
I traded for a mint condition Korean SDR-28 yesterday. The serial starts with 91 but the guys swears he bought it earlier that that and paid about $900 for it. That amount seems high but he actually had the original price tag in the case.

--Can I assume with 91 starting the serial number thats its a 1991?
--Also, for those with dr-28's, whats the brige pin and saddle sizes? I want to upgrade to bone but want to do it myself. Should I go by the pre 1994 Martin specs of a 2A bridge pin?

Thanks and what a great resource for these guitars. Ive played mine for only one day and its a great guitar for sure.

Dustin - Atlanta GA

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Mark Ross
Date: 15 Apr 09 - 10:14 PM

The guys selling guitars in NYC in the '70's used to refer them as SMEGMA guitars/ And Takamine's were called "C.I.Fooled Yas".


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: cutterflys
Date: 16 Apr 09 - 01:44 PM

Dustin
Sounds exactly like the SDR-28 I got awhile back. Not sure on the nut but you should be able to measure it and find the specs on the new one. Contrary to some of the stuff I've read, mine does have a solid top. When I look at the sound hole cut out it's very easy to see the wood grain from top to bottom. Love mine, wouldn't trade it for the world. I'd put it up against most of the newer DR-28s I've heard.

Oh as for the serial no. - It's anybody's guess on these (just my opinion).

Enjoy the guitar

Cutter

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dustin
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 09:04 AM

Cutter,
Thanks for the response. Mine is a solid top as well no question. The construction appears to be very solid. Ive ordered some bone bridge pins to replace the plastic ones, and I need to work on the action a bit from the new nut installed. But other than needing some tweaking on the setup its a great sounding guitar.

The original owner swears its at least 20 years old, bought in the late 80's in Austin Texas. But with the serial starting with 91 I figured this was pretty close to meeting what he remembered as purchase date.

Doesnt $895 sound a bit high for buying new in that time period? Apparently it was marketed as a very high quality guitar.

What strings do you have on her?

Dustin

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 09 - 09:28 AM

I recently purchased a sigma that i have been unable to find any info at all on it is a thin electric acoustic cutaway with white binding made in Korea it is a cfm-2rtt the back is a bowed shape it says sigma guitars est 1970 in pearl inlay with a design on the headstock that runs down between the tuners also in pearl inlay,,, the sound is incredible,,, has anyone heard of this model or have any info at all on it thank you for any info that you may be able to provide

Subject: joining the Sigma ranks...
From: GUEST,AT in Athens
Date: 20 Apr 09 - 06:21 PM

Hello again learned Sigma owners -

I now proudly join your ranks as I've added a Sigma D-10 to my tiny collection of instruments. I'm so proud to report that I was able to negotiate a reasonable price on a recently mentioned Anniversary model. It has its share of battle wounds, some mentioned in the description and some conveniently left out, but with the beauty in my hands, I feel that I made a fine choice in the end. The sound, in general, is as described by other D-10 owners -- well balanced and very clean, favoring the crisp, treble side but possessing its own deep, mahogany foundation.

Thanks to those here who have provided such thorough commentary on these Sigmas, whether it was highly subjective or coldly objective or somewhere in between. All of it helped inform my ultimate decision and I am indebted to the forum for the guidance nonetheless.

So, add one more to the circle...

Proudly and respectfully,

A.T.

Samick something-or-other (my free, first clunker)
and now, at long last,
1980 Sigma D-10 Anniversary

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: cutterflys
Date: 21 Apr 09 - 08:41 AM

Dustin
Yes, 895 sounds way high especially for the era. As far as I'm concerned these guitars are of exceptional quality. I lucked into mine second hand at 200.00, hard shell case included. The guitar was well kept and in near pristine condition. I changed out the saddle and bridge pins to "tusk" and adjusted the action down a bit via the saddle. This guitar gets a whole lot of second glances at the bluegrass jams (I'm a flat picker mostly).

For the time being I am using Elixer phosphor/bronze lights (I have the old acid skin problem lol). I tried Martin bluegrass strings a while back and really liked the sound for bluegrass but just couldn't make them last. D'Addario strings were also good and bright but again dead in short time. I'm hoping to find a coated bluegrass mix of strings in the future. BTW, I really like the tonal qualities of Elixer strings - have you tried them yet?

I'd be interested to know what strings you find best and your style of playing.

Cutter

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 10:40 AM

Im using DR Rare phosphor bronze strings on the SDR-28. So far so good. I replaced the plastic pins with bone and brought down the action a bit by filing the bone nut. I also tightened the truss rod a little but found that as soon as I had "tension" on it my e string buzzed so very little relief needed. Shes playing nicely now, almost sings with tone so no complaints.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 01:37 PM

My recently acquired DM-4 Mahogany is luverly. She just had a set up and new ultra light guage Newtones.

She is big and dark and loud. I named her Odetta.

Just love her.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dana
Date: 27 Apr 09 - 11:34 PM

Fret nut,
Pardon my 2 week response time. Since my DR-28C is the only Sigma I've handled or seen, I can't ID any custom features. To answer your question, no, it has no abalone purling or inlay. I asked a few of my friends if they thought anything about its construction was other-than-expected. Nothing seems truly unique. I got several positive comments about the materials. It's a solid, tight-grained Sitka top with rosewood back (2 piece) and sides. The Yamaha, Strat and Taylor owner likes the volume and looks. The Yamaha and Simon&Patrick owner says it plays really nicely, it's pretty, and louder than both his 6 and 12 string S&P's, which have the satin finish. Someone made a comment about how nice the tuners feel. Oh well, the "C" designation remains, for now, a mystery.

Dana

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Carey
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 06:00 AM

I just purchased Sigma GCs-2 do you know what price I should have paid. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: sigma CFM-2RTT
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 09 - 07:52 AM

Here is a cut and paste from the email i received from Martin concerning the guitar i recently purchased.. It sounds like a limited quantity run. It is simular to the se-40t except it has a tear drop shaped inlay on each side of the twelveth fret marker




The CFM-2RTT Sigma was a for runner of the Sigma SE Series in the late80S early 90S. In 1992 it was cataloged as a SE-40T. The guitar was
constructed with a Sycamore top and was avaliable in
Burgandy,Blue,Black,and Tobacco Sunburst. There is no record of
production totals or Manufactures Suggested Retail Price.

Thank you for contacting the C.F. Martin Co. Inc.,

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,donatthebay
Date: 29 Apr 09 - 12:40 PM

Hey Multiple Sigma Owner, you are right! A guitar collector buddy was over and confirmed the solid spruce top on the gcs-6. He owns a Martin 000...same guitar the gcs was meant to emulate. He pointed out the wood grain. Evidently the grain is optimal if it is tighter in the center of the guitar, and should fan out in to wider grain patterns. My Sigma has the desired pattern. A couple of things he noted that separate the Martin from the Sigma were the cheap tuning keys, the lack of scalloped bracing, and the not-so great "rosewood" stain finish on the mahogany body. He said my 35 year old ax has a straighter neck than my 2 year old BR 160. Then, to top things off, I see somebody has a 6 on ebay currently, and they're asking over $400. As indicated earlier, you can ask whatever you want, but clearly the early/mid-70's Sigmas are something special.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 05 May 09 - 07:23 PM

Hey Dana,   It was worth a try, but you will know by following this thread that the only thing consistent with Sigma's is inconsistency. Someone will have the answer sooner or later. We'll all be watching to know it. Glad your guitar is waking up the higher priced instruments. Play On!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bozeman
Date: 06 May 09 - 07:50 PM

Hello Again,

I posted several months ago inquiring if anyone new the going price / value (these might be different!) of a late 1970's Japanese DR-11 (solid spruce top, three piece solid rosewood back, and rosewood sides)?

I've had several folks / musicians look at it, and tell me it's a "keeper," and it continually sounds better than just about every new top shelf Martin, Taylor, and Gibson I pick up.

Thanks,

Richard

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,multiple sigma owner
Date: 10 May 09 - 11:02 PM

Richard,

My experience has been that they're worth what someone will pay for them. Sometimes it is a lot, sometimes, not very much. People either love them or hate them.

I happen to like them, and have 5 of them, but others see them as an inferior Martin knockoff.

A few months back, I saw a Japanese DR-15 which is similar to yours sell for $450 on ebay, yet, a couple of months ago, I picked one up (also Japanese) in a resale shop for under $200. You just never know. This one had an annoying open fret buzz on the high "E" at the 3rd fret. I knew it was just dry and needed humidification. 2 months in a hardshell case fixed it and it's PERFECT now.

Honestly, if it were me, I'd keep it. But, hey, I understand the quest for a Martin. I've got a 000-15S which I bought new 3 years ago. Love the look, love the 12 fret, but honestly, while it's a better guitar, it's not "that much" better. I'd not sell it, and I play it often, it is different than my Sigmas. Better construction clearly, but it takes a discerning ear to hear the difference. If you didn't know what to listen for, you wouldn't hear much difference.

Hope that helps.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Abdul The Bul Bul
Date: 10 May 09 - 11:46 PM

Hey! VT, good to see your name on here.Have been keeping an eye out so to speak.
Ultra lights eh? Will look forward to hearing those.

Al

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,mike toronto
Date: 16 May 09 - 01:58 PM

Has anyone heard of a Sigma xl 3000?

I think that's the right model#

Purchased in 1986. Ontario

Solid body
thru-neck
Burgundy burst
Dbl. cutaway (pointy and offset) plus heel cutaway behind tone knobs
Gold Les Paul type hardware

Mine was stolen way back in '94. Would like to learn more about it (just found this forum).

Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,multiple sigma owner
Date: 24 May 09 - 04:21 PM

Richard,

DR-9 just sold on ebay for $432.50. It is very similar to the way you've described your DR-11. Has the 3 piece back. It is stamped on the back brace, so that would indicate 1980-1984. IIRC, you indicated yours was earlier than that, but it is still made in Japan.

Brought some pretty good money, I'd think. Whoever bought it got a very nice guitar, and whoever sold it got a very good price for it...

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 28 May 09 - 10:09 PM

Hi Everyone,

Wondering if anyone has ever heard of this Sigma model which I bought from an old family friend!! She said her husband had bought it a "guitar" show in the early 80's.

I have been told by 2 local shops that its a solid body rosewood (vertical bracing on the sides) with a solid spruce top (the grain matches) - they had never seen a Sigma that looked like this.   The original warranty paper says the Model Number is s2000 ("2000" is stamped on the inside) but I think its a mistake, there is no other identifialble model number on the guitar -it has the body of a D28. The serial No is 1390581.

The inside is also stamped with "sigma guitars made in Japan for Martin Co", but the headstock does not have the sigma 'logo' rather a "Cats Eyes" inlay. It also has inlay snowflake/diamond position markings on the neck, inlay around its body, and around the sound hole.

At first I though it was an Anniversary Sigma made by Martin but the descriptions in other postings don't match. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. I can provide photos for anyone who is interested!!

Thanks,

Pierre

pierretessier @ hotmail dot com

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,multiple sigma owner
Date: 29 May 09 - 01:36 PM

Pierre,

I think you've got a Tokai guitar, not a sigma, though there are some who claim that Tokai was one of the manufacturers for Sigmas when they were made in Japan. They manufactured, and still do, a guitar called "cats eyes". Early ones were made in the Japan factory, and also some were made in Korea.

I don't know much about them, but the guys at the tokai registry sure do. They love them over there too. Bet you'll find your model there along with a year from their serial number database.

Good luck!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 09 - 09:32 AM

Hi "Multiple Sigma Owner"

Thanks for the reply - I had suspected the same thing at one point -and I had heard the same claim - that maybe tokai was the manufacturer for sigma at some point. I have searched online catologues that date from 1975 to 1984 from Tokai and have not found a guitar that I can confirm as my model (especially since mine has the "sigma" logo stamped inside).

To be more specific - the head of my guitar has a "mother of pearl torch inlay" - its not spelled out "Cat's Eyes" like the Tokai Guitars (although some Tokai guitars have the same logo).

Any further help would be great!

Pierre

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 09 - 09:38 AM

Hi "Multiple Sigma Owner"/Everyone

Further to the post above - here is the link to see pics.

http://s429.photobucket.com/albums/qq13/guitar33333_2008/

Thanks,

Pierre

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Kyle
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 12:07 AM

I own 2 D-10s now and im looking for a 3rd. One i have to play, and the other one is in a glass case that i will have until im 100 years old. Now my best friend of 30 years is begging for his own D-10. Im looking for a CLEAN anniversary edition, and i havent had any success for over 2 months now. Some one give me a heads up if they are willing to sell or know an owner. It will go to a good home and live a long and happy life in the hands of a gentle guitarist. My email is [e-mail] please contact me.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 06:29 PM

To Pierre    I once had a friend in the 70's that owned a GM car. The name on the front was "ASTRA" (Pontiac) but at the back it read "VEGA" (chevy)! I think you have the luthiers equivalent. The factory either attached a Tokai neck to a Sigma body, or picked up the wrong branding iron by mistake. It certainly gives strong evidence that Tokai was a manufacturer of the Sigma line. I have always thought my early DR-7 could have been made there.
A very unique instument of obvious high quality.

Cheers   Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Just picked up a D-10 !
Date: 13 Jun 09 - 02:32 AM

Been lurking this forum for a couple of years- I have an SDR-28H that I bought new in 1987 or 88. Love that guitar- changed the saddle to Tusq, and I believe that it can go toe to toe with many of the martins in my local guitar center (and most of the Gibsons and Breedloves...and some of the Taylors...) But I bought a D10 today and it blows away any other acoustic I've ever owned.   The price? $200. Yes, it has a few battle scars on the spruce top, but no cracks whatsoever, neck straight as an arrow, almost NO fretwear. Yes, I feel incredibly lucky.   Previous owner bought it new and had a martin passive pickup professionaly mounted under the saddle about 9 years ago. I also own a 1937 martin 017- (nyc stoop sale- $90!) and a 2005 Taylor 210e- nice sounding, no-frills solid body player. The D-10 is now hands down the nicest guitar I own. Absolutely complex sound !

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,zpivat
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 05:50 PM

I've been playing for 15 years, and bought a 1973 DR-7 a year ago from its first owner, with S/N starting by 73XXXX. I love the feeling of this guitar and will take good care of it to keep it forever.

Its plastic nut was dying from aging, it had a adjustable bridge with 2 metal pins on the extremities. All laminate, but with very nice woods, i believe the sides to be brazilian rosewood, color is really chocolate and veins are stunning. Back is more red, so probably indian rosewood, with a dark part, probably meaning it was taken from the center of the tree, which as i've read is a very good point. Spruce top is with very close veins. Visually all woods are exceptionnal and no crack at all. It has crappy tuner. I wonder if the all laminate construction isn't making this guitar even more martin voiced than a martin, if that makes sense to anyone.

I had nut replaced, and adjustable bridge removed and replaced by tusq directly in contact with the table, action was high so bridge was a little shaved down too, all done by a luthier. I later had a seymour mag mic installed in it and changed the pins (4 low to tusq, 2 high to ebony). i'll soon change tuners and fit a strap pin on the basis of the neck to make it fully playable on stage.

One important fact the luthier told me is that the frets are probably glued with epoxy as it was usual at this period on cheap guitars, which could make replacement of frets very hard. Any feedback on this point from other sigma owners is more than welcome as it could be a serious drawback on the sigmas.

I put martin red SP on it, don't put lighter strings if you want to hear the wood sing. V shaped neck is a bit tricky at first. This guitar is hard to play and needs to be attacked heavily to give its best. I would not advise it to a begginer but consider it like a pure gemn, especially for my muddy pentatonic blues style.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Nor Elgan
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:42 PM

Hi, my uncle gave me a Martin Sigma acoustic a couple of years ago.
It is a dreadnaught style with serial # 801155.
It has an electric pick up with a single volume control but I'm not sure if this is original.
It has, "Sigma Guitars Est. 1970" at the top but no other defining marks.
He won this guitar in a raffle sometime in the late 70's or early 80's I'm pretty sure.
He used it as a spare guitar in his country band so it wasn't used a lot.
It is in great condition and sounds great.
Does anyone have a clue what model this could be?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 08:31 PM

D10 just sold on e-bay yesterday- Went for the $950 "buy it now" price!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120435203930&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 04:43 PM

Howdy
Last year I got a 15 year old Taiwanese DR-41 solid top in very good condition. Paid $280 with a HSC. I can't afford a D35!
I carved and installed a bone saddle, installed some notched ebony bridge pins and mounted a gold colored strap button on the neck heel to match the gold Grover tuners. Strung it with Martin light gauge (except for a .046 and .056 bass). I adjusted the tension rod and the nut some, too.
It sings like whatever you think of when you hear a really nice guitar singing. Holds its tuning very well.
I aint no professional musician but I been pickin an grinnin going on 40 year now so I know what I like. It's a keeper.
Dave

PS - Glad to see Mr. Webb is still posting.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Dave in Mesa
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 03:54 PM

Howdy

Last year I got a 15 year old KOREAN DR-41 solid top/laminated bottom in VERY good condition. Paid $280 with a HSC. I can't afford a D35! Yet.

I carved and installed a bone saddle, notched and installed some ebony bridge pins and mounted a strap button on the neck heel to match the gold Grover tuners. I adjusted the tension rod and the nut some, too.

It sings like whatever you think of when you hear a really nice guitar singing. Holds its tuning very well. It's gorgous!

I aint no professional musician but I been pickin an grinnin going on 40 year now so I know what I like. She's a keeper.
Dave in Mesa, AZ

PS - 'Glad to see Mr. Webb is still posting.' My mistake. His last post was from many years ago. I hope he is well.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,guest ,brian
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 08:46 PM

I have a Sigma Guitars by CFMMartin&Co at top, and inside model#TB-IB serial#99050005 and barely see korea inside. can anyone give me any information on this acoustic guitar. thankyou!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: kimert
Date: 02 Aug 09 - 03:59 PM

Just picked up my first Sigma - a DR-7 with Rosewood sides and 2 piece back and looks like spruce on the top. The serial number is in the 11,000's and it's the original style with the paper label and the sideways M on the head. Probably '73 or so?

Someone was giving it away on craigslist . . I happened to just be in the right place at the right time - the woman who owned it told me the strings were too far off the neck to be played, and a local music store told her the neck was warped and couldn't be fixed.

Anyway, it ends up that the top is just bowed out a little behind the bridge and the neck isn't warped at all. Probably has been leaning on a wall for the last nn years with some Black Diamonds on it.

It sounds as big as a Martin and the workmanship is just fine.
I remember when Martin came out with the Sigmas. They didn't really strike me as being a "low end" guitar and were priced along with the high - mid range instruments. I mean - I bought a Martin D 12-20 for a little over $300 and the Martin D45's could be had for just over a thousand bucks at the time.

I buy and sell guitars mostly, but after looking at what these are going for on eBay (200-300) I might just keep it. There is not a guitar out there anywhere right now that has the quality and big sound that this has for less than a grand.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: kimert
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 06:45 AM

Got a little slide presentation made up so you see the DR-7 Here is a link to the Sigma DR-7 in my last post.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: kimert
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 10:56 AM

I Just listed this 1974 DR-7 on eBay if anyones interested.
Auction #220461866200

***************************************************

Just picked up my first Sigma - a DR-7 with Rosewood sides and 2 piece back and looks like spruce on the top. The serial number is in the 11,000's and it's the original style with the paper label and the sideways M on the head. Probably '73 or so?

Someone was giving it away on craigslist . . I happened to just be in the right place at the right time - the woman who owned it told me the strings were too far off the neck to be played, and a local music store told her the neck was warped and couldn't be fixed.

Anyway, it ends up that the top is just bowed out a little behind the bridge and the neck isn't warped at all. Probably has been leaning on a wall for the last nn years with some Black Diamonds on it.

It sounds as big as a Martin and the workmanship is just fine.
I remember when Martin came out with the Sigmas. They didn't really strike me as being a "low end" guitar and were priced along with the high - mid range instruments. I mean - I bought a Martin D 12-20 for a little over $300 and the Martin D45's could be had for just over a thousand bucks at the time.

I buy and sell guitars mostly, but after looking at what these are going for on eBay (200-300) I might just keep it. There is not a guitar out there anywhere right now that has the quality and big sound that this has for less than a grand.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: The Sandman
Date: 03 Aug 09 - 01:07 PM

I played a sigma,when I a played a gig at Coatham Mundeville folk club,it belonged to the organiser John Snowball,it was good.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: PHJim
Date: 04 Aug 09 - 12:39 PM

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Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Mike Mullins UK
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 05:34 AM

Hi, I've just aquired a Sigma DR-7 and I'm trying to find out a bit more about these guitars. The one I have has the sideways "M" on the headstock, adjustable bridge and seems to be of all laminate construction. It came with the original hard case and inside is the factory inspection certificate with the test played date showing 47.12.27. I believe this dates it to 1972 (the 47th year of Hirohito's reign) although the seriel number begins 74----. This certificate also states that the guitar was fitted with "light" strings which I'm assuming means 11's. The questions I have are: I've read on here and on Wiki that DR-7's of this era are all solid construction so why is mine laminated? Also, I cant find any information on the material used for the neck. It looks too light to be mahogony and is more like a teak colour with a very deep ebony? fingerboard. Any info would be appreciated. Finally, the action is quite high, despite little neck relief, a low nut and low saddle. I cant detect any raising of the top, so it looks like thats how it was meant to be. Is this true of all of these guitars? Any answers or info would be really appreciated!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Guest Joseph Jeremiah
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 08:23 PM

It was nice to read about all the Sigma's out there.The fellow Sterling Webb really knew his stuff, Still I have a Question about my 52 SDR-7 SER# 15069 Any Ideas on year and such?? Mines like new, plays and sounds great. Value???? Thanks for any HELP""" Joseph

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Teawhy
Date: 12 Aug 09 - 12:12 PM

I have a Korean-made Sigma DR-2 (serial # 8811000127) purchased around 1987 that I'd love more info on. I'm the original owner, the sound is still strong, it has a decent amount of light wear, but I haven't found much about resale value online - any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,multiple sigma owner
Date: 13 Aug 09 - 07:29 PM

Joseph & Teawhy,

Not sure you're going to get much more information here than what is already posted. There just isn't much out there related to these guitars.

The guitars are worth what you can sell them for, and I don't mean that to be flippant. There just is no guide. The "most desirable" after the d-10 are the early dr-7's that were made in Japan. They "top out" at under $500 for a dead mint one, mostly, but there's always an exception. Without seeing your guitars and playing them, I have no idea. $200 - $300 is probably typical, maybe. Japanese typically bringing higher value than korean.

Joseph, the closest you'll come to a date, is a "range". Here's the best guide I can give you.

If it has the greek sigma headstock, with the sigma symbol that resembles a "sideways M", it is pre-1978. Most likely then a 1977 as the serial number is fairly high. (then you have to assume that they were numeric and there is little evidence of that but it's logical). If it has the "established 1970" headstock, it is 1978 or newer as that began the "second generation". We know this from looking at and collecting old advertisements.

It seems that if it has the "1970" headstock and a paper label, it is most likely 1978 or 1979, and if it has no paper label but a branding on the back brace it is most likely 1980-1984 if it's "made in Japan". Korea production started after that, and is typically thought to have ended around 1988, when it moved to taiwan.

Hope that helps, not much more to say, I'm afraid.

Thanks -

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: leerockarolla
Date: 14 Aug 09 - 06:27 PM

Hello, I have a acoustic cutaway Sigma guitar made by Martin. It says it was made in Korea for Martin & Co (Stamped on the inside). I'm assuming somewhere after 1984. I was wondering what info you could give me on this guitar. Year it was made and if it is a rare guitar or vintage? Can anyone send me perhaps a link or pictures of an old catalogue (pdf) file or something with pictures and info? Looking through the sound hole on the neck block there is a number stamped. Looks like 803134. The first #8 is hard to tell if it is an 8 or maybe a 3. Looks more like an 8. There is another number stamped when I look directly straight down into the sound hole (NOT on neck block). This number is 249332 and there is also(separately)DR-3C. I can't find anything on a DR-3C on the internet or in any books. I thought maybe it was DR-30 and not DR-3C but after taking a realy good look with a flashlight it IS DR-3C.(very odd). Unless it is a perfect half print of the number 0 but sure doesn't look like it. This thing sounds amazing. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks