Sigma Guitars

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,gkhbbc13
Date: 09 Jan 10 - 09:37 PM

I thought it was about time I added to this sigma fray. About 20 years ago I was teaching my brother how to play guitar (no I didn't charge him though I thought about it;) and having only one guitar at the time (Alvarez model 5227)it seemed only prudent to purchase a used guitar with reasonable sound at a better than reasonable price for him to learn on. I came across a 1980 Sigma Anniversary (anniversary on the 20th fret)with some minor fret wear on the third fret, the cost was in my neighborhood - $75.00. After playing, it quickly became one of my favorites (I only had two). Long story short, When he got married I gave it to him as a wedding present - He still owns that marvellous guitar. Since then I have been fortunate enough to purchase two (2) more anniversary guitars on ebay. One purchased in 2002 and the other more recently. After I replaced the plastic saddles with bone saddles the guitars just rock. There is no doubt in my mind these guitars are hands down some of the best made acoustic guitars. The tone is brillant, the neck remains straight (30 years old)on all three of these guitars. My brother and I now know how lucky we were to stumble across one (let alone three) of these guitars thanks to Sterling Webb. Big shout out to Sterling for his painstaking research and willingness to share with all of us Sigma fans. I am proud to say, as it stands, my family owns a full 3% of the market of Sigma Anniversary Guitars. Now if I can just find where the other 97% of them are hiding......:)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bob Mayrid man
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 06:39 PM

HI Carl thanks for the offer but I dont really think I could part with the Tram we have been too much history.

The Sigma guitars to go for are the ones made before 75 as they were made from very high class woods, the stock ran out about this time and Sada san the old man who founded the factory in Nagoya was bankrupted also about this time. Im not saying that the Korean ones are not good value for money but the ones from this era are fantastic instruments.

Bob san

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Aidan. North East England.
Date: 02 Jan 10 - 02:56 PM

I bought a new Korean built Sigma 000-18 in the early '90s (serial number starts 9308, the rest is obscured by the 000-18 stamp but might end 0092). Although cosmetically it is not perfect (the body end of the fretboard is badly finished) I've had no complaints about it's sound. I bought it from a shop owned by a local Luthier who was extolling the virtues of these guitars for their price.
From what I've read these guitars have a solid Spruce top (mine definitely has)& laminated mahogany back & sides. Mine (chosen from 2 in the shop at the time)has a flamed maghogany neck and a fine chevron flamed mahogany back (split from the centre seam outwards). This is not some photo-flame effect which they apply to cheap electrics, as the flame moves as you tilt the guitar. The flame is visible on the inside (back) of the body as well, although not matching the direction of the pattern on the outside. What I don't understand is why they would use flamed mahogany on the inside of a comparatibely inexpensive guitar !

For information (for those interested in current prices) - there is a Sigma DR41 for sale in a local guitar shop for £299.00

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jan 10 - 02:13 PM

Hi! Im Carl
I'm interested about your guitar trameleuc ah 10 ec.
Do you sell it? I can offer you 2000$

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: WORRIEDMAN
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 11:47 PM

Hello All, I am looking for information in a Sigma DR2 with a serial number of 88010878, from what I've read this guitar was made in Korea but I;d like to know the approximate year and any other info that you have, Thanks Wayne

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Wayne Colton
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 10:43 PM

Hello, My brother just phoned to tell me he had purchased a DR2Sigma with the Serial Number 88010878, I told him I'd get some info on this guitar but I've found the information is scarce. Could someone give me some info on where in was made or the approximate year. Thanks - Wayne

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Bob Mayrid man
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 11:43 AM

HI I have just became the owner of a Sigma CRS-6 serial 73032938 adjustable bridge, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany back and sides.

Very nice sounding guitar. I believe it was made in the early 70s at the Sada Yairi factory in Nagoya Japan.
I also have a Trameleuc AH10 serial 70270. I have an idea these guitars were actually made in the same factory both under license. The Trameleuc is one of the best sounding jumbos I have herd.

I would like to here from anyone who as interest in these instruments

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Scott
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 08:54 AM

There is a Sigma guitar on my local Craigslist that the owner claims is a 1970's DR 8. The only references I can find are for DR 7 0r DR 28. Anyone ever hear of a DR 8? Thanks..Scott

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Fr. Anthony McNeill
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 11:47 AM

I too own one of the 100 Sigma anniversaries bought for my 21st Birthday in Denmark Street London, 1983. Great tone, crisp and with the Fishmann pick placed inside plays well through an aer amp.
You can see me play on You Tube in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Spain. Check out one being played. Would love to hear any other Sigmas live? Anyone got a link? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMckvgUcAYY
Been playing it for years at gigs and it still produces a full bodied sound. Will never part with it as it has too much sentimental value.
Fr. Anthony ofm

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 08:33 AM

For those of you that missed it, a DR-7 MIJ just sold on ebay for $780 US. Be nice to your Sigmas!

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 01:08 PM

Proto.....Here is a paste from way up this thread from Stirling Webb,a well advised contributor. He has not responded in a long while so I fear he is no longer with us. AS FOLLOWS............... "Also made in small numbers in 1979-81 were Sigma models with the prefix 52S, as in 52SDR-7. Curiously, they are made entirely from some very strange laminates. The 52S series were sold as "professional" instruments; they have a pure clean resonant tone (like a high-end maple Gibson) which combines well with the human voice and records cleanly without a fuss. (I've had three of these, and all had thoroughly rigid construction, dead straight necks that had not moved in 25 years, low fast action, and great playing ease, as well as fine sound.)

Cheers   Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,prototypedriver
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 10:51 AM

still looking for an answer.... thanks for everyones time in advance

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,ejollay
Date: 04 Dec 09 - 07:49 PM

I bought my sigma CS2 in the late 80's, new with a black cardboard case for $138. I have used it for many years at campfires with the Girl Scouts. I started taking classical guitar lessons and my teacher told me I needed something better to improve. I got a R3 Ramirez with a hard case for 6 times the costs. I kept the CS5 but bought a Alvarez steel string for more volume at camp. And I wonder how I ended up with 7 guitars! Now down to 5 after selling one and giving another to a student of mine.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 09:17 PM

amgis80      S is for solid TOP    the earliest Sigmas were made of both laminate and solid tops but neither carried the S designation. You just had to look real hard to see what the top was made of. the S came sometime later as they moved to all laminate construction, then it became a premium. There is no set rule though as the strangest thing. show up!   Your D-10 is all solid

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,amgis80
Date: 02 Dec 09 - 05:26 PM

I'm glad to have found this Sigma thread. I have one of the elusive Sigma D-10 Anniversary models (serial # 815924). Received it as a Christmas gift in 1980. Thirty years old and going strong. Always knew it was beautiful in looks and sound, and would never part with it, but until recently I did not know the backstory of the D-10 and the desirablity of this great guitar.   

I do have question, but it is about the SDR-28 versus DR-28. I recently purchased a Korean (1993)SDR-28 (serial # 93060187). My initial understanding was that the "S" in SDR stands for "solid" spruce top, but my understanding is that the DR-28 of the same era also had a solid spruce top. If both of these models have solid tops, then why the extra "S" in SDR-28? From discussion on other sites, most folks describe the SDR-28 as having laminate back and sides (like the DR-28), but then exactly what does the "S" stand for? I've wondered whether the S in SDR means solid body, too. Wishful thinking? Anyone know?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,PROTOTYPEDRIVER
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 11:33 PM

I HAVE A MARTIN SIGMA MODEL 52SDR-9 SERAL # 18263. IT WAS MY GRANDFATHERS.... IT IS IN MENT CONDITION.... BUT I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT.... ALL I KNOW IS THAT THEY DIDNT MAKE VERY MANY OF THESE..
I KNOW ITS NOT FOR SALE... SO DONT ASK... I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT THE VALUE OF IT AND HISTORY OF IT... IT WILL BE PASSED DOWN TO MY CHILD... AS IT WAS PASSED TO ME... I HAVE LOOKED FOR INFO ON THIS MARTIN SIGMA.... BUT HAVE VERY LITTLE ON IT... I JUST KEEP HEARING HOW THEY DIDNT MAKE MANY OF THEM... I WOULD LIKE ALOT OF DETAILS ABOUT IT... PLEASE SEND ME ANY INFO ON IT ... MY EMAIL IS [e-mail] OR IM ME PROTOTYPEDRIVER ON YAHOO... MY MYSPACE IS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PROTOTYPEDRIVER I WOULD PUT MY PHONE NUMBER.. BUT I KNOW SOMEONE WILL ABUSE IT... SO CONTACT ME WITH ONE OF THOSE.. I WILL CHECK BACK HERE.... TOO

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Lefty
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 03:32 PM

Does any one know the value and history of the sigma SE 19 made in Japan cut away electric acoustic guitar. I purchased one in the early 80's and have rediscovered its beauty. How many were made? I can find little to no information on this guitar. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 10:18 AM

Zach The top may or may not be solid, check the edge of the soundhole for clues as to whether it's laminated. Back and sides will be laminate. You really need to play it with a fresh set of strings and compare it to similar sized guitars to know. If you like the sound that is the real question, if you do grab it.
Look for a flat top/solid bridge connection/straight neck/action and if thes is enough saddle to modify, and other structural issues.

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Zach
Date: 01 Dec 09 - 05:08 AM

So, I've been interested in getting one of these for a while, and now I've been offered one.

There seems to a load of scholars here - what can you guys tell me about a GCS3? I'll try it before I buy it, obviously, but is it solid, etc.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 25 Nov 09 - 02:08 PM

To Guitaaress,   Shame on you , you didn't do your homework therefore you are commenting on something you shoudn't because you lack information. No worries, we will educate you. There were Sigma models made at the Nazareth plant. The DR-28N and the DR-35N are 2 of them. The N suffix tells us this. Taylor, Santa Cruz and Collings are good instuments but not everyone can afford them Your comment on the Sigma brand..."they are excellent value if carefully chosen as the quality varies greatly"....applies to ANY mass produced brand at any price point. Tonal deficiencies appear at ALL prices, I own and have owned and played/recorded Martins and Taylors. My Japanese DR-7 competed with these guitars on many occasions and performed very competently.
I have read this thread from top to bottom and I have yet to read a post stating these intruments were renuine Martins.
What I have read is that there are many owners that tested their Sigmas agaainst the big dollar brands and couldn't justify the huge difference in cash for, at times a minimal gain in performance.
Your 76 tour to Martin enforces the claim that all Sigmas were setup and inspected in Nazareth before being delivered to the dealers. Thank you for that.
Please don't be a "brand snob", spend some time reading this thread.
You will learn a lot.

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: guitaaress
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 05:56 AM

I toured the Martin factory in 1976 and saw literally piles of Sigma guitars at the factory that were inspected restrung and sold to Martin retailers with CF Martin backing. Any idea that they are anything but imitations of the real thing ie genuine Nazereth made Martins, is fanciful. But as Leadfingers points out they are are very workmanlike instruments.
The tonal deficiencies will be exposed when you take a Sigma into a recording studio and discover the absence of the extended harmonics that are the halmark of genuine handcrafted Martins and the other quality makers like Taylor, Santa Cruz and Collings especially. But as a budget instrument that plays well and does the job they are excellent value if carefully chosen as the quality varies greatly.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 23 Nov 09 - 12:25 AM

I have a Korean TB-1B that I picked up in the early 90's, It also has O C REJECT stamped on the back of the head stock. What is the deal with this? I can't find a whole lot wrong with the guitar except that the machine heads were not installed as straight as they should have been.
It's not a great guitar, but it's not bad either. I bought in Hollywood as a cheap instrument for traveling while my better guitars stayed home.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Magnus H, Gothenburg Sweden
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 07:14 PM

To Rick with the DR14.

Rick, I am allmost positive that all Sigmas imported and sold by Levin was all laminate. I have had that information first hand from people with background in the Levin company, and it is also stated in the Sigma catalogs distributed by Levin.

Levin had their own people sourcing instruments from Japan, and in the beginning they were sold under the brand name Nippon Best. Nippon Best were available in both Gibson style and Martin style. Later they branded all Japanese import guitar Sigma, and there were still models starting with SG which had a typical Gibson shaped headstock. These are the only Sigmas I have seen which does not have a Martin shaped head.
One example here:
http://www.vintage-guitars.se/1970s_Sigma_SG-9_black.jpg

For those thinking all "greek-Sigmas" have solid top, I can say for shure that my greek GCR-7 (sideways M and zerofret, and adjustable bridge) is all laminate. I have reset the neck and inspected the wood under the fretboard carefully, there is no doubt.

Still a great sounding guitar.

Magnus

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,sigma dude
Date: 15 Nov 09 - 04:46 PM

I got my first guitar when I was 16, it was a cheap Yamaha, played it for 8 years~, then years later I bought myself a more expensive Yamaha, then 2 months after that I bought myself a 30+ year old DM-5 Sigma at a pawn shop for $100, excellent condition no serious issues, long resonance. Cleaned it *well* fret board, body, gave it new light Martin strings. I consider this to be the best acoustic I heard/ best $100 bucks spent. Proud to say, it says Made In Japan & CF MARTIN & COMPANY on the old darkened paper sticker inside. Never selling it. btw good to see all of you with the same passion.

Now my DM-5 acoustic and Electric BC Rich beast is all I own.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,RPA
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 11:28 PM

Neil,

The inside label has at the bottom "Manufactured in Japan". The inside label has the following information by line:

Sigma Guitars
Est.1970
CF Martin & Company
Model DR-15          (the DR-15 is stamped)
Serial No. 35089      (the 35089 is also stamped)
Manufactured in Japan

RPA

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,fret nut
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 09:14 PM

RPA where was your guitar made?

Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,RPA
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 12:15 AM

I see this is an old thread, but it was still great to read so much information about the history of Sigma guitars. I have a DR-15 with a S/N of 35089 that I bought brand new in 1978 in Harrisonburg, VA. My DR-15 is pretty much the same as Bob Spradlin's except it does not have abalone inlay around the hole. Mine has alternating black and white inlay around the hole.   

I had contacted Martin a couple of years ago to see if I could get any information about my DR-15. The representative at Martin told me they didn't retain serial number records for Sigmas, but noted the DR-15 model wasn't produced by Sigma until the mid-1980s. It's good to know someone else purchased one in 1978.

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: gavmusic
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 04:37 PM

My eBay finger got the better of me & I bought a Sigma CS2 classical guitar.

I'm interested to find out about how when it was made & if the CS2 is regarded as a good instrument.

The label inside says "Sigma Guitars, Est. 1970, C F Martin Company, Model CS2, Serial No: 890900024, Made in Korea".

It is in very good condition & has come up nicely after a clean & some lemon oil on the fingerboard.

As for my own perception of the CS2, it seems to be a pleasant instrument to play, although it feels very different from my "everyday" guitar (A Santos Martinez SM44). However, each time I play the Sigma I get more used to it. I am intending to use the Sigma for guitar pieces that use non-standard tunings (I am learning a couple at the moment) without having to disturb my main guitar. At least that's my excuse for having 2 classical guitars ;-)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,steve waggle
Date: 05 Nov 09 - 02:26 PM

I am really glad I found this discussion. I own a Sigma DM-5 that I traded a Yamaha electric and Fender amp in on. Reason being that I had to replace my father's acoustic that got destroyed at a party and being a college student, I had no cash. Was wanting to know if anyone knows the price range the DM-5 normally goes for? It is in excellent condition w/ no blems, scratches and plays perfect. Thanks

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 03 Nov 09 - 03:05 PM

Stefan, Glad you got a chance to see that ebay listing. The real answer to the identity of the guitar I believe was under the soundhole label the dealer had applied. I did send a note to the seller asking if he could see any clue of a stamping. He said he would look and get back but that didn't happen, no surprise. He also did not post my question. There is a very good chance the new owner uses this forum, so we may find out in due course.
Look forward to news of the database, a good idea.
I also am interested in MIJ guitars.
I have 4 Hohners, 3 Suzuki's, 1 Aria, all acoustic. I have 2 acoustic and 1 electric telly copy NORTHERN brand guitars that were made in japan for the Canadian market, info on these is virtually non existent. They are easily identified by the maple leaf on the headstock. My best guess is Hoshino made but I think the electric could be Tokai, high quality stuff.
My DR-7 is MINT and my best player.
My 65 Harmony Rocket and 66 Harmony Bobkat, and Seagull SM12 round out the collection.

My other Japanese collectible is my 1977 Toyota Celica GT Liftback.
Check out collectiblecars.nytimes.com
I search from time to time for Toyota guitars cause they are out there but no luck so far. Be nice to throw one in the Celica for fun! Cheers Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 04:20 AM

Hi Neil,
I just had a quick look at that "logo-less" DR-7 on eBay, and although I'm of course by no means an expert on Sigma guitars - I just started to learn about them a bit more, also courtesy of the various contributors of this very thread - my "gut feeling" somehow makes me doubt that this is indeed an original Sigma...

For me the key indicators are the fact that it simply doesn't have a Sigma logo on its headstock plus its internal label doesn't mention that it's a Sigma either (and I've also never seen a Sigma yet that had a label that looks the same as this particular one), so I'm inclined to think that this is not a Sigma DR-7, but who knows (as the variations of this brand are seemingly alarmingly endless)...

I've now somehow become quite fascinated with those old Japanese-made Sigma's, so I decided yesterday to create a little database (in MS Excel format) for myself (and maybe some others will be interested as well one day?) & attempt to bring a little "method to the madness" here...:)

My "Sigma-database" will exclusively consist of Japanese-made models from the 70's (so the original Sigma line), and I've decided to add as many as possible data - as found on the www - to it (currently based on 23 different categories, e.g. model name, adjustable bridge or not, type of label, body material etc. etc.), and in this way I'll hopefully be able to get a better understanding of the many existing variations out there of this fascinating brand...

Stefan

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 30 Oct 09 - 10:59 AM

Stean, Didn't realise you were a pro in the vintage guitar field, good to have you on this forum. I did not ever notice thee S vs Z issue...interesting. On another note, check out EBAY Item number: 380171080773 only 9 hrs left as i type. A very unusual dr-7, it's uncertain that it's what the seller says it is in my opinion. Hope you get to look at it before it ends and offer your opinion...

Cheers   Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 12:31 PM

P.S. -
RE : "I was interested to see your label quote "Imported and inspected by the CF Martin Organisation" in an above post. Organisation with an s instead of the American OrganiZation, Wonder what that signifies? Probably just a British influence on the Japanese."

Neil, the spelling of "The CF Martin Organisation" with an "S" was actually implemented in the second half of the 70's by...the Martin company itself, believe it or not.

I've seen literature/brochures by Martin from the 70's where they used this name, and apparently the reason why they decided to use this spelling was simply because Martin's management at the time thought that "The CF Martin Organisation" had a somewhat more "wordly" and international ring to it...:)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 28 Oct 09 - 12:07 PM

Hi Neil, no need to get worried about my sanity :), as I've been dealing in the field of vintage guitars (also the more obscure brands) since about 20 or so years, and I see it as a nice little challenge to find out a bit more about the history about these particular guitars, confusing as it may be...:)

Anyway, here's a pic showing the label of the GCS-6 with serial no. 5628 that was recently sold on eBay :
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/Sigma6E.jpg

I read somewhere that only the very earliest Sigma's had this particular paper label (and this sounds quite possible, considering the low serial number of this example), however note that the Sigma that was for sale here until last week had an even lower serial number (4747) yet had the same type of label as my example...

Confusing? Yes..
Interesting? Also yes!

Kind regards,
Stefan

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 08:59 PM

Stefan, You're going to drive yourself nuts trying to make sense of this brand. Yor fingerboard is most likely "ebonized" rosewood, a fancy way of saying "rosewood stained black". You will likely be able to see the rosewood grain pattern if you study it closely. This technique is widely used in guitar manufacturing Looked at your photos. Nice guitar! Looks as though it could have been made at the same location a my DR 7. I see a lot of similarities to the Tokai(Cat's Eyes)guitars that makes me think some Sigmas were made there. It's very likely there were a few Japanese plants under contract to make this brand that explains the difference in finishes/labels etc. I was interested to see your label quote"Imported and inspected by the CF Martin Organisation" in an above post. Organisation with an s instead of the American OrganiZation, Wonder what that signifies? Probably just a British influence on the Japanese.

Cheers Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 05:48 AM

P.S. - I forgot to add three more observations in my previous post :

1. the end of the fingerboard of the GCS-6 with serial number 5628 that was recently sold on eBay has a rather prominent curve, whereas the fingerboard of my example does not have this curve;
2. The headstock and the neck of the Sigma with serial no. 5628 have a GLOSSY finish, whereas the finish of my Sigma's headstock & neck is matte;
3. All Sigma's from the early 70's that I've seen so far clearly seem to have a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, but oddly enough the fingerboard and bridge of my Sigma almost appear to be made of EBONY, as the wood has a really dark (almost black) appearance...

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Oct 09 - 05:32 AM

Thanks for your input Neil, it's very much appreciated.

My Sigma does not have a zero fret, and here are some pics of my GCS-6 (which is b.t.w. a really great instrument, especially considering the price I paid for it last year) :

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/PICT2343.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/Body.jpg

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n314/the55thbeatle/FullII.jpg
I made a few addional observations about some of the earliest Sigma guitars, based on pics I've seen that were posted on recent eBay auctions :
- there were obviously different internal labels used on the early Sigma models; a Sigma GCS-6 with serial number 5628 (and which featured an adjustable bridge) was recently sold on eBay, and this guitar's paper label is quite different than the label of my example; this guitar's label bears the text "Imported and inspected by the CF Martin Organisation", whereas the label of my GCS-6 (which is only some 600 digits away from this one) does not have this text; the tuners of this example are b.t.w. also different than my guitar;
- Another GCS-6 with an 8-digit serial number (starting with "73") that was listed on eBay a while ago also has an adjustable bridge (plus the old SIGMA logo) but had exactly the same label as my guitar...
- Then there was a Sigma DM-5 (with serial number 4747) for sale here in the Netherlands until last weekend, and this model had the same features as my example : the "old" Sigma logo in big bold letters, non-adjustable bridge, no zero fret, the same paper label as my example & its serial number was 4747...interestingly enough its owner stated in her ad that she had bought her DM-5 NEW in 1981, and the previous owner of my GCS-6 told me that he had bought the guitar ALSO around this time, and it was new as well...

So, it appears that there's indeed not a lot of consistency here when looking at some of these early Sigma's...:) serial numbers of examples that were made in the early 70's are completely different (4 digits vs. 8 digits), most appear to have an adjustable bridge but some don't, then there are different internal paper labels etc..
Could it be that these earliest Sigma's were simply made by different manufacturers in Japan at the time, which could explain these differences?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: fret nut
Date: 26 Oct 09 - 09:49 AM

Stefan,    6260 should be an early model. Does the guitar have a "zero" fret? That is a fret very close to the nut (approx 3/16th inch. That is a good clue that it's an early one. Most early Sigmas will have the adjustable bridge but not all,depends when the stocks ran out and where it was made. I will take a fixed bridge anytime over an adjustable. As Iv'e said before, the only consistent thing with Sigmas is inconsistency.

Cheers, Neil

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,Stefan
Date: 23 Oct 09 - 03:44 PM

Hi,
there's some pretty interesting info so far in this thread about Sigma guitars, that's for sure!

I hope one of the experts can help me with the following question as well : I've got a GCS-6 (bought for approx. US $90) since last year, and its serial number is 6260;
Based on this serial number (plus the fact that it has the original "Sigma" logo in gold block letters) I'm assuming that it must have been made in Japan in the very early 70's, however what confuses me is that it does NOT have an adjustable bridge, which apparently all of the earliest GCS-models by Sigma should have...

So, is there any way of finding out if my GCS-6 is a really early model, or is it simply a fact that the serial numbers of those Japanese-made Sigma's from the 70's don't have any real consistency?

Thanks for your help!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jonathan reid
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 10:08 AM

What was the DM_18 made for i want to know?

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 02:05 PM

Fossil

Just click on the page numbers in brackets at top of page to get to earlier posts.

Page [1],[2],[3],

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Fossil
Date: 13 Oct 09 - 04:55 PM

Hey, JoeClones, what's happened to the rest of this thread? There's nothing like 500+ posts currently visible. Amongst the missing are the very informative early posts, on which most of the subsequent dating information was based. Please at least bring these back!

Subject: RE: Sigma Anniversary on EBay
From: GUEST,Dana
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 10:38 PM

That guitar went fast. If I remember correctly, it went for $577 US and change.

Subject: RE: Sigma Anniversary for sale
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 09:50 PM

There is a Sigma Anniversary in excellent condition for sale on EBay right now, Item number 270463735000. Check it out.
John (Valkyrie Guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,kysigma
Date: 22 Sep 09 - 10:34 PM

Hello, Multiple Sigma Owner,

I just wanted to let you know that at least some of the 52 series Sigmas have solid tops. I have a made-in-Japan 52SDR-9 which I purchased new in 1977, and it definitely has a solid spruce top.

My particular guitar has a laminated 3-piece rosewood back and sides, with white ivoroid bound top, back, fingerboard, and headstock. The greek "sigma" letter (sideways M) is inlaid on the rosewood covered headstock in MOP, with "SIGMA" in gold capital letters below it.

The rosewood fingerboard has inlaid MOP "snowflake" position markers, and the headstock is covered in rosewood veneer. The enclosed tuners have octagon shaped covers, and are silver in color.

This sound of this guitar has continued to improve with age, as would be expected with the solid top. I played it side-by-side back in '77 with other guitars of comparable price, and it sounded better by a significant margin. Not as good as the D-35 Martin I wanted, but definitely not run of the mill. It sounds better, in my opinion, than many of the lower end Martins of today, and at any rate, I would never let go of it because we have been together for so many years now.

kysigma

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: AgapeTile
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 01:42 PM

to Guest MIKE
There is an old Stella on sale at shopgoodwill.com
Good luck!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: Valkyrie Guy
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 12:44 PM

Hi all,
Well I just aquired my 2nd 1980 Sigma Anniversary mod.10. It is in very good condition, about a 9 in a scale of 1-10. My first one has brass nut, saddle, and pins. This one has Tusq saddle, pastic pins, and nut?
It was very dusty when it arrived, but after a good cleaning and some Gibson polish, along with a new set of strings,WOW what a great guitar these things are.
I am really fortunate to be able to own two.
John (Valkyrie Guy)

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Sep 09 - 07:51 AM

Hi, I have a Sigma DR-14! Made in Japan and on the label "imported and guaranteed by LEVIN Sweden, Göteborg", there is also a "M" stamped on the label. It is a 3 pieces back. It sounds fantastic! It has a solid top and I am not sure about the back and sides. Anyone can tell me more about this model and its value in case of a sell? The conditions are really great and the neck is still 100% straight with a nice action. Thanks for any suggestion. Rick

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,jojuki
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 02:28 PM

Just a note to express my thanks and admiration for the amount of effort and even scholarship that has gone into this thread, and for the information I've gleaned from it. I own a Sigma 52SGCS-4, serial number 25569, which I bought (I think) in 1979-80. Like a lot of players, I bought it as a cheap alternative to the higher end models. I played it for a while, but gradually moved on up to other, different and more expensive guitars. I basically abandoned my Sigma and it eventually was picked up by my teenage daughter. She and her friends horsed around with it for a time, but she eventually just stuck with her violin and left it alone. It sat in a corner of her room, uncased, unplayed and unloved for probably five years, essentially gathering dust. Not a case of abuse, exactly, but certainly neglect. When we decided to renovate our house, I retrieved it and decided to spruce it up and try it out. I cleaned it up, oiled the fingerboard, re-strung it and adjusted the action (a slight lift in the strings was the only structural change that had occurred in all that time of inactivity). I was astonished! It sounded beautiful and played with more ease and fluidity than far more expense guitars I had tried in the intervening years. It was like running into an old girlfriend, finding out she was as gorgeous as ever and . . . well, we won't go there. Let's just say I fell in love all over again, discovering qualities and charms I was too unevolved to see before, and now it's my acoustic of choice. Viva Sigma!

Subject: RE: sigma guitars
From: GUEST,ned
Date: 24 Aug 09 - 08:40 PM

RE: C

When I purchased my Sigma SDR-28C in 1989 I was told that the S was for Solid, the DR was for Dread-Rosewood with rosewood sides and the C was for Cedar top. I could be wrong, but mine does look more like cedar and sounds much more mellow that a spruce top.

Odd to put cedar on a dreadknot, but I believe this to be true.

I am very happy with mine after 20 years. It is nowhere near the HD-28 LSV we also have in the house in terms of sound, but far beyond any sound that I have gotten from any guitar for less that $2000.