Sigma Guitars
 

Hey

I have been searching for my perfect fit for a while. Something that I loved how it sounded, looked, and fit the budget. I knew I wanted an 000 size and I stumbled on a Sigma 000m-15. I couldn't be more excited about it. They seem like they sound great, I love the look, and I feel like the price is good. It was 340 with shipping from the UK. I'm a little nervous about the long journey especially with the excessive heat right now.

I haven't seen this brand mentioned on this forum (I could have missed it). Wondering what you all think of the purchase or the guitars.

This model has the diecast tuners, they make the same guitar with the grover nickel side mounts and split headstock.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlU53V7BD1A
http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=247
http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=378

SEND IT BACK!!! Just Kidding...the only Sigma Guitar I ever played was a dime store cardboard display poster...Er, no come to think of it...that's what I used it for...anyway, good luck...never know...

Sigma was the entry level brand made in Asia for Martin. I believe that these guitars were first shipped to Nazereth, PA for inspection and set-up before being sold. The Sigma I played looked and sounded nice for the level of instrument it was.

To be honest, before coming to this forum..which, was just a week ago probably...the only way I knew to learn about guitars was by trial and error...and of course, we know that can be time consuming and costly...I have worked on them, and played and learned from my mistakes...and even lucked up on quite a few of them... but, I wish I had found this site before I ever purchased my first guitar,,, Which, then again, would have been impossible, as the Internet, or, public access and ownership wasn't offered to the public for 16 years after I purchased my first guitar....and..Sigma may be a GREAT Guitar...but, from personal experience, at least with the few Sigmas I've run into...they are not REAL guitars...maybe I need to use the access of internet,
( Now that it's readily Available) to research the more recent reviews before commenting on something I really don't have a clue about....But, then again, I believe 90% of internet product reviews are scripted...

I just can't bring myself to buy a guitar online...unless It's just something I intend to stick in a corner and look at...I have to PLAY what I intend to play.:D

The Sigma name has been re-launched by a German company and the guitars being made now have nothing to do with the earlier Korean/Japanese models.

I have only heard very positive things about the new Sigmas. Let us know what you think of it!

Yeah, that's what I was reading on their site. Looks like this is a re launch with a serious attempt to have great quality. I'll let you know what I think when it gets here.

I've been going to GC to play all the martin guitars they have as I was trying to decide on a D-28 or D-35, or something cheaper that has that sweet sound. Then I came across threads on Sigma guitars and the mostly positive information on them. I just bought one of the new ones unseen from the US distributor, I figured for $469, if the DR-35 (their version of the D-35) sounded anything like the real deal it should be playable. They sell them on eBay as well, but I called them as I wanted to talk to them, especially since it's a pawn shop. Why a pawn shop as a distributor...not sure about that one. Anyway, they set it up for me as well and it plays and sounds like a million bucks to me! Love playing this thing.

Won't hear much as the use of the name is predicated on keeping sales in Europe. They won't be imported except when someone has an individual purchase shipped in.

The only Sigma-Martin I've played was a Korean-made classical and it sounded like it was made of plywood...3/4" exterior plywood to be concise!

Good job we're not discussing those Sigmas then! :rolleyes:

I played a 000m-15 this very afternoon in GuitarGuitar in London, and was impressed! I didn't A/B it with its Martin equivalent, as I'd gone to fetch another GS Mini, but it sounded as a mahogany guitar should (I have a D-15 and Guild M20 and an all-hog parlour) and played nicely right off the wall hanger.

As an aside, aren't Sunday-opening guitar shops marvellous?

It can't be a completely faithful reproduction, it didn't need a setup! :D

I have a new Sigma mahogany dread. I love it. Great neck, great build quality and sounds fine.

Here's a review of one of the new Sigma models: http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/g...-537270/review

I may well buy another of this brand. Excellent value.

Did you build an A Frame over it and hang shingles? :D

Sigma
 

I have a Sigma DR-45 that has an ink stamp inside the body same as american made Martins. The stamp reads "Sigma Guitars Made in Japan for CF Martin & CO" next to that is also stamped " 2 DR-45" The guitar is Natural Solid Spruce top with Solid Rosewood back and sides. Has large abalone diamond shaped inlay at the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th frets. Abalone binding around spruce top, around the top and bottom of sides, around the back of body, and around the heel of neck, abalone rosette, around the fretboard where fretboard sets on top of the spruce top, abalone continues down on both sides of where the fretboard runs from top of body down to heel of neck, and down on the end block where strap button is from top of side to back of sides. It has the logo "Sigma Guitars est 1970" in a gold Mother Of Pearl inlay. The guitar was made between 1980-1984 from what I can find in researching on internet. The action is set so that a regular american quater(25 cent coin) just touches the low E as I slide onto the 12 wire fret. This guitar sounds just as quality as my 1990 Gibson J-45. I have performed what i call the S-G 45 sound challenge with a few long time Gibson acoustic owners/players and they honestly can't tell the difference. While they are standing approx 15 feet away with back turned to me with blind on I strum my Sigma DR-45 and my Gibson J-45 one at a time for about 20 full slow strums each and they can't tell the difference honestly without just guessing. I bought the Sigma DR-45 3 weeks ago at Guitar Center. Someone had traded it in and got a new Martin I was told when I spotted it hanging on their used acoustic section of the wall in the acoustic room. I got the employee to get it down for me as it was hanging from top rack. The strange thing is they had it listed as a 20DR on tag and price of $599. Well the lighting in the acoustic room is not all that great and I had to walk around to get a good spot for lighting and hold the guitar just at a weird angle to be able to get a good look at the model number and it is stamped " 2 DR- 45" I strummed it about 10 strums and then immediately grabbed an old old old used J-50 Gibson they had hanging there with a $3500 price tag(I have played this Gibson J-50 for last few months each time I stopped in there) and the Sigma sounded just as impressive, so I purchased the sigma for $599 as I never said anything to the Guitar Center about them having it listed as a 20DR. After I purchased it I looked at my receipt and my receipt says I purchased a Vintage Sigma 20DR for $599. The thing is I have not found any such Sigma model as a 20DR on the internet and can't find a 20DR even mentioned in the wiki history which is very detailed I may add. Also, the wiki history does mention the fact that sometime between 1989-1984 prior to Sigma moving from Japan to Korea they made several DR models including a DR-45. I have found that Sigma factory located in China is making and selling a new version/Copy of the Sigma DR-45 for $1000. The pic is not all that great they use on the website, but it appears to have the Abalone binding similar to my sigma, the China copy has a paper label inside on the Back panel that says Made in China. I can't find a Japan made DR-45 for sale anywhere on the internet so I can get an idea of what mine is worth. I would like to know if anyone has a clue as to what this Authentic Japan made Digma DR-45 would be worth. I will post some pics of it.

Rollmodel, I have the twin sister to your Martin Sigma DR-45. My wife bought it for me new in 1984, so it is either a '83 or '84 model year. I have tried for years to get some info on this guitar with no luck. I did several years ago get in contact with an appraiser for Martin Co. that told me they only made the DR-45 one year in Japan and if my memory is correct he said there were less than 100 made. This conversation took place some ten to fifteen years ago so my memory may be distorted. Hope to learn more about this guitar.

It would be nice to hear an update from the OP ??

I don't have a current-model Sigma, but I have an 80's Japanese Sigma DM-18 you'd have to kill me to get. It plays nearly as well as my Telecaster, has a great tone and smells great to boot (obscure David Gilmour reference there :D ). It's never needed any repairs other than a worn-out nut and saddle. I've sworn that as I've divested myself of my gear over the years it will be the last guitar I part with.

Sigma DR-41
 

Yes I know that some brand loyalists will say it's not a Martin & I know it isn't, but I have an 80s model DR-41 made in Tiawan never the less that my wife suprised me with because we saw it at a flea market we were at & I played & liked it to my suprise. It is very bassy, but when flatpicking bluegrass songs it totally comes to life. Doesn't actually sound that extraordinary when strumming, but when you flatpick it it's like it completely changes in that it really cuts through well is loud & sounds great. Do pretty much all of the higher end Sigmas do this ??? It's just hard to believe how it compares to my Buddys old D-35. He plays it a lot too & is a very accomplished serious bluegrass player with a bunch of high dollar Martins & Gibsons & really likes it & has even tried to buy it or trade me out of it. He modifies a lot of Martin guitars including D-28s & 35s too for bluegrass pickers that make them sound better (rescallops braces & changes bracing patterns etc.) & says he'd love to have it & work on it. What are your opinions on letting him do this ???? Thanks

Sigma DR-41
 

My DR41 is from the 2000-2007 time frame, I think it sounds great strummed and isn't too bad fingerstyle with my bare nubs. My wife has asked me why I play it more than the Cruz...I have a lot of excuses. Apples and Oranges. I love them both.

A Happy Sigma DR-42 Owner
 

I agree with those who have actually played, or own, a new and current Sigma Guitar. I'm always amazed at all the Sigma "haters" I come across throughout this and other guitar forums. Get a grip people! Focus on the the new Sigma line of guitars that the German company AMI Musical Instruments GmbH distributes. I purchased a Sigma Guitar in April of 2014 from the "pawn shop" on eBay (great guys and stressless purchase!); it's a Sigma DR-42 made in 2012. It is a beautifully made acoustic guitar! Yes, it has laminate sides and back but, so do most great acoustic/electric guitars! My Sigma plays easy, sounds GREAT, and looks fantastic!! You can judge for yourself at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dfl-IMTkQs

I'm very happy with my Sigma DR-42, and recommend the Sigma Brand to other guitar players. When they play mine, they can't believe the flawless workmanship and the sound that emits from this made in China acoustic guitar. You can still get the Sigma Brand distributed by AMI Musical Instruments GmbH in Canada (LA Music to name one). In the USA they are sold under the name Kindred Guitars. I own other acoustic guitars besides the Sigma DR-42: a Taylor 2014 First Edition 800e #49 of 100, an Epiphone AJ-500RENS, and an Ibanez AVN1 - the Sigma DR-42 can holds it own!
Before you judge, make an effort to educate yourself by playing the current edition of the Sigma Guitar brand. You just might be surprised by them!:guitar:

I bought a Sigma 000M-15 here in the UK 3 years ago. This was the solid top, laminated b/s model with the 14th fret neck to body join. It looked just like the Martin equivalent and was nicely made.

As a pick player I found the top would overdrive a bit too easily for me resulting in a very muddy sound if you strummed too hard. I don't know if the same would be true of the Martin guitar it is copied from as I've never played one.

So I sold it.

+1 What he said!

I got a Sigma OOO28VS around Xmas time.All solid woods,bone nut and saddle,but no case.It was £370 all in,apart from a small truss rod tweak it
played great,no set up needed.This is good value I think.Its not a Martin
but it's getting there.I find ideal for open mics etc.:D

I think that in the U.S. there is also some confusion around the "new" Sigma name. As far as I understand the German company has license with Martin for certain design features and sells the Sigmas everywhere except the U.S. where they are called "Kindred". In the U.S. the Sigma brand is a completely different company that has no affiliation with Martin or the old Sigma history.

Good point and correct

The above is correct, I'm just adding the names of the players if anyone is interested:
St. Louis Music owns the rights to the "Sigma" name in the United States. Martin's copyright lapsed and St. Louis Music bought it. The "Sigma" guitars
sold in the U.S. do not have anything to do with the old Martin "Sigmas".
AMI purchased the rights to the Sigma brand for the rest of the world and everyone considers AMI Sigmas/Kindreds to be the legitimate heirs to the Sigma throne, if you will. The AMI Sigmas are sold under the brand name "Kindred" in the U.S.

Here's the info from AMI's website:

http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=222

Jimmy

I always thought they were a pretty good "bang for the buck" guitar..

Correct you are. The same company that owns Alvarez bought the Sigma name so a guitar from that company, sold here, is what we now call a Sigma.

Here they are talking about the Kindred.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=335727

I played an older original Sigma a few months back and sadly, it was crap.

I got this one new for $650 Cdn. a few months ago as kind of guitar for high risk places so that I don't get rolled for one of my Martins. It has a similar Martin sound and very playable. Obviously it doesn't sound as good as my D18 or HD35 but if you only had $650 to spend this would be a good buy. I tried the Martin PA cheap ($1,500) series, the Eastman something or other dread for $1,000 as well as a few other makes and the Sigma was the best fit for me as it feels very similar to my 2 Martins and sounds in the same ballpark so to speak. Stuck a K&K Mini in it over the weekend and all in all it's a nice rig. Fit and finish is good, intonation is good but I'd suggest playing a few as there was a little bit of variation in the ones I tried.

http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=380

I purchased a new/old stock Sigma Sd28ce from the new US distributor. Very nice and capable guitar for the price. Wish the shop had taken better care of the humidity. Its been marinating in the case since Saturday. Puffing back up nicely now.