#Sigma guitars serial numbers serial numbers#
#Sigma guitars serial numbers series#

While it was long believed that the serial numbers of Sigma instruments were of little use in dating the instruments (except on the DR-28N and DR-35N, which were assembled and finished in Nazareth in 1981/вЂ™82 using Japanese-made parts and marked вЂњMade in USAвЂќ), today there is a basic understanding of how they work, based in part on the many factories that produced Sigma instruments. Martin & Co.вЂќ This continued for a few years, until the company began building in Korean, and returned to paper labels. Collectors call this the вЂњfootball stamp,вЂќ and it reads вЂњSigma Guitars/Made in Japan For C.F. Paper labels were phased out in favor of a pressure-incised oval on the back brace inside. Also, the model numbering system used on guitars was rearranged to even more closely align with Martin designations (a move seen as good for marketing). In 1980, the line was expanded to include the SA-1 mandolin and SB-226 and SB-229 banjos. In 1980, solid-top Sigmas were re-named numerically to correspond to the Martin model they emulated, and this was the top of the line. Made by Tokai Gakki, it had a great, percussive low-end attack and remarkable overall balance. Its laminated-mahogany back and sides gave it a bright, warm tone. Note the вЂњspatulaвЂќ headstock and Greek Sigma symbol logo.

#Sigma guitars serial numbers series#

In a 1979 brochure, these were duly delineated as the 7, 5, and 3 series models with higher numbers were given higher-quality materials and more-attentive craftsmanship, as well as overall quality and quantity of appointments. In addition, several new solid-top guitars were rolled out, along with beginner and intermediate instruments. In вЂ™76, Gen II Sigmas made in Japan were introduced with the type S peghead, a new logo, different label, and other changes to synchronize with MartinвЂ™s domesitc models. Other twists for Gen II included a line of five Tokai-made electric solidbody guitars, and the first non-guitar вЂ“ the SB-5 banjo.Дuring this and later periods, Sigma actually made several types and models of acoustic and electric guitars, but they were mostly exported to Europe and distributed through Levin & Sons, a Martin-owned company based in Sweden.

Those tops were part of the upgrades on three models вЂ“ the DT-22, DR-11, and DR-9 вЂ“ which also sported a tapered headstock closer to the modern Martin company documents referred to the design as the вЂњtype SвЂќ peghead. Martin & Co., Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA.вЂќ The model designation was usually hand-written in ink along the bottom border.Д«y late вЂ™72, the zero fret was being phased out and the saddle made non-adjustable, but still perched on a fixed bridgeвЂ¦ except on the 12-string DR-12-7 вЂ“ a fact that plagued Martin sales reps, who were advised to вЂњconvertвЂќ dealers to the DM-12-5.Д«eginning in вЂ™73, certain lower-end models were manufactured in Korea, setting a pattern of multi-country/multi-manufacturers that continued throughout the run.Д«y 1974, the initial Gen II instruments had arrived, and while they retained the spatula headstock and covered truss rod, they turned things up a notch by introducing solid tops. Some very early DR-7 and DM-5 batches had what collectors call an interior вЂњtype zeroвЂќ white label with a black border and the Gen I logo printed with вЂњProduced and distributed by C.F. The initial batches had a zero fret, covered truss-rod access, and bridges with a saddle вЂњelevator.вЂќ Roughly 20 models were offered the classical instruments had slot pegheads, while the acoustic flat-tops were characterized by a flat headstock reminiscent of a chefвЂ™s spatula (and now nicknamed as such), with the logo consisting of a gold decal of the word вЂњSigmaвЂќ surmounted by the corresponding Greek letter (в€‘) in mother of pearl. The instruments employed economy-minded materials like laminated woods for their tops, sides, and back, but were generally well-constructed. Seeking to compete in the market for budget-grade instruments, in 1970, Martin began importing acoustic guitars made by subcontractors in Japan. In an attempt to remedy the situation, we offer this guide to the essential information on the enigmatic brand. Thus, there is scant information on the brand вЂ“ mostly anecdotes in far-flung strands of the internet suppositional at least, unsubstantiated at best.

If youвЂ™re one who has developed a taste for them (or other vintage Japanese brands), you likely know that Martin вЂ“ as it readily admits вЂ“ kept few notes regarding the Sigma line. Long overlooked and relegated to an obscure corner of the collectible market, Sigma by Martin guitars have recently gained popularity among a new generation of collectors.