Sigma Guitars Made In Japan

[Sigmania]

SIGMA Guitars was apparently established in 1970 in Japan when Martin decided to offer lower priced guitars but likely wanted to keep the Martin brand separate.

It is hard to know who made guitars for them as it has been shrouded in secrecy.

Some were definitely made by Tokai, but is not super clear which years and which models.

Hopefully this thread will begin to unwind that as time goes by.

Sigma production in Japan seems to have ended in 1983.

 

[Sigmania]

And an earlier Sigma from the mid 1970s. A Sigma DT22 with flamed maple back & sides, maple three piece neck with diamond volute, and abalone inlay logo with SIGMA symbol (or sideways M). Purple label.

I once owned this guitar but sold it years ago.

FWIW, Wikipedia says the body wood is Asian chestnut. Obviously wrong.... This is clearly maple.

And here it is being sold again on Reverb....

https://reverb.com/item/3378921-sigma-dt-22-1972-natural-figured-maple

 

[Sigmania]

Another guitar I once owned, a Sigma S2000.

So it has an “S” model number but does not have the paper label with the Martin logo in gold. Instead it has the football or oval brand on the inner brace that says Made in Japan.

I was told when I bought it that it was a prototype and was used at guitar shows to show the workmanship, etc.

I eventually sold it due to the clouding in the finish. Seems others from this period have that issue. Not sure if it can be fixed?

 

[Sigmania]

SDR11 or DR11 I once owned.

Paper label removed. Remnant shows purple Sigma symbol.

I believe this guitar was solid back & sides. Sounded amazing.

 

[Sigmania]

SDR9 or DR9 I once owned.

TRC, bound headstock, three piece back, snowflake markers.

SIGMA script and papaer label removed by previous owner.

Clouded finish.

Great player!

 

[NoPicks]

Here's a couple of Sigmas that ended up in my files over the years

Sigma SE-19

Not sure what model this is

 

[Sigmania]

That last one I believe is called an S2000. I had one. Was told it was a prototype or demo. Solid Indian rosewood was i recall. Nice one!

 

[Sigmania]

Here’s the S2000 I had.

Another guitar I once owned, a Sigma S2000.

So it has an “S” model number but does not have the paper label with the Martin logo in gold. Instead it has the football or oval brand on the inner brace that says Made in Japan.

I was told when I bought it that it was a prototype and was used at guitar shows to show the workmanship, etc.

I eventually sold it due to the clouding in the finish. Seems others from this period have that issue. Not sure if it can be fixed?

 

[Sigmania]

Interesting that this giutar has both logos.

Apparently 1978 was when the transition was made from the Sigma Greek symbol to the Martin type script?

Still has a TRC on the headstock



https://umgf.com/1978-japan-martin-sigma-grand-concert-size-gcs5-gu-t167697.html

 

[Sigmania]

One of my old guitars with the same label, Sigma logo on the headstock, but no TRC

No idea where this one fits in the timeline. 1979? 1979?

It's possible that there were different mfrs since this transition is not a smooth one? (New logo with the TRC and old logo without the TRC)

The snowflake markers, etc. are higher end than the 52SDR7S. Possibly different factory or production line.

 

[Sigmania]

Interesting 52SDR-7S

Circa 1976 ?

Has a TRC

52 = ?
S = scalloped bracing
D = dreadnought
R = rosewood (looks like curly mahogany...)
7 = overall grade
S = sunburst



Vintage 1970's Martin Sigma 52SDR-7S Acoustic Guitar! Made in Japan! | Reverb

 

[Sigmania]

Cool to see this original bill of sale from September 26, 1980.

Japanese acoustics – Claescaster

 

[Sigmania]

Circa 1980 DR41 on eBay

SIGMA DR-41 MADE IN JAPAN 1981 WITH HARDCASE | eBay

 

[Sigmania]

Note these other 1974 Tokai built acoustics for comparison.

1974 DR7

Friend has acquired a Tokai acoustic. I would like help identifying it.




and this 1974 Hummingbird.

 

[bluejeannot]

SDR11 or DR11 I once owned.

Paper label removed. Remnant shows purple Sigma symbol.

I believe this guitar was solid back & sides. Sounded amazing.

 

[bluejeannot]

Interesting 52SDR-7S

Circa 1976 ?

Has a TRC

52 = ?
S = scalloped bracing
D = dreadnought
R = rosewood (looks like curly mahogany...)
7 = overall grade
S = sunburst



Vintage 1970's Martin Sigma 52SDR-7S Acoustic Guitar! Made in Japan! | Reverb

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The back and sides of this guitar are laminated figured Ovangkol I think. This was used by Japanese builders such Yamaki who made the Japanese Washburns as a less expensive substitute for rosewood although it is a fine tone wood in it's own right.

 

[Sigmania]

I’ve seen Daions with this wood too and wondered what it was. Thanks!

 

[Sigmania]

DR7

Made in Japan

Sigma Acoustic Guitar DR-7 C. F. Martin & Company Made In Japan Rare Vintage | eBay

 

[Sigmania]

DT22. Ridiculous price but interesting SIGMA fretboard inlay.

MARTIN SIGMA DT-22 | eBay

 

[Sigmania]

Not sure what model this is

That is an S2000 built in 1981 most likely at the Tershima factory building in Hamatsu Japan.

Terashima and Terwaki Cat's Eyes Production