Martin dropped Sigma because the Sigmas were taking away customers from the mother company, Martin. The sound was honestly competitive and if not quite equaling, at least close enough, but, with a huge difference in price. Sigmas still have that big Martin sound, built really solid, and great value. My earlier Sigma DM1ST from 2000 cost $450.00 and is the same as this guitar for $185.00 now. Absolutely amazing. Originally, mine definitely needed a set up and switched plastics to bone. Over time and abuse, I discovered mine was a tank and sound quality improved significantly over the years. Strangely, mine built up a higher than normal moisture level that made the guitar noticably heavier ,but, the sound seemed better and there has never been any moisture /temperature related issue. Still going strong.....
I have a sigma 6 string AND a twelve string sigma from back in the '80s when they were still owned by Martin. You van literally not touch these things for a year and they stay perfectly in tune. Not surprised that sigma maintained the quality after being dropped by Martin. Nice review. I can backup almost all the claims you make here.
I am so happy you commented, because i feel like so few people know about this that these videos were doomed to fail! I hope these bring attention to the brand because they really are killer for the price!
Something worth noting! I did contact AMI (the parent company of Sigma as it is today) and they did inform me that these particular guitars are NOT the same as their own. The Sigma owned by AMI is run by Gunther Lutz, a former luthier for Martin in the 1970's and 1980's and they are the true successor to the Sigma by Martins that people remember, this company however just happened to pickup the same name and make similar Martin style guitars, but I've been assured they aren't "True Sigmas" by the same company that you'll find bearing the Martin style headstock today.
Some of the best professional quality crafted guitars come out of the Cort facility in Indonesia Cort has a fantastic reputation building professional quality guitars
They are known as AMI in the USA. Still a Sigma. I have a Martin D custom with Mahogany back and sides with less goodies than my AMI DM -1ST Both guitars have sweet tone and both play great. The AMI/Sigma is a very well made guitar. More guitar for less money. You can add Ebony or Tusq bridge pins, add a Tusq saddle and Zero Glide nut with a Mitchel's plate mate and you can spice up the tone a bit. I upgraded the tuners to Graph Tech Ratio tuners and I transformed my AMI into one amazing guitar, Stock out of the box was also great. I just like adding all kinds of upgrades to my guitars. Great value for the money and lots of fun. You need to buy a case because they don't come with one. Micarta (resin composite) fingerboard and bridge are standard and that is kinda cool. ZERO fret sprout to deal with. Get one of these and you will love it.
I own both a Yamaha and a Sigma. I actually like the Sigma much better. It's a shame no dealers here in America. I had to buy mine from Amazon. Nothing so much wrong with buying from Amazon. But I'm the type to try anything before an actual purchase. And the models offered here are limited.
I bought my used Sigma @ a guitar shop on Rosecrans in San Diego (yes, in the Navy) May 1984. Still have it, had an Alvarez before. Excellent midrange & affordable.
I have a 1994 Martin sigma, great action, my first real guitar and still my favorite. My mom got one in 2001, and willed it to me 6 years ago. It was not quite as low in the action, so I used that one for more slide playing. Love the sigma guitars, love them. I paid about 399.00 back in 94, the day after a prairie dog ripped up my hands and fingers on live tv in LaCrosse Wisconsin. (Dave's guitar shop).
Keep em lined up! I always enjoy seeing your reviews! Catching up would be great! Hoping all is well… Love the affiliation with Sweetwater as well, smart move! 🙂
I haven't dove into the acoustic part of guitar playing but for the price and sound it seems like a great start. Thanks Jim, it seems you didn't waste money on that one.
yes , it came across perfectly 😊 , I bought one just like that from a private garage sale basically , for 150 bucks , an after putting new strings on it was ' Blown away with the 'sound' , just amazing . better than 1000 $ guitar ,,, just so rich , and clean sound . The guitar was a bit beat up , finger guard was missing , some of the fret bars are lifting up , this i need to fix . But it's my favourite guitar , i just love it. btw , mine is a DR 1 STN . made in korea . not sure if it's the same , but i love it. i can see it has a solid top , probably sitca spruce
I purchased the same guitar from Amazon. I already owned a Yamaha when I purchased the Sigma. Great guitar for the price. It lives up to all expectations.
Thanks for the info, not many reviews on these. Which did you prefer out of this Dreadnought and the mini one in your other video? They are both on sale for the same price $130 at guitar center, thinking about grabbing one.
Found a tossed out Sigma / C. F. Martin acoustic guitar today. Manufactured in Japan. Model # GCS - 6. Fully strung, but think it's out of tune. Looks similar to yours. I don't play guitars, as a work related accident some years ago left my left hand pinkie finger stuck in a curl. On the top of the head, the letter "M" is turned on its side above the "Sigma" logo. It may be from '74, if I am reading the serial number correctly
This is not the same Sigma that was connected to Martin Guitars,That Sigma that used to be Martins is now owned by AMI in Germany and the are made in China.They have no connection to this guitar
I own this guitar, getting ready to install an LR Baggs Lyric acoustic microphone pickup in it. This guitar is extremely high quality and sounds as good as my high end Taylor or Yairi guitars. BTW, you can't get this guitar anymore unless you can find one used. I believe they discontinued the model.
The Japanese Sigmas are wonderful. I have an Anniversary D10 and it is worth many times it's value. I'd pick up any Japanese made I come across. The others I know nothing about. Nice playing, sounds great!
I had to bite the bullet with the current $129 sale on GC. Even if this guitar just becomes my “outside beater” guitar, it’d be way worth it for the price alone!
I have a 90's DM 1st. Bought it for $300 a couple yrs. back. Has grover tuners and stays in tune very well. Sounds dam near as good as my new Cash edition Martin. I just wonder if there's alot of the 90's models around. If anyone knows please let me know. Anyways Sigmas are fine intruments. I love mine
Looks and sounds great, Martin started them, but I think German luthier revamped them a few years back. Every Sigma I come across, is not cheap, of top quality and provenance and blugrass guys think they're actual Martins, I guess they kinda are, just built overseas.
Martin didn't own sigma ,martin gave the rights to sigma to make guitars under the sigma brand in japan, they are now made by a m i in china .Owned by a german company.
Let me know if you have one of these in the comments BELOW!
"I waste my money so you dont have too, so this guitar was actually sent to me" lol
USUALLY* I waste my money lol
@@jimmyfranklin Haha its all good, I love the content. Keep up the good work.
Martin dropped Sigma because the Sigmas were taking away customers from the mother company, Martin. The sound was honestly competitive and if not quite equaling, at least close enough, but, with a huge difference in price. Sigmas still have that big Martin sound, built really solid, and great value.
My earlier Sigma DM1ST from 2000 cost $450.00 and is the same as this guitar for $185.00 now.
Absolutely amazing. Originally, mine definitely needed a set up and switched plastics to bone.
Over time and abuse, I discovered mine was a tank and sound quality improved significantly over the years. Strangely, mine built up a higher than normal moisture level that made the guitar noticably heavier ,but, the sound seemed better and there has never been any moisture /temperature related issue.
Still going strong.....
I have a sigma 6 string AND a twelve string sigma from back in the '80s when they were still owned by Martin. You van literally not touch these things for a year and they stay perfectly in tune. Not surprised that sigma maintained the quality after being dropped by Martin. Nice review. I can backup almost all the claims you make here.
I am so happy you commented, because i feel like so few people know about this that these videos were doomed to fail! I hope these bring attention to the brand because they really are killer for the price!
I own a 70’s 12 string siggy and they sound stunning for such an unassuming looking acoustic!
Something worth noting! I did contact AMI (the parent company of Sigma as it is today) and they did inform me that these particular guitars are NOT the same as their own. The Sigma owned by AMI is run by Gunther Lutz, a former luthier for Martin in the 1970's and 1980's and they are the true successor to the Sigma by Martins that people remember, this company however just happened to pickup the same name and make similar Martin style guitars, but I've been assured they aren't "True Sigmas" by the same company that you'll find bearing the Martin style headstock today.
Yes, the Sigma brand on the headstock says it all! Not the same as original Sigma!
I have a Gretsch Rancher Falcon Jumbo Acoustic with Fishman electronics paid $729.00 for it in 2020 love it and the craftsmanship is remarkable
Some of the best professional quality crafted guitars come out of the Cort facility in Indonesia Cort has a fantastic reputation building professional quality guitars
You are so good at explaining and doing demo’s. Thank you, this was very very helpful.
They are known as AMI in the USA. Still a Sigma. I have a Martin D custom with Mahogany back and sides with less goodies than my AMI DM -1ST Both guitars have sweet tone and both play great. The AMI/Sigma is a very well made guitar. More guitar for less money. You can add Ebony or Tusq bridge pins, add a Tusq saddle and Zero Glide nut with a Mitchel's plate mate and you can spice up the tone a bit. I upgraded the tuners to Graph Tech Ratio tuners and I transformed my AMI into one amazing guitar, Stock out of the box was also great. I just like adding all kinds of upgrades to my guitars. Great value for the money and lots of fun. You need to buy a case because they don't come with one. Micarta (resin composite) fingerboard and bridge are standard and that is kinda cool. ZERO fret sprout to deal with. Get one of these and you will love it.
I own both a Yamaha and a Sigma. I actually like the Sigma much better. It's a shame no dealers here in America. I had to buy mine from Amazon. Nothing so much wrong with buying from Amazon. But I'm the type to try anything before an actual purchase. And the models offered here are limited.
I bought my used Sigma @ a guitar shop on Rosecrans in San Diego (yes, in the Navy) May 1984. Still have it, had an Alvarez before. Excellent midrange & affordable.
I have a 1994 Martin sigma, great action, my first real guitar and still my favorite. My mom got one in 2001, and willed it to me 6 years ago. It was not quite as low in the action, so I used that one for more slide playing. Love the sigma guitars, love them. I paid about 399.00 back in 94, the day after a prairie dog ripped up my hands and fingers on live tv in LaCrosse Wisconsin. (Dave's guitar shop).
Great review! That guitar has a nice tone!
JOHN!!! THANK YOU! We gotta catch up soon! these guitars are crazy for the price
Keep em lined up! I always enjoy seeing your reviews!
Catching up would be great! Hoping all is well…
Love the affiliation with Sweetwater as well, smart move! 🙂
I haven't dove into the acoustic part of guitar playing but for the price and sound it seems like a great start. Thanks Jim, it seems you didn't waste money on that one.
Hello! Is this the "Sigma DM-ST" you are playing? Sounds really good! Thanks
yes , it came across perfectly 😊 , I bought one just like that from a private garage sale basically , for 150 bucks , an after putting new strings on it was ' Blown away with the 'sound' , just amazing . better than 1000 $ guitar ,,, just so rich , and clean sound . The guitar was a bit beat up , finger guard was missing , some of the fret bars are lifting up , this i need to fix . But it's my favourite guitar , i just love it. btw , mine is a DR 1 STN . made in korea . not sure if it's the same , but i love it. i can see it has a solid top , probably sitca spruce
The headstock shape looks like a Martin. Sounds great.
I purchased the same guitar from Amazon. I already owned a Yamaha when I purchased the Sigma. Great guitar for the price. It lives up to all expectations.
EXCELLENT!!
i am looking to buy a JR SG Advanced , but can't find any info on that
Thanks for the info, not many reviews on these. Which did you prefer out of this Dreadnought and the mini one in your other video? They are both on sale for the same price $130 at guitar center, thinking about grabbing one.
Honestly. I play the big one almost every day at some point. That should help! Haha
I got a dm1 for 8£ in a charity shop. The lady thought it was broken because it had 5 strings haha
Sigma do a very nice electric version of that guitar. Don’t forget that Sigma were set up by Martin as a budget brand!
I just bought one. Very impressed by the tone
Found a tossed out Sigma / C. F. Martin acoustic guitar today. Manufactured in Japan. Model # GCS - 6. Fully strung, but think it's out of tune. Looks similar to yours. I don't play guitars, as a work related accident some years ago left my left hand pinkie finger stuck in a curl. On the top of the head, the letter "M" is turned on its side above the "Sigma" logo. It may be from '74, if I am reading the serial number correctly
My sigma 12 string i bought in the early 90s. Made in korea. Paid 545, has hard case and excellent tone.
This is not the same Sigma that was connected to Martin Guitars,That Sigma that used to be Martins is now owned by AMI in Germany and the are made in China.They have no connection to this guitar
I’ve got a Sigma JM-SGE+ and it’s awesome 🤩
I own this guitar, getting ready to install an LR Baggs Lyric acoustic microphone pickup in it. This guitar is extremely high quality and sounds as good as my high end Taylor or Yairi guitars. BTW, you can't get this guitar anymore unless you can find one used. I believe they discontinued the model.
The Japanese Sigmas are wonderful. I have an Anniversary D10 and it is worth many times it's value. I'd pick up any Japanese made I come across. The others I know nothing about.
Nice playing, sounds great!
Is there any way to get Sigma in the US? AMI guitars are made to a different spec by different builders, not on the same level as these.
They sell sigma guitars in the USA and Canada
@@bleufishtv who is they? the sigma website redirects you to AMI for people in the US
I had to bite the bullet with the current $129 sale on GC. Even if this guitar just becomes my “outside beater” guitar, it’d be way worth it for the price alone!
I have a 90's DM 1st. Bought it for $300 a couple yrs. back. Has grover tuners and stays in tune very well. Sounds dam near as good as my new Cash edition Martin. I just wonder if there's alot of the 90's models around. If anyone knows please let me know. Anyways Sigmas are fine intruments. I love mine
I've got a Sigma DR-7 I got about 1971. £100. Sounds about £20,000+ now.
You sound really good
Yes, bacon SHOULD be standard on a cheeseburger damnit!!!
Oh, and I enjoyed your review too.
installing electronics is posted on You tube!!
Is thèse de sigma 41?
Looks and sounds great, Martin started them, but I think German luthier revamped them a few years back. Every Sigma I come across, is not cheap, of top quality and provenance and blugrass guys think they're actual Martins, I guess they kinda are, just built overseas.
Sigma got bought buy St Louis Music. They own Alvarez. Alvarez makes amazing products.
I have an omr-45
called a satin neck
It made in china?
Nope! Indonesia!
Please play the damn thing.Quit talking so much
Martin didn't own sigma ,martin gave the rights to sigma to make guitars under the sigma brand in japan, they are now made by a m i in china .Owned by a german company.