Sigma Serial Numbers

Another thread already determined that this is a perfect candidate for a beater guitar, but since I've had it for over 25 years, I'd like to know a little bit about it. It's a Sigma DM3 and I got it as a gift (actually as a replacement because my aunt sat on and broke the guitar my grandfather gave me) around 1984. 'DM3' is stamped onto one of the braces; there is no paper label. It's a dreadnought. It also says 'Sigma Guitars made in Korea for C.F. Serial # is 251610. It says 'Sigma Guitars Est 1970' on the headstock in the same script as Martin guitars have.

I know Sigma was Martin's import brand, but what I want to know is when was it made, what is it made of, solid or laminate, and what it cost new. I don't care what it's worth now because I know its not collectible and has a few 'character marks' on the neck. It's a great guitar and has been through a lot. I never really took good care of it. It has spent plenty of time in car trunks, been dropped, headstock broken off, attacked by a hungry capo, etc. It's in pretty good shape considering. Thanks for your help.

My understanding is that Sigma's had both solid or laminate tops, laminate back and sides, with scalloped x bracing. Like any import from that era.hit and miss. I would assume Martin had strict requirements for manufacture, but don't be misled, they wouldn't be the guitar a US Martin is. They could probably be improved upon with a good setup and few a part replacements. I have had people tell me that they sound great, that they love them. Being that most of them are pushing 25 years, I'm sure they have opened up and sound about as good as they are going to get. They sell for around $200 used.

Sigma Serial Numbers Guitar

For that money, I would shop for a used TAK F series of that same era.a little more for your bang. This site/thread has all the information you'll ever get about sigmas: It looks like you may have already found it. I own a DR-7 that I bought in 1979. It needs a neck reset (hence my thread yesterday about buying a new Walden). If you plow through all of that info you'll find that there are some differing 'facts' that eventually get resolved. Example, my headstock says 'Sigma est.

The thread originally says that logo came in 1980 but later it's established 1978 as the logo change. Mine is stamped made in Japan and is definitely solid spruce top, possibly solid rosewood elsewhere.

Whatever, it sounds wonderful. If I could do a neck reset on my own I would but I may think about trying it after I acquire a new acoustic.

R= rosewood, M= Mahogany and 1 thru 7 are quality from lowest to highest. Good luck with yours!

I bought a Sigma dm3 from a guy off the street for 20 bucks And I am just now finding out it is probably the best investment I have ever made. Shortly after I purchased the guitar I was at one of Dallas is many strip clubs When I walked into the restroom I noticed the guy selling single cigarettes and mints was playing a Sigma guitar as well.

The guy was pretty good and a small crowd had formed around him in the restroom. What was amazing to me is that the guy had worn a hole on the guitar from struming it so much yet the sound was amazing. The more I learn about my guitar the more fortunate I feel. I would not trade mine for anything and hope to pass it on to my children one day.