Sigma DM-5 .. is it worth it?

[Arthur Sweeney]

Hello my friends.

I have an itch to buy another acoustic guitar.

I was looking for something older, and something

like a Martin, and found someone selling a Sigma DM-5.

Does anyone know anything about these guitars?

The man says it is in excellent condition, and is not

asking a lot of money for it, but I thought I'd check with

you all first. Thank you very much.

-Arthur

[Mike Kolb]

Arthur, this might not be the best approach. You'll get varied answers... some will love it, some will hate it, most will be in the middle.  You've got to meet the guitar in person, play it, sniff it, lick it, play it some more, ...pretend to leave, then turn around and play it again. That's the only way to know if it suits you or not.  

On the other hand, if you like it's looks and the price is right... take a gamble. It's a common '70's import dred with a nod from Martin, so it's probably not a terrible gamble :)  

[Ned Knepp]

Arthur, I agree completely with Mike. Sigma's are a "nod" from martin. I have one that I purchased as my first new guitar. I can tell you it is NOT a Martin. It's also not a bad guitar, just not worth much.. It's a typical '70 Japanese guitar. It's been my beach guitar for years and it's finally needing attention to the bridge plate. I'm trying to decide if I care about it enough to fix it.  

In my opinion, they are not guitars that will keep you excited and therefore maybe not something to get too excited about now. Mine has been a solid but uninspiring instrument. Don't get caught up in the Martin connection. I constantly see people trying to market their old Sigma as a "Martin Sigma" hoping that potential buyers will see martin and stop reading. The connection isn't really more than decal/ paper tag thick and the inflated prices you find on Sigma's because of this connection are ... unrealistic. I think that if you want something Martin like, you would be best served by saving your money for a Martin. BUT, first and foremost, follow the advice Mike gave you about evaluation. It could be that you will play this guitar and fall in love.  The one thing I would add to Mikes advice is; Don't consider any Sigma that needs more than a very very simple setup. If it needs any work, move on. They are not worth that much effort. Just my opinion.