Sigma guitars, poor man's Martin?
Again, sorry that this is not a repair/luthier question,
but I thought I'd ask:
I've been looking at the older Sigma acoustics, the DR series.
I thought I may pick one up as a second guitar, like a good beater.
They seem to hold their value too (as do Martins, which I cannot afford).
I guess my question is, are they any good? Like for instance, is a DR2
worth $125 in good shape?
Thanks!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Greg Mirken on
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Sigmas are no better or worse than any other Asian guitar. They are not built anything like Martin instruments, so don't expect that. Back when I sold Martin guitars and Sigma guitars, I found at least the Sigma quality control was pretty good and I seldom had to return an instrument as unacceptable.
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Permalink Reply by Ned Knepp on
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No, Arthur, I don't think they are "Poor man's Martins". I have one... still, that purchased new in 197?. It's a laminated back and side, solid top model 52S DM-5 which was ok as a guitar but not nearly a Martin. It was my primary guitar for a couple of years but I quickly realized it's limitations in tone and playability. Once I replaced it, I used it for years as my beach and campfire guitar as well as the guitar that my son carried to school. Right now it's waiting for me to address a loose bridge plate and some general refurb. It's been a stalwart beater and will probably have a lot more in it when I actually get around to working on it but it was never and never will be a "good" guitar.
BTW, It looks exactly like that DR-2 I saw in a youtube video except that I have no volute on the back of the head and mine has the old Martin mimic "Sigma Guitar, est. 1970" decal on the head stock. I wouldn't pay much for one particularly if it needs any work. I don't see how they could now be or ever will be collectible. IMO, they are run of the mill, '70s Japanese guitars and a well setup old Yamaha from the same period might actually sound better.
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Permalink Reply by Hesh Breakstone on
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+1 what Ned said! +1 what Greg said too.
Sigmas are what they are and these days after the ravages of the decades when we see them they often need enough work to make it not worth it in terms of cost vs. potential benefit. And BTW that cost vs. benefit model has to also be considered on a sliding scale because not everyone will be as willing to pop for major work on one of these and/or because the value of the dollar (or what ever currency) has variable meaning to different folks.
Taking it a step further if Sigmas were available today, new, and for what they cost back in the day I suspect that I would personally favor any of the Godin line made in Canada. These include Seagulls which can be very decent sounding and playing guitars for very little money, considering. Yams are fine too as mentioned and as far as bang for the buck one can purchase a Yam these days for two bills that is hands above in all respects the Silvertones with action high enough to slice hard boiled eggs that I struggled with as a kid.
One thing is for sure in my view and that is value priced guitars of today in terms of playability and even tone, at times, are way better than they ever likely were. And this is a great thing for the rest of us because it lowers the price of entry into guitar playing, always a good thing, gets more people enjoying playing the guitar, and likely also furthers the potential appreciation for really nice guitars. In this sense imports are doing a terrific job of simply promoting guitar playing - always a good thing too.
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When I bought my Sigma, I didn't really know much about guitars beyond how to play one. Besides that, the quality of manufactured guitars as a whole wasn't that great then. The Sigma I bought was "on a par" with the other affordable guitars available but by today's standards I doubt if it would make the cut. If something catastrophic happened to mine, I wouldn't consider looking for another.
I also like the Godin guitars in this segment. I think the quality of guitars available in this segment of the market is MUCH better than what I had to choose from in the '70's. I know people that are perfectly satisfied with their Seagull brand guitars and feel no need to "move up" to another guitar. I can't say that I've ever personally know anyone that owned a Sigma that didn't hope to "move up" some day. There are still a lot of Sigma's around but I always wonder how much use they actually get today. People who own them REALLY want others to think of them as a Martin... so they can sell them for more than they are worth.
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Permalink Reply by Arthur Sweeney on
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Thank you all very much for your valuable input.
I've decided to pass on the Sigma guitar after all.
I honestly do not need another acoustic guitar.
I think what happened was that I was fighting another
G.A.S. attack (guitar aquisition syndrome).
Ugh, how I hate GAS!
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