Musician's Guide to the Martin Sigma

By Rand MacCartney


Looking for a Martin Sigma? Not sure if you should pull the trigger on buying the discontinued Martin Sigma guitar? Here's some facts about this popular acoustic guitar--and tips for locating this hard-to-find instrument.

History of the Martin Sigma

In early 70's Martin Guitars started out a new distinct guitars known as Sigma to compete with the influx of inexpensive imported guitars from Japan. The Martin Sigma guitar was normally an acoustic dreadnought, although there were stage & classical guitars made in that time.

Martin sigma guitars were discontinued in '07. The usual Sigma is recognized by a deep, rich sound though not equivalent to the best of Martin's guitars, was usually much better than other imports. (The guitars were produced in Japan, then later Korea and Taiwan, following the direct guidance of Martin guitars.)

Martin Sigma... Manufactured in the united states?

The Sigma line of guitars were named by their high quality and the materials used. For instance, the manufacturer branded them D for dreadnought, M for Mahogany, and R for rosewood 1-7, 7 being the very best quality in the line.

There's debate regarding where the Martin Sigma guitars were really being made. Owners of many of the guitars swear they were produced in the united states as the back stamp or tag says so.

The fact is that none of their guitars were fully made in the usa. In some cases, the materials were cut and manufactured in Japan and the pieces were assembled in the usa.

It's not possible to say that any Sigma guitar was sourced, produced, cut, and assembled in the united states alone, though.

Ways to Find a Martin Sigma Guitar

As the Sigma brand has been discontinued, it's rare that you'll get it in your standard music shop. But, there're still places where they could be found, including in 2nd hand stores.

You may have luck searching on craigslist or Amazon for people selling their Sigma guitars. Be careful when buying online.

It is always better to be able to inspect the piece in person. Musical instruments are delicate, and you do not want to rely on a picture alone.




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