What do you know about Sigma guitars? That they are well priced, good-looking alternatives to the classic brands? I wouldn't disagree with that, but since you're obviously interested, why don't you spend five minutes with me today and I'll acquaint you with the company's backstory.
When it comes to some of the most iconic guitars in history, let’s be real: it can take a while to save up for that holy grail level that some of our heroes play.
Luckily for all us players out there who are keeping an eye on our pennies, most guitar makers have sister brands that allow us to get our hands on these timeless shapes and sounds. Think Squier to Fender, Epiphone to Gibson, and so on.
This is where Sigma got their start.
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The Beginning of Sigma
Back in the 1970’s, C.F. Martin was thinking of ways to compete with the growing market of cheaper, Far East alternatives to American brands. Not everyone could afford a full blooded D-28 but they still yearned for that classic dreadnought style, which is why Martin decided to create their own outsourced company to produce much cheaper versions. Thus, Sigma was born.
Originally produced in Japan from 1970, Sigma started producing cheaper versions of Martin dreadnought models, in both a mahogany (M) and rosewood (R ) option with various different grades of wood. There were a few Grand Concert shaped models produced (aptly named the GPC or Grand Concert Series) but it wasn’t until 1978 that Sigma would start making guitars that directly inspired from the parent Martin line, such as a DM-18, DR-28 and a DR-45.
Sigma guitars used Martin design blueprints, were built in Japan and then send back to Martin's HQ in Nazareth, Pennsylvania for a final check and set up. This was an effective 'official' repsonse to the scores of illegal copycat guitars that had been flooding the market for years. The connection to Martin themselves gave Sigma an authority that the third parties just couldn't boast, and so Sigma flourished.
Leaving Japan
Production stopped in Japan in 1983 and moved to Korea, Taiwan and finally Indonesia, where Martin would officially discontinue the production in 2007. This was apparently due to Martin's desire to focus more on their own line of affordable X Series of instruments. These of course would all feature the proper Martin logo on their headstocks, which made them significantly more appealing to players around the world looking for some of that Martin magic without having to break the bank.
Fun Fact: The sideways “M” is the greek letter for Sigma. It was also used so that when a guitar is being played it looks like a normal M - for Martin
Sigma Today
As of 2007, Sigma is owned by German company AMI which moved production to China. In recent years, Sigma have gone from strength to strength. As much as they still carry a reputation for being ‘official Martin replicas’ - something they technically are not anymore - they’ve risen, expanded, spread their wings and now count a large variety of acoustic guitar models in their catalogue.
All-mahogany ‘Depression era’ guitars are still extremely popular, as are takes on ‘Kalamazoo’ acoustic guitars (yes, all of those famous models related to birds and so on) as well as more elaborate guitar designs based on top-end Martin models.
The craftsmanship impresses more than ever, actually: what were always a ‘good option’ for players on a budget are actually more like real contenders these days. Check out models like the SDK-41 or the guitarguitar exclusive SDR-45E for ample proof of Sigma’s artistry and enduring commitment to building the best value and best performing guitar in their class. All-solid builds with quality timbers such as Sitka spruce and East Indian rosewood really help these guitars to sound spectacular, compared to both similarly-priced guitars and those of considerably higher cost.
If you love heritage acoustic guitars, but require something with a price that’s closer to the ground, so to speak, then I personally recommend you get deeply acquainted with what Sigma have to offer.
