Area servedWorldwideProductsand guitars, acoustic,OwnerAMI Musical InstrumentsWebsiteSigma Guitars is a originally released by as a line of guitars at affordable prices to compete with the increasing number of imported guitars from and elsewhere. The Sigma line was discontinued by Martin in 2007. The rights to the name was acquired by company AMI Musical Instruments, which relaunched the brand with guitars being produced in.Since the U.S.

Rights to the Sigma brand name and trademark had been allowed to lapse by C.F. Prior to selling the brand to AMI, and had since been picked up by of Missouri, AMI is not allowed to use the brand name 'Sigma' in the U.S. For their current line of guitars. They are distributed and sold in the U.S. As 'Kindred Guitars' The sole current U.S. Distributor is now Six String Brokerage LLC, Nazareth, Pa.Current range of Sigma instruments include and guitars, acoustic. Contents.History company created the brand 'Sigma' in order to compete with cheaper guitars that were imported from.

In 1987, Matsumoko dropped guitar manufacturing and SLM was forced to move production to Korea. Westone only survived a few more years, with SLM ceasing production sometime in early 1991. Sometime in the early 1990s, the brand reappeared in England with a new model line and direction. The Kay Guitar Company manufactured guitars from the late 1920s. The guitars were generally made for department store chains such as Sear's and J.C. ID Method 1: Production/Serial Number. Check to see if there is a number printed inside the guitar body. This number seems to be linked to a production code rather than an actual serial.

Sigma released a wide series of and guitars, which initial construction was in Japan by various manufacturers/factories from 1970 through 1983.The first Sigmas were typically dreadnought acoustic, although Grand Concert Series (GCS) and classical models were also produced from the early 1970s (1971?) onward. Though other models were produced the most common two throughout the '70's were the Dreadnought models DM-5 (DM12-5) and DR-7 (DR12-7.) D for, R for, M for and the number denoting the grade of wood, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15. Construction moved from Japan from 1970–1983, to Korea from 1984-1994, to Taiwan in 1994 (made in both Korea and Taiwan for the 1994 model year) and finally Indonesia (?–2007).In 1978, model designations were added to capitalize on Martin model numbers: the DM-18, DM-19, DR-28, DR-28H, DR-35, DR-41, and DR-45. They are called 'Second Generation' Sigma's by C.F. Martin and featured solid wood top. The 'First Generation' DM-5 and DR-7 (laminate wood bodies and tops,) as well as other early models (e.g., the GCS-7/CS-7) remained in production during this time as well.Pegheads & Logos.

Sigma original logoSigma guitars made in Japan from 1970 through 1983. The early 70s models (1970–75) can be distinguished by a more squared, shaped similarly to that of a 'spatula.' The original brand logo resembled the C.F. Martin logo, using the same typography.

The current logo under AMI consists of a single word in block lettering 'Sigma' surmounted with the 'Σ' symbol (the Greek letter sigma). The sigma symbol is often described as a 'sideways M.'

While retaining the same early logo for several more years (c1975/76) the peghead itself began to take on a more tapered shape by 1972. On right-handed models while playing a Sigma guitar the 'sideways M' becomes 'right side up' suggesting 'M' for Martin.By the mid 1970s (c1976) the headstock logo design changed to a gold 'Martin style' decal that said, 'Sigma Guitars' in script with 'Est. 1970' underneath in a smaller block font.

The headstock shape was also modified to a deeper taper and shaped to resemble the Martin instruments.As is traditional with classical instruments, Sigma classical guitars do not have the headstock logo, and one must rely on the inner label for identification.Labels and Brands Sigma's made in Japan from 1970 through 1979 used a paper label to identify the model and serial number of the instrument. The model and serial numbers were usually stamped on in ink, but some are known to have been hand-penned.

This is especially true of unusual, special (sample/prototype models) and/or low production number models (e.g.: DT-30.). 72c Sigma 52SDR-11 made in Japan (back).

CS-6 Classical guitar. Mosaic around. Rosewood Bridge. Laminated top. Back and sides laminated wood.

Pearloid buttons on tuners. CR-7 Classical guitar. Mosaic marquetry around sound hole. Back and sides laminated rosewood. Top of laminated spruce. Carved peghead.

Neck mahogany. Flat-oval neck. Top and back binding black and white.

Lacquer finish. CR-9 Classical guitar.

Solid spruce top, otherwise same specs as the CR-7. DM-2, DM-3 Dreadnought's were the same as the next description of the DM-5 with the exception sometimes early models had different machine heads.

The main difference is the number designation from 2 thru 5, and was only used to designate a higher quality of wood being used in the making of them. It's also worth noteworthy the DM-3's were some of the first left hand models, converted at the factory, left hand nut, bridge, saddle, and pick-guard replaced the right hand components, but they left the right hand fretboard which is evident from the marker positions on the side of the fretboard.

When the DM-4's came out, the option for a left hand model became a regular option that could be ordered and was built as a lefty from the factory which included the correct fretboard markers and a new model designation, the DM-4LH. The DM-4LH also had different fretboard inlay markers at the 12th fret (horizontal tear drop).

DM-4LH Dreadnought Factory made left hand model completely built from the factory as a left hand model. Early left hand models were DM-3's converted at the factory from an already finish constructed DM-3 as a special order.

DM-5 Dreadnought. Laminate spruce top. Laminate mahogany back and sides. Black binding (b/w/b/w/b.) neck.

Unbound rosewood fingerboard. Open in-line tuning machines. Adjustable Rosewood Bridge on earliest examples. Adjustable truss rod through peghead from 1970 through 1979. Unbound peghead. Open tuners on early models.

Covered 'economy' tuners on later ones. High Gloss finish. DR-7 Dreadnought. DR-7 Dreadnought. Laminate spruce top. Laminated rosewood back and sides. White binding on body (w/b/w/b/w.) Rosewood overlay on peghead.

Peghead bound in white. Adjustable truss rod through peghead from 1970 through 1979. Rosewood Bridge and fingerboard.

Adjustable Rosewood Bridge on the earliest models. Pearl/pearloid inlay position markers on fingerboard. Chrome closed back tuners (11:1 ratio.) The first year is known to have a zero fret. High gloss lacquer finish. Truss rod adjustment location is on peg head at nut until 1980. After 1980 truss rod adjustment is located internally and is accessed from soundhole. 52SDR-9 Dreadnought (c1972.) Solid spruce top.

Laminated rosewood sides and 3-piece back with a contrasting (often highly figured) rosewood center strip. White binding on body (w/b/w/b/w.) Rosewood overlay on 1st generation 'Spatula' headstock (Sigma w/Σ logo.) Head-stock and fretboard are single-bound in white. Adjustable truss rod through peg-head. Rosewood fingerboard. Non-adjustable Rosewood Bridge. 'Snowflake' (more similar to a Maltese cross) pearl inlay position markers on fingerboard.

Chrome closed back tuners (11:1 ratio.) High gloss lacquer finish. 52SDR-11 Dreadnought (c1972.) Solid spruce top.

Laminated rosewood sides and 3-piece back, ala' D35. White/pearl binding on body (w/p/w/p/w.) Rosewood overlay on 1st generation 'Spatula' headstock (Sigma w/Σ logo.)This is also the only known model where the entire logo not just the sigma symbol, is done in mother of pearl. Head-stock and fretboard are single-bound in white. Mother of pearl trim throughout ala' Martin D-41. Adjustable truss rod through sound hole, not the peg-head like the lower end models. Rosewood fingerboard.

Non-adjustable Rosewood Bridge. Mother of pearl Hexagon & heptagon inlay position markers on fingerboard. Gold plated closed back tuners (ratio 12:1.) High gloss lacquer finish.

This model was considered the top of the line Sigma by Martin, it had features from several of Martin's top end domestic guitars, but Martin never made one exactly like it, in the states, it is unique to the Sigma line, and possibly the rarest. DJ-7 Dreadnought. Laminated spruce top. Laminated brazilian sides. 3 piece matched grain jacaranda back with marquetry. White binding on body (w/b/w/b/w.) Peghead bound in white. Mother of pearl inlays on fingerboard.

Fixed ebony bridge. Natowood neck. Adjustable truss rod. White/black/white binding. Satin lacquer finish.

DM12-5 12 String Dreadnought. Laminated spruce top. Laminated mahogany back and sides. Black binding (b/w/b/w/b.) Rosewood bridge (some 'ebonized') and fingerboard. Unbound peghead and fingerboard.

Open inline '6-on-a-plate' tuning machines. Covered 'economy' tuners on later examples. Adjustable rosewood bridge to approximately 1975, non-adjustable thereafter. Adjustable truss rod. Earliest models had a zero fret. DM12-7 12 String Dreadnought.

Laminated spruce top. Laminated rosewood back and sides. White binding on body (w/b/w/b/w.) 'Ebonized' (blackened) Rosewood Bridge and fingerboard on some, natural rosewood on others. Peghead and fingerboard bound in white. Adjustable rosewood bridge to approximately 1975, non-adjustable thereafter.

High gloss lacquer finish. Adjustable truss rod. Covered 'economy' tuners.

High Gloss finish.Earliest models had a zero fret. GCS-6 Grand Concert. Laminated spruce top. Laminated mahogany wood back and sides. Black binding (b/w/b/w/b.) Mahogany neck.

Adjustable Rosewood Bridge. Peghead bound in white.

Rosewood fingerboard. Adjustable Rosewood Bridge. Adjustable truss rod. GCS-7 Grand Concert. Laminated spruce top.

Laminated mahogany back and sides. Black binding (b/w/b/w/b.) Rosewood fingerboard. Adjustable Rosewood Bridge. Gloss lacquer finish. White bound peghead. Adjustable truss rod.Additional Models Approximately 1975 to 1978 Some of these guitars still had the early peghead logo, instead of the 'Second Generation Sigma' Martin style logo that started in approximately 1976. DT-22 Dreadnought.

Solid spruce top. Laminated asian chestnut sides and back with matching wood on Martin style peghead. Solid spruce top. Binding around back and sides. Black (later examples have.) Fixed bridge, some with diamond shape inlays.

Fingerboard has snowflake and diamond shape inlays. Pearl 'SIGMA' block inlay between 19th and 20th fret. Later examples have gold plated, Sigma embossed Schaller style enclosed tuners (ratio unknown.). DR-7S Dreadnought. Martin style peghead bound in white. Laminated spruce top.

Laminated rosewood back and sides. Rosewood fixed bridge. Adjustable truss rod.

DM-5S Dreadnought sunburst. Unbound Martin style peghead. Laminated spruce top. Laminated mahogany back and sides. Rosewood fixed bridge. Adjustable truss rod. GCS-4 Grand Concert.

Martin style peghead. Laminated spruce top. Laminated mahogany back and sides.

Rosewood fixed bridge. Adjustable truss rod. Unbound peghead and fretboard. 3-on-a-plate, open backed 'economy' tuners. CS-4 Classical Guitar.

Laminated spruce top. Laminated mahogany back and sides. Mahogany neck. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge.Sigma produced numerous 'DR-.'

models from the mid-70s on through 1984: DR-8; DR-9; DR-11; DR-14; DR-15; DR-28; DR-28S; SDR-28; DR-35; DR-41; and DR-45.The very rare DR-14 was often confused with the DR-41 but it was a different model. They have a 3 piece back ala' D35, and the fret markers are different as well. These rare, hard to find models were actually made in Japan and imported to, and guaranteed by in Sweden. They cost more than the top of the range DR-41 at the time. They have a paper label stating 'Inspected and Guaranteed by Levin' and 'Sigma Guitars' 'est 1970' is inlaid on the headstock in abalone.

There is a DR-14 on display in the Sigma Museum in Munich,Germany.Special and Unusual Models From 1980 through 1983, prior to construction being moved to Korea, Sigma produced several models that included electronic pickups: SE-18; SE-19; SE-28; SEMC-28 (with arched back); and SE-36. These models have saddles with each string individually compensated, yielding superb intonation. These models were produced in very limited quantities.In 1980 Sigma produced the D-10 Anniversary model to commemorate 10 years of Sigma production in Japan.

Essentially a gussied up DM-18, the D-10 has a solid spruce top with 'matched' (re: laminated) mahogany sides and back, rosewood fingerboard with diamond and square position markers, band inlay stating 'Anniversary' between the 19th and 20th fret, tortoiseshell type pickguard and binding, and close-ratio tuning machines. This limited production run lasted one year and this model remained on Sigma Dealers quarterly price lists from October 1980 until July 1981. It is not known at this time just how many D-10's were built but it is believed by some, and indicated by the number up for saleat any given time that production ran into the thousands, not limited to 100 as previously rumored. They were only made in 1980, but throughout the entire build year.A recently uncovered C.F. Martin memo dated August 7, 1980 further discusses 'economically uncorrectable' cosmetic flaws in the D-10 and how they were to be indicated by the inspectors: 'The flawed instruments were graded into 2 categories depending on the nature of the blemishes and were stamped on the back center strip accordingly.The D-10 '9' had cross grain sanding marks, finish runs and/or a rough finish, rough or chipped inlay and/or bindings, poor repairs, small indentations and/or discolorations.

The D-10 '8' had finish checks, shrunken end pieces, filler discolorations, dents and/or a very thin finish. Instead of 'seconding' these by labeling them as 'Picador' guitars, and/or voiding the warranty completely, Martin decided to invoke a warranty exception and lower the price by a few points.

The affixed warranty card was amended to read.' Your D-10 '9' (or D-10 '8') is not warranted against cosmetic defects.'

OOEU is an open source, enhanced implementation of the. Eiffel programming. Simple Object Oriented Language and Compiler (SOOL):.

In the years of 1981 & 1982, Martin imported partially assembled Sigma guitars from Japan and the assembly was completed in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. There were only two models, labeled 'Sigma Martin USA DR-28N and DR-35N,' 'N' for Nazareth. A Martin factory sales brochure shows the DR-28N retailed at $600.00 and the DR- 35N retailed at $650.00 The DR-35N had a 3-piece laminate rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top.

The DR-28Nhad a 2-piece back.The DR-35N had additional detail on the fretboard. The original factory brochure also states components were processed and finished on the same production line as regular Martins. The peghead logo reads 'Sigma Martin USA' and inside the sound box is on the neck block ' made in USA' with Martin address etc. Some consider the DR-35N to be a prototype of the inexpensive laminate Martin Shenandoah line of guitars, later to become their current HPL (High Pressure Laminate) line of laminated bodied guitars. Since these models had serial numbers ranging from 900,001 to 902,908. It appears only 2907 of these Sigma Martin USA guitars were ever produced in total, though there may have been others that did not make final inspection and hence were not serialed (I personally know of one such Sigma-Martin,) and are the only Sigma related serial numbers publicly available from Martin at this time.References.

Archived from on 2012-02-26. Retrieved 2010-01-07.

CS1 maint: archived copy as title. Sigma Generation III brochure. correspondence with C.F.Martin Guitar Co, Inc. Customer/Consumer Service Department, December 2008. ^ Sigma Catalog, dated June 1, 1974. ^ Sigma Catalog, date not listed, but prior to 1979 Second Generation. ^.

Archived from on 2001-08-03. Retrieved 2013-01-23. CS1 maint: archived copy as title. Sigma catalog, January 1984. ^.External links.Wikimedia Commons has media related to.

Hi Paul I have an electric 6 string VS 696 serial number 3040153. It was made in Japan. Looks like 2 double humbuckers and a single.

I have had it for years it sounds great. My wife just bought me a 12 string acoustic Vantage guitar today. It is Model VIS-1G12 and the serial number is 98085273. It was made in Indonesia. It looks like it is good shape.The tension hasn't been off the strings for some time and the neck started to bulge up behind the bridge. I loosened off the strings and the neck started to subside.

Is there anything else I can do to help this bulge straighten out. The bridge has not started to separate as they sometimes do. My wife paid $179.00 Canadian for the 12 string I am wondering if she over paid for it as it was made in Indonesia my understanding is the year 1998 and the month August.Thank youMike. Hi, I have been doing some research on Vantage Guitars. I seem to have found a pattern.

The first 4 digits of the serial number appear to be year then month of construction. The other is the order it left the factory in. Others who know the date of their guitar have all confirmed that the first two digits is the year. Mine is 9506 00xx. So mine would have been built in June of 1995 and it was the xxth guitar to leave the factory that month. The numbers do not seem to have any indication of the model number. So yours would have been been the 35th guitar to leave the factory in August of 1996.

I have an awesome Vantage 12 string made in Korea. Some of the frets are showing some wear. Serial # 94080061. I just put some new strings on the Guitar last night. I really would like to know more about the Guitar. Date manufactured and about what it is worth for insurance purpose. I do not want to sell the guitar.just want to know more about it.I love it.

Looks like a spruce top with mahogany sides and back.Gold Vantage tuning pegs and rosewood bridge. I have owned the guitar for over 20 years.

For the Vantage VS50S-12. Hey everyone i know this is an age old and dead thread but im scraping the bottom of the barrel here ive recently brought a vantage 728 BDT off a pawn shop, i had at the time no knowledge of its sound or quality but brought it on a whim and a good feeling and yes before i go further i said BDT thats right no spelling error now i know a 728GDT exists as it is listed in their production models but this BDT model seems to be an enigma ive only ever heard of one other person owning a BDT Model and that was on a french guitar site. So its no help to me. Castlevania symphony of the night apk free.

Plays like a dream, screams and sounds better than anything with active pickups, it runs passive pickups in the positions as im about to state. It has 2 stock vantage single coils, one at the neck and middle position with a vantage humbucker in the bridge position all running through 500k pots. Just wondering if this was a prototype model thats escaped the factory in low numbers before the end times at vantage? Any help would be great appreciated thanks guys and gals. I have a Vantage VP 650 in a beautiful sort of honey yellow clear finish that was definitely made in Japan, probably 1980.

I have a question about the switch settings. I've figured out that the lower switch turns on and off one of the pickups (volume doubles when the switch is 'down'). The upper switch has 3 settings, each producing a different effect. Can anyone tell me what these different settings relate to?

I've always played acoustic guitars and am not up on electrics. I'm told one position is supposed to be 'Les Paul' and the other a 'Fender' sound, with the middle a mix, but I don't know which is which. The top 3-position switch is a pickup selector switch. Normally, when the switch is all the way up, the guitar is playing through the neck pickup.

When it's all the way down, it's playing through the bridge pickup. The middle position has it going through both pickups, but as with any older guitar this may have rewired at some point, so YMMV.The lower switch could very well be a ground out for one of the pickups (causing it to stop producing sound,) but it seems more likely that it would be some type of coil tap. Humbucker pickups have two coils that are out of phase from each other. This cancels the inherent magnetic hum/noise associated with single coil pickups. This also makes for a (relatively) louder pickup with a 'creamier' tone than a single coil. But many people like the tonal choice off having the 'twangier' sound of a single coil, so they tap the coils of the humbucker, sending one of the coils to ground and effectively turning the pickup into a single coil.Hope this helps. It seems like everyone needs info about their guitars, including me.

I have a great sounding Vantage Strat copy, 6-string, Gloss black body, white faded to cream pickguard & pickup covers & knobs, regular tremolo, 3- single coil pups, 5-way switch, volume & 2 tones.It has never had a truss rod cover (there are no screw holes for one either).I bought it used earlier this year, took it apart completely, cleaned it up, & re-assembled it. I was never able to see a hint of a serial ## on it anywhere.I'm looking for info because I'm thinking of selling it. It sounds great, with minimal wear & tear from previous owner(s) that doesn't affect the playability at all. I've got the same exact guitar from your description. I bought it from the Pawnshop that I used to work at in the Seattle area.

I'm no expert, but I did do some research online to find out what it was. It seems to be a Vantage 'Ghost,' from what I was able to find out. A good and much older friend of mine checked it out, played it and told me it was exactly like the Vantage he had when he was my 'age.' Again, not any facts, but laws of probability seem to suggest that the SG 'replicas' we have are more than likely a Vantage 'Ghost.' At least 'till someone burst our bubbles. The serial number on this guitar is 03030561.

According to what I read about Motsomuko company, etc, vantage guitars were being produced even during the early 60's. According several other guitar info sites, the serial number indicates the numbers are as follows: 03030561:03: manufacturer code for that model03: month it was made05: day it was made61: year it was madeMost X77's you find were factory with one humbucker w/coil tap switch, 1 volume, 1 tone, a front mounted output jack, and brass tremelo bridge hardware with high quality tuners, although made by vantage.

The neck plate and the keys bear the Vantage 'V' logo with the serial number stamped on the plate. Body style is somewhat similar to a PRS while the headstock shape closely resembles a Washburn strat copy. The tuners stay in tune well, the hardware and electronics seem good quality, neck is fantastic, great sustain produced by the highly sought after Motsomuko MMK-5 coil tapped humbucker. Great sound from a single pickup guitar. My question is: 'Is this guitar in fact an original X77T Vantage Avenger made March 5th, 1961 and if so, how much is it worth?'

I have a vantage guitar thats a green colour that I couldnt find any picutes on the internet so I could find out the model name. It not a flying V but its not an invader but is similar can someone help plz thanks: Vantage was a well made brand of guitars and basses built in Japan through the 80's by the Matsomuko factory (Aria Pro II, Westone, Etc): The name was sold off and is now owned by Samick of Korea. They are no longer in the same class.: THE reource for information on Vantage and other Matsomuko brands is here: http://www.therathole.org/guitars/.

I own a Vantage AV-315 electric guitar, it has 1 Humbucker and 1 single coil pickup. The single coil does not appear to be working and I've been trying to repair the guitar. The problem appears to be coming from the 3-way switch; a large black, solid core wire is connected from the body of the switch and I have no idea where it is supposed to go. I currently have it grounded to the phase switch where the volume and tone knobs are grounded as well.Could anyone provide any insight and/or blueprints?Regards,Jacob. Sorry, i cant help w yours.

I cant find info on my own vantage acoustic w pickup. $325 about 15 yrs ago at a winnipeg pawn shop-new off the wall. I have played much more expensive axes and i can tell you, my friend, that this thing is insanely the best! Korean, model vst-5osc5, ser 921000007.

It spoke to me. First hands on it i did a e-maj. Then just slid up to the same on the octave-perfect!

I have never adjusted the truss rod in all these yrs. The only thing i have done is replace the saddle as the original was lost due to my own sloppiness while changing string and moving at the same time. This thin body is loud, great tone thru the picking positions, and is a freakin rock i construction. The only thin is, the pickup crapped out after only a couple of times of use. Thats ok because i have stopped playing out and only use it at home now. I cannot give this guitar enough credit, as i have done finger and townshend workouts and it still sound better(in my humble opinion) as good as any expensive ( out-my-range) guitar that i have ever played in my 46 yrs of loving to play! This is the only one of its kind that i have ever seen, and wonder if anyone else has one?

It is truly a beauty, and i wonder if anyone can help me find the guy - guys who made it so that i can give them kudos. It is deffenitly not a (friday) job. I only wish they could see how well thier efforts have been appreciatd! Regrds, jimtempleton.