The early 70s models (1970 -1975) can be distinguished by a headstock logo consisting of the single word SIGMA surmounted with the Σ symbol (the Greek letter sigma), in mother of pearl. The DM-5 and DR-7, as well as other early models continued to be built during this time as well.Sigma guitars made in Japan from 1970 through 1983. Because in contrast to Gibson or Fender.Construction moved from Japan (1970–83), to Korea (1984-93/94), and finally Taiwan (1993–2007).In 1980, 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. Its actually a lot easier than you may think. D for dreadnought, R for rosewood, M for mahogany and the number denoting the grade of wood, 5, 7, 9, 11, 15.DATING MARTIN GUITARS AND MANDOLINS BY REFERENCE OF SERIAL NUMBERS. Dreadnought models DM-5 and DR-7 are the most common early Sigma guitars until the late '70's.Later one's (c1972 onward) had white labels that had gold lettering with a border, often reddish-brown or purple in color. The earliest examples had a plain black on white inner paper label giving the model and serial numbers. As is tradition in 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. 1970" underneath in a smaller block font. By the mid 1970's (c1976) the headstock logo design changed to utilize a gold "Martin style" decal stating "Sigma Guitars" in script with "Est.This may be due to them being built in several Japanese factories at the same time with no coordination in the serial numbering system. L-R as seen through the sound hole: Serial number, "Brand," Model number.) Early Korean made guitars show this same brand, only Made in Korea in place of JapanSigma serial numbers do not provide an indicator of the year in which a particular model was built. Followed by an ink stamp of the model number, and prefixed by the serial number assigned to the instrument.
![]() 75XXXXXX possibly equates to a build year 1975.) It is widely assumed by owners and Sigma historians that this is correct, though C.F. I bought it new in 1970." Further, DR-7's with a four digit ink stamped label serial number and a zero fret strongly suggests a very early build date.Some early 70s Sigma guitar serial numbers started with 7* suggesting the 197* build date (e.g. One Sigma DR-7 owner stated "I have an old Sigma DR-7 Guitar.s/n 6860. For example, serial numbers on the earliest DR-7's start with 4 digit numbers on through 5 digit numbers. Hp scanner app for macRe: My own first Sigma, a DM12-5, which I purchased new in mid-1977 (I still have the receipt) had this second gen "Martin style" decal logo. This may have been as early as 1976. 1970" underneath in a smaller block font, in the familiar Martin headstock decal form. 81XXXXXX.) Since we know these instruments were manufactured from 1984 through 2007 in these two countries, it is safe to assume that a serial number beginning with 81XXXXXX was not produced in 1981.In 1980 the paper labels were discontinued and the inner back brace was "branded." With the move of production to Korea in 1984, paper labels, this time with a fancy border, were reinstated, although some early 1984 models still retained the back center brace stamping.Sigma identified their dreadnought and grand concert guitars as "Second Generation" when the headstock design changed to utilize a gold decal stating "Sigma Guitars" in script with "Est. Martin factory in Nazareth, Pa alongside the regular production lineSerial numbers for Sigma guitars built in Korea and Taiwan are perhaps meaningless, though again some seem to indicate the year of manufacture (e.g. These instruments were constructed using preformed and sometimes partially assembled imported parts, built or completed in the C.F. ![]() ![]() Sigma Guitar Lookup Series Of LaminatedSC stands for (Sunburst Color)In 2011 the German company "AMI Musical Instruments GmbH" launched the Sigma Name/Guitars again. Martins own in-house, less expensive, "X" series of laminated wood guitars.Sigma also made a DR-28SC model manufactured in Japan and an SDR-28SC model made in Korea. It has been suggested that these SDR branded instruments were the precursor, or pilot program for what has now become C.F. There is little known about these instruments at this time.
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