This article needs additional citations for. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.Find sources: – ( February 2015) 1980 Sigma D-10 Anniversary GuitarManufacturerSigma bymaker, based in, created a line of inexpensive guitars in 1970 to compete with the increasing number of imported guitars from Japan and elsewhere.

1. Martin Sigma Mandolin Serial Numbers Look Up

The result was Sigma Guitars.The Sigma line was discontinued by C.F. In 2007.In 2011 the German company 'AMI Musical Instruments GmbH' purchased the rights to the name and relaunched Sigma Guitars again, this time being produced in China.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. Contents.History Initial construction was in Japan by various manufacturers/factories from 1970 through 1983.The first Sigmas were typically dreadnought, 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.

Martin Sigma Mandolin Serial Numbers Look Up

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 & LogosSigma guitars made in Japan from 1970 through 1983.The early 70s models (1970 -1975) can be distinguished by a more squared, shaped similarly to that of a 'spatula.' The logo consisting of a gold decal with the single word in block lettering SIGMA surmounted with the Σ symbol (the Greek letter sigma), in.

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 1970's (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 BrandsSigma'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.)The 'Black and White' label: The earliest examples had a plain black on white inner paper label showing the model and serial numbers. These will show a 4-digit serial number. The 'Gold' label: The next generation of labels are transition labels that are white w/Sigma and three horizontal lines in gold ink, the Greek sigma in black and printed black text (Made for C.F.

Martin & Co, etc.) everywhere else. These will have a 4, 5 or 8 digit (7.0XXXXX) serial number stamped or hand written on them.

More about the 8-digit serial numbers later. The 'Purple' label (c1972 onward): These are again white labels that had gold & black lettering but this time with a border, often pinkish-brown or violet in color. The Σ symbol now also in this same pink/purple color. All other text was printed in black ink, or stamped on in ink by the manufacturer (model and serial numbers.) 5-digit, or 8-digit serial numbers.

The Back Brace Brand: From 1978 through 1983; 1978 being a transition year, one might find the center back brace is pressure stamped, or 'branded' in a football shape stating Sigma Guitars/Made in Japan/For/C.F. Being a mid-year change, some continued on with the 'Purple' label, though with the new serial number designation preceded by an 'S' or an 'E' This is prefixed by the serial number assigned to the instrument and followed by an ink stamp of the model number. L-R as seen through the sound hole: Serial number, 'Brand,' Model number.) The serial numbers on these instruments were often preceded by the letters S or E; e.g.

It is currently believed that this transition was complete by 1979.Early Korean made guitars show this same brand, only stating Made in Korea in place of Made in Japan. During later Korean made years (c1990,) Sigma transitioned back to paper labels and they stayed that way until the end of production in Indonesia in 2007.

(Further detailed information is required here.)Serial NumbersUnder the best of circumstances, Sigma serial numbers can only provide an indicator of the year when a particular model was built. This may be due to them being built in several Japanese factories at the same time with no coordination or tracking in the numbering system. However, while some models lasted the entire run from 1970 through 1983, others did not and were only offered for a limited number of years. Other physical indicators or attributes, such as finish, trim, tuners, etc., can help determine the approximate construction date of a particular example, but almost never exactly. For example, serial numbers on the earliest DR-7's began using 4 digit numbers on through 5 digit numbers, with some early 70's models (c1972-c1975) along the way with the unusual 7.0XXXXX, 8-digit system. (See below for that explanation.)One Original Sigma DR-7 owner stated 'I have an old Sigma DR-7 Guitar.s/n 6860.

I bought it new in 1970.' Furthermore, DR-7's with a four digit ink stamped label serial number, a zero fret and an adjustable bridge saddle strongly suggests a very early ('70-'71) build date. Some early 70s Sigma guitar serial numbers (c1972-1975) began with 7X0 suggesting the 197X build date (e.g. 750XXXXX possibly equates to a build year 1975.) These were eight digits long, the third digit always a place-holding 0, while all others by then were still only five digit serial numbers further adding to the confusion.

It is widely assumed by owners and Sigma historians alike that this is correct, though C.F. Martin cannot, or will not confirm this. ' Sigma-Martin USA' guitars built in 1981 and 1982 only, had specifically assigned serial numbers ranging from 900,001 to 902,908 (2,907 in total.) These serial numbers are documented by C.F. And to this day remain the only Sigma related serial numbers that are publicly available. These 'N' instruments, of which only two models were ever produced, the DR-28N & DR-35N partially assembled in Japan and were imported to Nazareth ('N') and the Martin guitar factory as kits. Martin completed and finished them alongside the regular Martin production line. Bridges and tuners may have been installed, as well final sanding and finishing before strings were installed and a final set-up was done.

Because more than 30% of the work was completed within the borders of the United States, Martin was legally allowed to designate them as Made in U.S.A. Serial numbers for Sigma guitars built in South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia are perhaps even more meaningless, though again some seem to indicate the year of manufacture (e.g. 81XXXXXX.) Since we know these instruments were manufactured from 1984 through 2007 in these three countries, it is safe to assume that a serial number beginning with 81XXXXXX (which I have personally seen) were not produced in 1981 and that these serial number 'indicators' are not to be trusted. In 1978-'79 the paper labels were discontinued and the inner back brace was 'branded.' Later Korean production show a resurgence in the paper label system for model and serial number, sometimes along with the brand. These had an even fancier border. re: 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.

It being a smaller, local store, the instrument may have been sitting there for a while before I acquired it. While I cannot be absolutely certain of the year it was manufactured, it was certainly by, or prior to 1977.

High end models such as the D-10 Anniversary model have the 'Second Generation' logo inlaid in the headstock using mother of pearl, as do many of the later Korean produced instruments. Some guitars made later in Taiwan and Indonesia have a different headstock shape and decal: The shape is more squared off at the top corners, while the decal states, 'Sigma Guitars' on top with a miniature version of the 'C.F. Martin & Co.' Logo underneath. Some of these guitars also had the 'Est 1970' instead of the C.F.

Martin & Co.,' using a slightly different block font that is both fatter & wider than the original 2nd series instruments. The paper labels for model/serial number identification had also changed again, this time with a fancy border and the word 'Sigma' or 'Sigma Guitars' printed in gold ink. The issue of whether or not Sigma guitars are solid wood or 'plywood' wood has been a source of controversy and confusion for many years now.

All known Sigma guitars have laminated sides and back wood. This is no longer in question. This is understandable since the Martin customer service department now responds to individual inquiries stating 'all' Sigma's had laminate back/sides, while Sigma catalogs from the early 70s list the back/side wood as 'Matched.' (edit: 'Matched' does not mean solid, but is a careful marketing nomenclature for laminate to confuse potential buyers.)In the 70's Sigma produced a line of guitars with model numbers starting with 52S, e.g., 52SDM-5, 52SDR-7 and 52SGCS-7. While it was thought at one time that these were somehow 'special' and had solid tops, based on current research and scholarship, an emerging school of thought dismisses this notion.

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 Levin 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.'

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.