All About Sigma Guitars

The first guitar can be compared to the first love - a poorly chosen instrument will disappoint the owner, completely discourage the desire to learn to play it. If you approach the choice responsibly, think it over, consult with a specialist, then finding a quality guitar will not be difficult. And when an instrument has a good sound, a beautiful timbre, it is easy and convenient to play on it, then you start to love it. The guitar will surely reciprocate, show how the music can sound. Guitars of the Sigma Guitars brand can be considered one of such responsive musical instruments.

The history of Sigma guitars begins with the company Martin (country - USA), which opened in 1833, and later revolutionized the design and shape of the guitar. For example, the western shape, which was developed by Martin, and several other changes in the appearance of the instrument brought worldwide fame to the manufacturer. Especially appreciated were the narrow neck, wide body, and cruciform struts located inside the guitar body.

The emergence of Sigma guitars was an important event in the life of Martin. This brand is often confused with Martin: they have the same font on the fretboard petal. Almost the same guitars, but at a lower price, while not inferior in quality to Martin products. The production of Sigma guitars began in the 70s of the last century. At that time, Japanese manufacturers learned how to make instruments that could compete with guitars produced in American factories.It was then that Martin realized the idea of ​​releasing musical instruments in Japan with the production of Sigma guitars.

The global crisis that began in 2000 forces Martin to start only releasing guitars of his main brand, suspending the work of Sigma. In 2011, Martin's European distributor AMI Musical Instruments acquires the rights to the Sigma brand, thus restoring the production of the legendary guitars.

Today Sigma is about 50 years of tradition of production and quality control, which is an important factor. For example, a tag is placed on the neck of each instrument when it leaves the assembly line, on which all factory indicators and technical information are painted. This is a rather bold decision for a manufacturer, which not all companies decide on.

Quality is monitored not only by manufacturers, but also by suppliers. After the instruments arrive in Russia (climate change), the appearance of the product is checked for any damage or defects, the saddles and frets are polished again, the position of the strings is adjusted. That is why "trying on" Sigma while still in the store, all the sensations from the instrument will remain pleasant.

The secret to a deep and lively sound of guitars is not only in the wood species: it is also influenced by the struts or springs inside the body (the sound quality of the instrument depends on them). At this point, it is worth remembering how the Sigma brand came about - from the very beginning, it worked with patents received from Martin. The most important and influential was the right to use the same structure of struts, which once brought great success to the company.

Martin masters created their musical instruments for the country style, which is why they have a rich and pronounced sound. The construction system was designed in such a way that in the future (in the ensemble) the sound of the guitar would not be lost in the general music.

Sigma guitars have a wide range of models. Here you can find instruments with a small scale and copies of guitars with a wide neck of the early 20th century. Each model has its own designation (name), where the first letter is responsible for the shape of the tool (body type):

• D - Dreadnought.
• OM - Orchestra Model, 44.5mm neck width.
• 000 - Auditorium.
• 00 - Small Body.
• G - Grand OM with 44.5mm neck width.
• J - Jumbo.
• T - Travel Guitar.
• B - Bass.
• C - Classical Guitar, top - solid cedar.
• U - Ukulele.

The second designation is the material of the backboard and sides.

• M - Mahogany (mahogany).
• R - Indian Rosewood
• MR - Madagascar Rosewood, Madagascar rosewood.
• K - Koa (koa).
• A - Maple (maple).

Various additions follow:

• C - Cutaway;
• 12 - 12 straight (12 strings).

The following designations are the guitar series.

• SE - SE Series (matt varnish and pickup).
• ST - ST Series (matt varnish).
• 1ST - 1 Series.
• 4 - 4 Series, Vintage.
• GA– Grand Artist Series, matt lacquer and Fishman pickup.
• 15 - 15 Series, solid mahogany top, Grover tuners.
• 18-45 - Standart Series, Custom Series, Vintage Series, Limited Edition, Grover tuners.

This is followed by the features of the guitar.

• H - Herringbone piping.
• V - Vintage.
• S - Slotted headstock.
• 5 - 5-string bass.
• F - no frets.
• E - Fishman pickup.
• YEARS is an anniversary model.
• LE is a limited edition.
• NF - narrow neck.
• L - for left-handers.

The last decryption is the color of the instrument.

• SB - Sunburst.
• BR - Brownburst.
• BK - Black.

Several models of different series:

• (DM-ST +) is a dreadnought model best suited for beginners. She is good at playing with a pick - rock, bluegrass, riffs.
• 000MC-1STE is an acoustic guitar with a Jumbo body shape. Has 20 frets and 6 strings, scale - 645 mm. The color of the instrument is natural.
• DM-1ST - acoustic guitar, body shape - Dreadnought, 20 frets, 6 strings. Scale - 645 mm.
• DMC-1STE - electro-acoustic guitar. The case is shaped like a Dreadnought cutout. Neck of 20 frets.
• The CM-6NF is a 650mm scale classic guitar. Has gold plated tuning pegs. The color of the instrument is natural.
• (GMC-STE +) - electro-acoustic model. Made from Sitka spruce. Scale 645 mm. All fittings are chrome plated.

To choose a guitar, you need to decide where it will be used, and also pay attention to several parameters, which are listed below.

• Sound quality. Sigma has clear and bright sound, bass response easily.
• The material that was used for the production. The manufacturer uses only natural wood species to create musical instruments. In some cases, bone is used for the saddle and nut.
• Strings. The firm installs metal, nylon or carbon strings on its guitars.
• Tuners. Sigma models have a chrome-plated tuner.
• Appearance. The company produces guitars only with classic designs, thanks to which the musician can create any image. In addition to light-colored guitars, dark wood instruments are also available.
• Price category. Sigma guitars are relatively inexpensive. And this despite the fact that they are made from natural materials.
• Long service life. A musical instrument is not afraid of mechanical damage, they do not exfoliate or dry out.