Gibson vs Sigma - Hummingbird vs DM-SG5

[@ErraticFaith]

Been a long while now. The world has changed drastically for all of us. I started off with both funny enough. Gibson CS 1960 HB with FB. Using the other cheaper model for a carry around when I wanted to roam about on the street. At the time people's commentary about it being close enough was opinion - but it made sense in terms of safety. Carry the cheaper one when the weather is rough and the circumstances less than ideal. But over time, I realized that the gulf was more vast than people think. Rather than just bias - as I really wanted the practical advantage of the cheaper one for those above reasons - it just came down to not being able to ignore it. The vibe, the deeper playing experience, sitting alone during the lock down playing alone. Being able to take the time to compare. They aren't the same. To the point I even think I'd pay more for the HB. As stupid as that might sound in light of so many comments saying its not worth it. Perhaps that was the realization. That sound, it's not just sound. There is no 'close' - it either is. Or it isn't. All of a sudden that stupid little flag on some headstocks, 'only Gibson is good enough' made more sense. Rather than American arrogance. Or even just that. It actually rings true sometimes. So if you can. Save that little bit longer. It's actually worth it. Helps you get by. Try as a I might playing the other I ended up giving it away. The new owner seemed happy enough. This isn't bashing you for your Sigma or saying it's bad. It isn't. But it isn't a Gibson either. For a company that gets so much critique for not being what it was. Something I've been guilty of sometimes too; that turned out to be wrong in my case. Anyway I'll stop. I doubt anyone cares either way. Just another idiot blabbering on. But I do hope you enjoy whichever you bought. Just thought I'd add my own anecdote for the 'not worth the price crowd'. There is a lot more to the sound in person. Than you might think. And once you hear it? It scratches at you constantly while you play. Becomes hard to ignore. Anyway. /Fin.

[@trollstjerne]

Great video! The Sigma is a steal! For the price of the Gibson Hummingbird, you can get the Sigma SG5, the Sigma SG200 and the Sigma SG45 and still have money left for an amp and picks.

[@michaelcrawley5211]

The Sigma sounded nice I will admit but it was pretty clear that the Gibson sound fuller all the way around. The sigma sounded tinny compared to the Gibson but enough to justify the extra cost IDK. The more aggressive they played the Gibson sounded much better but $2.5K more nah! If I am playing out then I am all about the Sigma wont have to worry about scratching it but if I am at home and have the cash Gibson all day long.

[@Edward1312]

That tinnyness could be down to the strings they come with. The strings Gibson's come with are better quality.

[@DavidRosario69]

They don't sound exactly the same but that's irrelevant. The Sigma has a great sound, and sometimes it's the exact sound you desire. I would get one in a heartbeat.

[@richardsyoutubechannel995]

Couldn't agree more mate I'd be very happy with a sigma version anythings better than the epiphone version apart from the inspired epiphone

[@Wobbz9413]

Played one today. Nice guitar. Im tempted!

[@blissfulhumanoid9536]

I played one as well. I too was impressed. Did you end up buying one?

[@mandyrohr607]

Got mine sigma few week ago.... love it

[@nikoloniusTV]

I owe the sigma now for 3 months. I love it. Plays and sounds fantastic, really amazing guitar, will never sell it again. My dad has the gibson, and the difference is so minimal, that the price difference is not worth spending so much more money (in my opinion). You can't do anything wrong with the sigma.

[@Paul_9.53]

Meine Worte

[@mrjonnyburkecovers]

I still want a highlight reel of Mick and Pete just handing guitars back and forth for an hour

[@trollstjerne]

Great advice from Pete about trying out different picks. They make a huge difference in sound.

[@wesispradlin9961]

Yes, picks and strings.

[@JonnyBoss83]

It's crazy how much American guitars have gone up. In this video (2017) they say that there is almost a £2000 price difference. Just four years later it's almost £3000. Gibson SJ200 and Martin D45s have both doubled in price in just over a decade. Granted they are flagship model's, and were never cheap. But that's Rolex style inflation.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

Our economy is going down the drain what so you expect. Leftist policies will only make it worse.

[@孙卓-f3z]

我就在日本买二手，爱贵不贵，我就不买新琴，我看它还贵……哈哈

[@charlienichols8620]

Literally just bought the sigma one last week ( sounds and looks amazing!!! )

[@johngallacher]

I recently sold a 2014 Gibson dove. Couldn’t get into it! I’ll Never buy a guitar on looks or brand again.

[@peterdoneganmusic]

Thats a good bit of buying advice. Always play first. Especially with acoustics. It’s also very personal. Just one person thinks Gibson is better than Martin (for example) doesn’t mean you are gonna feel the same. Always play first.

[@kamarienedwards1757]

I agree but I like to choose the guitars that look the “best” to me because if its a beautiful instrument I would want to play it more. After I compile a list of the best looking guitars I then look at their specs and narrow it down further. After that I play all of the guitars by feel to choose my best guitar out of the bunch

[@trollstjerne]

Any chance you could check out the All solid wood Sigma SOMR-28H ? In these kind of videos its always £500 laminated backs v.s £2500 solid.. But Sigma's has all solid guitars for less than £700. How about Sigma S000M-18 v.s Martin 000-18 and Sigma SOMR-28H v.s Martin OM-28? Thanks!

[@Tayger22]

I have a sigma SOMR 28, and i can tell you it's a great guitar. My favorite one. Don't want to pay much more for a Martin. Laminated ones are good yet, but they really should make solid models of Hummingbird and J200 too !

[@trollstjerne]

Cool! I got 4 Sigma guitars and i love them. OMRC-28E, SDM-15 (all solid mahogny), DR12-28 (12string) and DR-45. Great guitars. But that SOMR-28H looks really nice too.

[@dickyjeebers5403]

I have a Sigma SDR-28MLE(madagaskar rosewood back n sides,adi top) and it whoops all my mates martin d28's:)

[@stevangajic88]

trollstjerne i really wanna get DR-45 how are you satisfied with it?

[@coltera1]

I have sigma DR-42 and i absolutely love it.

[@dannymoisan4956]

I've had my Sigma Martin for thirty years and it's stood the test of time perfectly I'll let you know in another thirty years if my Gibson hummingbird is still up to the job..... great vid guys cheers

[@AhmadSleeq]

Danish pete man , andertons greatest asset

[@jacobreece1971]

ACOUSTIC PARADISO!!!! there's a God after all.

[@darianbaxley8850]

ayy dude

[@jacobreece1971]

Guitaraholic458 Hey, We get around don't we?

[@escortrsts2]

Danish Pete, is this your Danish Sauna?

[@stuartcarden5402]

My thoughts exactly!

[@Squidward_Tikiland]

Danish Pete is the best player at Andertons, clearly

[@leeshelton1230]

Yes Mick and Pete are back, waited ages for this - Very happy

[@renzr1]

Who is listening during quarantine?

[@uffesommerlund6523]

I am

[@MrBrookesharley]

@@uffesommerlund6523 me too you should checkout the sigma hummingbird special edition solid back and sides includes case about 2000 dollars

[@Gunslinger320]

Greetings from Ellsworth Maine USA guys!!!! I always look forward to your segment on Andertons KZbin!!! been playing for 20+ years and love watching your videos, you both are very very good players. Cheers!

[@rdb9936]

It's jams like the one at the end when you realise just HOW good Mick and Pete are!

[@PaulPauliePabloPaolo]

Im still trying to find a good vid of the Sigma Hummingbird 12 string.... ;( Can you help?

[@flashtuinmanman]

Welcome back Acoustic Paradiso! I've missed you.

[@janminor1172]

mike o'neill yay! More acoustic guitars, please!

[@andertons]

Missed you too Mike...

[@redukonio]

The different picks is a method you should make a standard for comparing acoustic guitars! I was amazed how it showed the responsiveness of the Gibson. Sigma sounds allright, but is "compressing".

[@voltagevillain7342]

I listened to it without looking and I am glad that I prefered the Gibson. Makes saving up for one worthwhile. Mick & Pete, thanks for a great review and playing.

[@nicocoetzee8640]

I've got the ALL solid Sigma SDM15E, The S000M15E as well as the 00015E and there is a definite difference in tone. I would guess the solid body Sigma would be even closer to the Gibson...

[@Squazzoo68]

Can you guys do a shootout vid between the Gibson J200 & the Sigma GJA S200? I want to see how good a $1000 guitar from China really is

[@d35s2]

I never found a Gibson guitar I like and usually they are quite expensive.... I had 2 Gibsons about 10 years ago but sold them again. My son recently bought a Sigma copy of the J200 and I like it very much, the sounds is excellent and the woods are much nicer than I have seen from most Gibsons of the same model. Following this my wife - usually strictly CF Martin - ordered a sunbusrt version of the Sigma 200+

[@lance134679]

Nice jamming! I always like two guitars, one with a capo kind high up. They seem to blend well together.

[@Derek-rv3ee]

Sigma one sounds a whole lot better than the Epiphone hummingbird, Gibson sounds better than both but that sigma is what I would buy.

[@yakinkate7946]

I love watching you guys! Thank you for the work you put into these videos.

[@hammyjammies]

To my ears, from the chord playing around the 5 minute mark, the difference in sound isn't massive! May look at getting that Sigma after this

[@Lalairu]

Sigma makes absolute killer guitars for the price. I might buy a 00015-m someday. By the moment I will stick to my Tanglewood union folk.

[@mistermonsieur7890]

YES!!!! Acoustic Paradiso is my fav!!!

[@guildofgamefails]

I felt in the 'E chord test', anyway, that the sigma projected a wee bit more, sounds pretty dang close to the Gibson, maybe worth a closer look :D

[@TheBigDean18]

Yeah but the tone isn't as deep as the Gibson.

[@Edward1312]

They wont be selling them in the US because firstly, AMI are not allowed to sell these guitars in the US under the leasing agreement they have with Martin. Only Alvarez (St Louis Guitars) have the leasing rights to sell Sigma's in the USA. Secondly, AMI have only recently begun making Gibson copies, when Sigma was own by Martin, Martin only ever sold Martin copies. There is no way Gibson would allow a Hummingbird copy like the Sigma DM5 SG to be sold in the US.

[@rosshorne4769]

Buy it from andertons then

[@Edward1312]

Depends if you are in the US would probably be a better idea to locate a Canadian AMI Sigma dealer and order from them.

[@devonreally3966]

I always thought Sigma was the Martin offshoot isn't this like fender squier making a Gibson les Paul or epiphone making a strat. Sigma guitars are very good affordable and Mick and Pete show the best of what can be achieved through knowledge and outstanding play. Thank you both

[@mattburke9991]

Devon Really Martin used to own Sigma as their cheaper brand but they've been unaffiliated for a few decades now.

[@devonreally3966]

Matt Burke I bought a little sigma for my son it's very good but the logo is easily mistaken as Martin. Thanks for the info. Also I notice that Martin allowed things to lapse, fairly consistent for them over the years, they are Kindred brand in the US not sigma. Great quality though, Sigma.

[@rosshorne4769]

Great video, I like the always have fun factor too, that riff you start at 22:00 is awesome

[@monoblues]

Thank for this video, very enjoyable.Now I have quite a lot of information for these two guitars with your well demonstration.You guys are fantastic and it’s great to hear your collaboration

[@Edward1312]

Sigma SG series guitars back and sides are a Rosewood or Mahogany veneer over solid Basswood.

[@JKM395]

Dad gum Mick! We all know Pete is awesome, but you don't get enough credit. As an aspiring bluegrass picker I really appreciated watching you get going on that final jam. Tearing it up! Well done sir.

[@timothysegal3445]

You hear the depth in Gibson. I assume both guitars are great at their pricepoint, but I would bet on it the Gibson will age great and open up even more.

[@RADThird1]

About time ! Missed Acoustic Paradiso. Thanks for this Anderton's

[@msaintpc]

Danish Pete, you're a genius! Love hearing you play!

[@andrewho18]

Through my speakers they sound really similar and I always thought for sure laminates and full solids will sound very different. I guess I have to try it in person to really tell.

[@robblaize]

The top makes a big difference, the back and sides much less.

[@darrenbatty7090]

Rob Blaize haven’t seen a laminate top guitar for some time didn’t know that was still a thing

[@goldTopDeluxe]

Thank you for doing this. Excellent as always. I know its probably not too much of a difference between this video's concept - but would love to hear a Gibson vs Sigma J200..

[@Zippah85]

That Sigma sounds VERY good. The Gibson has a more balanced sound to it, but it's too close for my liking (I own a Gibson Hummingbird)

[@stefangmur2982]

Please do a affordable 000 body size shootout Martin 000X1AE vs Sigma vs Dowina vs Taylor

[@ZappaBlues]

A more evenly matched comparison would be the Sigma DM-SG5 vs the Epiphone Hummingbird.

[@Edward1312]

The Epiphone isn't in the same league as the Sigma, the Sigma is much closer to the Gibson, I should know I own the Sigma and have tried the Epiphone and the Gibson.

[@ZappaBlues]

I think the Sigma may be twice the price of the Epiphone, but that is still closer in price than to the Gibson. Assuming the comparison is about price.

[@Edward1312]

Yes, the Epiphone is only half the price of the sigma and the Sigma is 20% the cost of the Gibson. My estimate is that you get 80% of the sound of the Gibson with the Sigma. The Epiphone is about 20% the sound of the Sigma.

[@ZappaBlues]

Problem where I live, there are Epiphones everywhere and only one Sigma dealer. And they only have a few in stock, just the Martin clones and I never buy without trying and they won't order unless you buy.

[@Edward1312]

Well that's terrible customer service from a Sigma dealer. It would never happen in the UK. All I can say is that I've tried loads of AMI Sigma's and they have all been consistently well made (especially the SG Series), so well made in fact that I've purchased 3 of them so far!

[@Yesidoplaytheguitar]

To me it sounds like the sigma projects a bit more while the Gibson has an overall richer sound, although the strings do indeed sound a bit more dead.

[@t.k.tyrantic1192]

Such an awesome Jam at the beginning :)

[@lottrocky]

Both great guitars, honestly the Sigma sounds more even across the spectrum.

[@rockers2rockers616]

That jam was SOLID!

[@edmondlaw6146]

Pete revealed the big secret of tone - Picks! I'm gonna use different kind of picks to get tones rather than buying expensive guitars haha

[@bigtom1001]

I recently bought a used,perfect condition sigma SG5 ,i could not be happier!!it sounds almost as good as my gibson j200!! it sounds fantastic!!i think it's better looking than any gibson hummingbird as far as colour goes,mine has the same thicker pickguard as the gibson!! i have searched lots and have not been able to find another sigma SG5 with that☺☺,i changed the tuners for keystones and it's even better now!i got this for the shocking price of £280!!awesome☺☺

[@jeremiahmountain2460]

I feel like the grovers have play in them because the gear ratio is higher than standard Kluson's making it more sensitive/takes more rotations to complete a whole turn

[@patrickcarroll1754]

I learn what true wit is from watching Mick.

[@PurplePunchini]

I just go back to this video sometimes to listen to the intro jam. Great playing :D

[@macanoodough]

These two are so much closer than the other video with the JM's. And the price difference is whopping. This one goes to Sigma. They both sound great and I really can't say I like one better. Even know as I am typing during a replay of the video that I cannot see, I can't tell one from the other. Obviously not being in the room I imagine it's different, but is it a difference worth $2k? Not from here. And, was that Days of the New Mick was playing?

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Quite a noticeable tonal difference between these two. I suspect a difference in feel too. Both good acoustics though

[@wearmouthsimon]

Martain Dreadnought Jr or Sigma DM-SG5 which one would you say to go for ?

[@tomy96175]

Have you guys tried the sdm version? (all solid)

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

There's a tiny notch filter thing going on, a narrow band of freqs that is missing from the Sigma's sound, making it a little less full and honeyed. Having said that, such a small difference in a direct comparison is an amazing achievement. If you played one on one day and the other the next day I think you'd be hard pushed to spot the difference in sound.

[@Daren67]

Mick's rabbit ears 😂

[@ricardouk7340]

Mike.

[@ricardouk7340]

Ninja edit....

[@Daren67]

Ricardo UK Ah yes, corrected to Mick. Although I think we're splitting hares! Insert rabbit jokes here ...

[@Chirn70]

Don't go down that warren!

[@mouselim72]

Was it intentional based on the placement of the wall piece and the camera angle? :))

[@braidedwire]

Is the back and sides real mahogany or like basswood with mahogany veneer? I was about to get a Yamaha LL16 M, which is amazing all solid wood guitar for the money, but now i'm considering this. I like a traditional dreadnought style more and always liked hummingbirds. It sounds great and it's cheaper than the Yamaha. Maybe a pursuit of all solid wood is not that important if the guitar sounds good. Or maybe i'm wrong (?), and the solid wood constrution would pay off more in the future, when guitar ages a bit... I don't know.

[@kildeagirl5149]

You're back!! Yesssss

[@Yesidoplaytheguitar]

Blind thumber Terriot is my new favourite thing!

[@benradford847]

could you guys give the Ibanez AEW acoustics a go? they're pretty good value, and feel killer for a player transitioning from electric to acoustic

[@mistermonsieur7890]

Mick needs to teach me that lick at the end!

[@marksc1929]

...those two are highly underrated players...

[@merfeeel7999]

I've had my sigma for 25 years or so it's one of my closest friends I've had tons of other guitars nothing comes close

[@leascaart]

Effing brilliant review. I am now on crusade to get this Sigma hummingbird. Sure, it's not a Gibson, but it sounds great!!

[@BobGrimminger]

Is the dynamic range thing related to the solid vs laminate back and sides? Or is it something else?

[@yoso585]

Good dang best show I’ve ever seen!

[@enriquerivera7147]

Hey guys great video! I was wondering if you can do a video of the Starshine J-200 Vs. Sigma GJA-SG200? Thanks!

[@HC_GUITAR]

We need pete and mick back for more acoustic paradiso videos!!!

[@CNCTEMATIC]

Ole Blind Thumber Thuriot. What an absolute legend.

[@xHansax]

Both guitars restrung with same type strings before shooting the video?

[@andertons]

Both guitars played as they come... Like if you were to try them in the shop...

[@xHansax]

Ok. Thanks :)

[@chrisbailey556]

Andertons Music Co makes sense

[@ryanstanage1249]

Anyone know what the song being played at 8.25 is ? Or is it an original ?

[@colintraveller]

Dear Pete in you're next video ...... Can you use a 50p to as you're plectrum .... like to hear the difference between the different materials

[@torrid94]

These are like the ultimate combo!

[@thefleetcat]

Anyone else immediately grabbed their guitar and started playing "Dude"?

[@austinthornley1272]

What is that finger style song?!

[@shawc2013]

What's that awesome archtop in the background? I meant the one on the left in particular.

[@tboneshandy]

last jam is amazing.

[@shovelhead88in1]

pete how would caompare sigma to the epiphone pro humming bird

[@busyboxst7]

Strings roughly the same age / corrosion level or not?

[@patrickrooney5710]

did you guys find an old piece from the general store set from the show "Deadwood" to shoot videos in now??

[@lotusmark2]

Best ending ever, got to love a big thumb 😂

[@CoolspyGaming]

What mic did you guys use for recording the acoustics?

[@Saladzingers]

The Sigma looks better. There, I said it! More understated, smarter, darker fretwood. Sounds very very similar, and better when plugged in.

[@corky1548]

Can you please do a demon show to see compare with j15 Gibson acoustic vs a gibson hummingbird pro acoustic please so i know what sounds are and to see different thank you if you and enthusiastic about what guitar your trying to sell thanks

[@jeremylivingston6004]

Who made the dove series was that martin co ?

[@drewmello6462]

LOVE the acoustic rendition of Even Flow Mick!!!! #PJ!!

[@primadormalJC]

Make a video about different kinds of strings for acoustics

[@zombiedethfucker8465]

guys, you're awesome. please do more on the rest of the sigma range - ooomr, om etc

[@stephengent9974]

Nothing wrong with Waverely but they are way more expensive than Grovers.

[@TheJamison76]

Next do Yamaha A series vs Sigma

[@j17wmk2]

Hope you guys have got a similar comparison between the Gibson SJ-200 and Sigmas new(ish) SG200. Technically I could afford the Gibson (honestly!), but I'd be scared to play it. So the Sigma might be a real possibility.

[@andertons]

Video on the way....

[@trollstjerne]

I see Andertons got 2 in stock now. Time to record and upload a video :)

[@thewalrus1968]

:( still waiting ..and they not stocking them now

[@Antilevitation]

that captian commercial at the end

[@renzr1]

Anyone know the chords Mick is playing starting at 18:00

[@stephentyndall159]

Hahaha, the face Mick pulls at 11:07 after Pete's comment.

[@hubbalol]

Hope to hear your impression on the new Taylor Acadamy series soon. Played some of the models recently and was very impressed! Cheers

[@luciustitius]

Dudes, i totally miss this...