Martin's little brother, Sigma

[@ringsystemmusic]

The rare Saturday twoodfrd

[@Tetsaraku]

I think I’m going to save this for Sunday evening. There must be order in the world.

[@robertgriffin7569]

But all we have is chaos..haha.

[@peterjones3100]

Embrace the erratic, or become the slave they want to be 😁

[@mrz80]

Martin had a line between the made-in-Japan Sigmas and the USA-made Martins: The Shenandoahs. They had solid spruce tops and laminated backs/sides. They were partially assembled in Japan, then shipped to Nazareth PA for assembly and finishing. I have a 1983 Shenandoah D-2832 that quite honestly is as every bit as nice looking, nice sounding, and nice playing as any 40 year old Martin out there.

[@CaptainRon1913]

He mentioned the "assembled in USA" Sigmas

[@bldallas]

Very interesting, thanks! I’ve been a Martin fan for decades - currently own a D-18E Retro - but was not aware of these guitars. I need to do some searching, now that you’ve taught me about this brand. On a side note, I’ve surely posted my rant about HPL here in the past. But suffice it to say, I hate it. It’s Formica; basically plastics with done paper laminates. I hate the feel, tone, etc. and, it boggles my mind when it comes to Martin’s all-in decision to use that crap on all of their “more affordable,” guitars. I’d much rather own a Sigma or Shenandoah with “plywood” back and sides than an HPL Martin. On another side note , I still own the first guitar I ever bought new, a 1977 Takamine F360 (D-28 copy). It’s in awesome condition and plays, sounds amazing. 10x better than HPL. About 15 years ago, I also came across a 1978 Takamine D-18 copy, at a pawn shop. Bought it for $200 and it plays /sounds amazing, too. Lots of options out there that are Martin inspired. Thanks again for your info on the Shenandoahs. Cool stuff.

[@stevekelley1179]

Before the Shenandoah models. There were two guitars that were made by Martin. Years of late 1980- early 1982 they had sigma Martin on the head stock. But had Martin made in USA on the inside and had Martin serial numbers. Shenandoah models ran from 1983 until 1993.

[@eddiemoore8468]

I own one myself. It’s a very good guitar.

[@ron.v]

@@bldallas Maybe it's the difference in the HPL model you played and the ones I've played. Could also be the difference in our ears (mine aren't great). I love the sound of Martins no matter what they're made of be it plywood, HPL, aluminum, or what have you. I've played these and owned some of them. Where it's made and who put it together seems to make all the difference to me. Again, each of us has his or her preference.

[@QuestionMan]

Glad I never got rid of my Sigma 12-string. Tried selling it once. People kept wanting me to give them money to take it because it wasn't a "real" Martin. "Well, no duh!" I wasn't selling a Martin. I was selling a darn fine sounding solid top guitar.

[@Demolitionman7454]

The Sigma name now belongs to AMI, a German company. The guitars are made in China, but to a very high standard. I see them relatively often in my shop here in Germany. They're very popular here, good value for money, and they sound great

[@beenaplumber8379]

I've seen really good quality from Chinese manufacturers over the past decade or so. Sometimes there's this perfect instrument, like my OLP Stingray bass, but then something stupid happens, in my case the G tuning key just breaks off. It's frustrating to see such high quality with such stupid problems. (I have a student with a Sterling Stingray, and it's also an excellent instrument, though I'm not sure where it's made.)

[@Matthew-tr6io]

​@@beenaplumber8379Sterling is manufactured in Indonesia

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@Matthew-tr6io Nice! Maybe the Indonesian manufacturers are also upping their game? I bought a Fender acoustic bass from Indonesia a few years ago (during COVID), and I barely played it. 2 years after I bought it I noticed the tone was terrible and the setup was suddenly all wrong. The bridge had popped off while sitting there. It was hanging on by the bridge pins. They'd finished the body and glued the bridge onto the finish, not the wood. Out of warranty. At least it was cheap - ~$280 or so? It sounded good acoustically when I bought it, better than Fender's more expensive acoustic basses, and as good as the Taylors I tried out. It had a better bottom end. Those others seemed to be primarily set up for plugging in, but I needed acoustic, not electric. The electronics sound great too though... when I could play it.

[@JohnLloydDavis]

Ovation have some very decent quality guitars made in China too.

[@beenaplumber8379]

@@JohnLloydDavis Good to know. I bought a Kaman GTX20 Strat (Kaman is the Ovation guy) at a pawn shop for... I think $45, probably less, and I was really shocked at how good it is. The tone is blazing, and it feels great in my hands. I like it better than my Mexi Strat (which I sold). This was made in Korea though. I think Ovation has gotten an undeserved reputation over the years. They are not meant to sound like Martins. They sound like Ovations. The Ovation Adamas is an extraordinary experience to play. The projection and sustain are incredible, and the quality is on par with anything Martin builds. And it should be, because it's about $5k new.

[@James-oj6ck]

I love the history.

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

As a Martin man, my dad would often sing the praises of Sigma guitars and how well built he thought they were and he would say if you can't get a Martin then get a Sigma!

[@DrLelantos]

Trying to get those gen Z clicks

[@malcolmrose-zadow5517]

What the Sigma.

[@johntilson2535]

Besides being a talented luthier, Ted your smooth, easy voice lends a pleasurable ASMR component to your videos!

[@peterjones3100]

No kidding! I've lost count of the times I've fallen asleep through a Ted video...

[@basanova3382]

I had to bring out my 1981 Korean built Sigma DM - 2 that I bought brand new at the age of 17. Minor upgrades include black Tusk nut and bridge saddle. She still sounds great 🎵🎶☮️

[@michaelfuller34]

All of Ted’s historical lectures should be given with his reflection in a glossy guitar back😊.

[@philbert006]

Perhaps occasionally a polished aluminum pick guard, just for variety? Wouldn't hurt my feelings, either way.

[@alackbertonez5358]

Some of them are, this certainly isn't the first time he's done this. But it is pretty cool

[@ngiles1000]

Short and sweet . I was going to buy a Sigma, good while ago now, took a day to decide, a day too late, it was gone. They had someone run from another shop with a different one ( same model) but just didn’t feel like that one. I morn it sometimes when I can’t find anything else to regret

[@kbjerke]

Looks nice, sounds *GREAT!* I'm a fan too! Thanks, Ted!

[@random-guitar]

Yay! A new twoodfrd video. I remember the Sigmas.

[@edminer3421]

My first guitar was a Sigma DR-35 I bought in 1981 or so. I had the bridge reglued 15 years ago but it’s had no other work. I stood on a carpeted floor for much of its life and has some ghosting on the back. There’s a big ding on the soundboard from banging into a piano after a performance. I give it to my son. I want it back.

[@MojoGuitarGuy]

Love your playing at the end of thid episode Ted.

[@jbafromny]

A friend of mine had a ca. ‘82-3 Sigma D-41 copy. All the info I’ve seen says these were laminated back and sides, but I think this was solid. It even had the rosewood smell. It was a spectacular guitar, one of the best I’ve ever played. Alas, it was stolen. His girlfriend at the time asked me to pick a replacement for him as a surprise gift, but I couldn’t find another. Got him a really nice Alvarez-Yairi instead (which he still has), but that Sigma was something special.

[@christopheraaron8299]

I have a 30-40 year old Sigma by Martin TB-1B (made in Korea.) Once I put some work into it, it's my favorite acoustic guitar I've ever owned. It even beats out my 1971 Ovation Balladeer.

[@paddymurph]

I love the story time as much as repair itself in your videos!

[@cradd00]

After seeing your video, I remembered I have an old Sigma acoustic packed away in my basement. You are right, my model is from 1988. It was my first acoustic bought from a local music store for around $250-$300 US. I remember it being branded "from the makers of Martin" a huge selling point to a not very smart beginner guitarist. No truss rod, no binding, only some painted on faux black binding on the sides around the top. Not a great sample of a quality guitar in my case, but after being stored away in a damp basement for 15 years the neck is still straight and sounds OK.

[@JoeMama410]

My first guitar was a sigma. It sounded like it had a blanket stuffed inside the body.

[@darkang7517]

I used to have a Sigma D-41...I loved that guitar, but now it's just a picture. Great video...Thank you

[@guyb7005]

Never see Sigma's in the used shops much anymore. John Borra had his stolen which broke my heart as he made that one sing!! And then there's the Goya story I thought you'd mention. I quite like some of the old Goya's (one of those appear in the Sound of Music).

[@derrickthornbury6638]

I have a similar vintage 1980ish Sigma DM-5s that i just love. It's still my main player and is a permanent keeper!

[@BikePitts]

I have a Sigma SDR-41 and it’s possibly from the first year of Korean production. It’s been my main guitar for most of my life purchased from Elderly instruments in Lansing, MI in 1996 as a Christmas present from my girlfriend at the time. It had already seen a lot of play by then and has had more than a few new bumps along the way. As far as I can discern the D-41 Sigmas of the Late Japan early Korean era are quite special.

[@tiki_trash]

I've owned 3 Sigmas, great guitars. Even the 2 plywood guitars sounded great. Everyone that played them were surprised.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I think Shenandoah was mentioned here before. Great guitars and One I played a lot in the 90s when we had an acoustic set. My other guitarist had a Shenandoah 12 string and I got 12 string duties. Melissa played on it sounded very sweet indeed and was a popular song in the set.

[@tribalistaforca]

My father used to work for Martin in the 70’s… as a kid I heard fascinating stories about folks disappearing in the Brazilian forests while trying to purchase exotic wood, met some amazing musicians, and rode in Franks lemon yellow Ferrari… one to make many guitar players cringe: we had flawed banjo necks in our wood stove pile..🤣

[@alanhillhouse3489]

I have one I bought in a pawn shop in Joplin Missouri in 1985, blaze great sounds great...

[@time4tube1]

I have a Sigma 12 string my parents bought me for my 16th birthday (1976). It's in mint condition. Beautiful and sounds amazing.

[@JoeySchmidt74]

Do you have someone needin you and feedin you, now you're 64th year has come around?

[@stevenkarnisky411]

I learn something every time, Ted. Thanks!

[@tallthinkev]

Sigma are still about, bought a new one a couple of weeks ago, but don't have the same connection to Martin. Yet the one I got is a DM7E a cheaper semi copy of the Martin Roger McGuinn HD7. Well worth the money

[@manysnakes]

Yeah, I think the story is that Martin forgot to renew their trademark and someone else swiped the Sigma name to capitalize on their good reputation.

[@tallthinkev]

@@manysnakes It's a nice guitar, or very nice for the money. A tad under 200, but still listed on other sites for very nearly 400. It's on my channel

[@miltonpomales5405]

We have several Sigma's at the non-profit Chapter that I volunteer. I knew they were made in Korea at some point, but, it was a great explanation!!!

[@Dan-LXI]

I love my mid 80's, made in Korea, Sigma DR-41. Had a neck reset and new frets done 4 years ago. It sounds and plays awesome.

[@nellayema2455]

Very nice!

[@PelleKuipers]

That guitar sounds amazing! I can see why you're a fan.

[@Satchmoeddie]

A VERY few of the highest end Japanese made Sigma guitars had solid tops, solid back/sides and were exceptionally good guitars. Even some with solid tops and laminate backs and sides were also very nice guitars too, but most of the Sigma guitars I was used to, also doubled as canoe paddles on some camping trips. Martin's kit Sigmas were akin to the Shenandoah kit Martins, of which a few got genuine solid backs and sides that were cosmetically below CF Martin standards to be a true Martin guitar.

[@Sharpened_Spoon]

Crazy! It looks brand new besides the fretboard!

[@larryholland7192]

Had a 90s model Sigma couldn’t beat it for the money!!

[@briansavage932]

The perfect end to my weekend. I love story time with Ted.

[@briansavage932]

What a nice wide-open sound. Nifty guitar.

[@kevinodriscoll3904]

That thing sounds very bright! I have one too, not sure of the year but it’s MIJ with a different logo on the headstock. I use it as a ‘beach/campfire’ guitar. Love your work and I’m learning a lot from the great videos you produce. ❤

[@mrclaus859]

Thanks for posting Ted

[@MrDparker69]

Yet another brilliant and informative video. Learned something new once again. Also she Sounded wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Take care. Danny

[@rabonour]

Nice guitar, and nice playing at the end.

[@madeofnapalm]

Love these little guitar history lessons 😃

[@trackie1957]

Watching your outro inspires me to learn to use a pick. Over 50 years of playing I’ve never gotten used to them.

[@robertgriffin7569]

Splendid job...nice lil sigma.. Thanx again. ✌️❤️😁

[@jamesgraham4242]

I've got a Sigma DR-7 I got in Glasgow, early 1970's.

[@Plataani]

Hell of a nice and bright sound 🥰

[@geraldwest3428]

Sweet looking and sounding guitar, and your work is excellent. Your customers gotta be proud to have you. Thanks for the enjoyable video.

[@NOBodYknoys111]

Picked up a sigma 12 string a couple of years ago. Has the adjustable bridge screws and someone had added a Seymour Duncan sound hole pickup w/ strap button output. Comfortable to play and sounds good. Love your channel

[@jeromestevenfaigin6059]

A D-28 1973 owned by. My Uncle Tom played his guitar whereby it's feeling her age. Sounds nice. Mine is the DC-15e a one of a kind. I never seen another? More like the OMs I've seen one, but not a dreadnought like mine.

[@ronwheeler1400]

Oh how I remember drooling over these Sigma guitars at Pongettis

[@stevekelley1179]

I have a 79 sigma dr28h and two of the sigma martins made in the USA. Beautiful guitars

[@digitalimager4946]

You’ve been practicing 🤗 Nice little tune.

[@robbysguitars8223]

The first guitar I bought was a Sigma dreadnought. I loved that guitar.

[@lu9dpd]

Happy luthier day !! Congratulations !

[@ianrose5505]

Thank you fantastic

[@rustyriley51]

I got my Sigma for my 16th birthday (1999) still playing it several times a week, has some of the same issues the guitar your working on has, just had it in for a setup. Really nice guitar

[@telecasterbear]

Thanks for the quality entertainment, Ted. Now it is time to get back to refretting my bandmates warmouth tele neck.

[@joelfildes5544]

Every day is like Sunday…

[@Geeman002]

Good one Ted, love the history.

[@scott729]

I bought a brand-new Sigma when I was a freshman at Purdue. I was a full-time student, but had worked the summer so I had some cash. None to spare, but at the time it felt right. This was 1986 and I paid $375 +/-. Seemed like a lot of money at the time. I picked the Sigma because of the Marting "mfg." tag, but mostly because it was the best sounding instrument I could afford at the time. My boss, the next summer, had a Gibson Dove that he had bought when he was in college in the mid-late 1970's. I want to say he paid around $800 for it at the time. We both agreed that the Sigma sounded very nice and complimented his Gibson well. A few years ago (pre Covid, 2017 I think), I sold it at our garage sale. I had purchased several higher-grade guitars since college and decided I no longer needed it. Oddly, the person who bought it, purchased it for his son ...... who was going off to college the following weekend. I threw out a price of $400. He countered with $350, and I accepted. It seemed fair since that is roughly what I had paid for it all those years ago. In reality, it was more than fair- favoring me. It was a really nice, affordable "tobacco burst" looking guitar that I had put zero money into for setups or repairs (self-performed.... no repairs necessary) and gigged with it for several years. In hindsight, I wish I had it back.

[@jimtigwell4265]

I had a Sigma in the '70s, lovely guitar. They are now made in China to a very high standard, owned by a German co' I believe. I now have 2, a OOO with a cutaway I use for live work, and a OO21 style, strung with silk and steel, a great finger style guitar, and the perfect sofa guitar.

[@nikdrown]

I got a late 70’s and that thing can play and sounds amazing for only costing me a couple hundred bucks especially. It sounds like a Martin

[@paulshurmon138]

Thanks for the video.

[@mattbridges8908]

Great video!

[@dalgguitars]

Excellent.

[@gtr1952]

My wife was addicted to yard/garage sales. We had a deal, I gave her a short check list, and she could spend $200 on a guitar no questions asked. More and she called. My biggest score was a Fender Custom Shop Fretless P-Bass for $200! She also brought me a "Sigma", 00 size. It was in new condition, Inside it had CFMartin Nazareth PA, and that was the only marking. It's a solid top, a rather nice one, and if the sides and back are laminated they did a great job of it! I hate to admit I haven't set it up yet. I'm 72 and slowing down now, so maybe soon. 8) --gary PS: She paid $25 for it. 8)

[@fulci6734]

Thank you Ted 👍👍👍🎸❤

[@freesiaboysince]

Good morning Ted-san!! watch in 4:45 Aug 25th from Japan. Ted-san your work is always awesome!!

[@keithfraser9705]

Woo hoo! Sunday night just turned up 24hrs early. Thanks Ted 👍

[@tomandaj1]

I bought a Sigma in London 5 years ago. A great guitar

[@drewheyman7173]

You are amazing. A true and just recommendation for finding a real luthier. I have the tools, but…

[@danielmartin2788]

The saying “The guitars had zero frets” has one of the most incredible double meanings in the history of double meanings.

[@chrismccarthy1455]

I have a made in Japan 1973 Sigma DM18. It is as good as the Martin D28 and sounds fantastic today.

[@rodneylucas2930]

Very nice sounding guitar. Never heard of Sigma brand before.

[@bengordon2330]

Thank you.

[@gregdrew874]

05:46 Cover your eyes, Maybelle!!!

[@oobie3049]

I have played a Sigma DMR-4, which is like a strange mix of a D-28 and a D-45, for years now. I have flatwounds and a soundhole pickup on it. It's an incredible guitar!

[@ron.v]

I once owned a Sigma and thought it was junk. Now you have me wondering if it only needed a good setup. I wish I had checked where it was made. I've owned some great Japanese guitars. On the other hand, I can't imagine anything made in Nazareth sounding bad. I've toured their factory and was amazed at the skills while adjusting soundboard bracing. I once read a comment that said Martin could make a guitar out of most anything and it would sound great. I agree. I've played Martins made of plywood, HPL, and aluminum. They were amazing. I own a Little Martin with HPL top, back, and sides. Sounds as good as my Baby Taylor with a spruce top and it didn't cave in from the lightest touch like the Taylor did. I own a Martin DM made from Mahogany plywood. I love how deep and loud it sounds. I've played a Martin with aluminum top. It sounded fine.

[@MrFender-i5c]

Traded in my trumpet in high school for a 1983--1984-ish sunburst DM-3S. It's generally well made except for a weird mis-stained headstock and the bridge cracking between all the bridge pins.

[@WoodworkerDan]

I have a very similar Sigma DR 35 and it is a great instrument.

[@RtaniDean]

Sigma guitars are great. Bought my first acoustic in 1980 - a sigma dm 5 I think. It’s a great guitar.

[@HooksBill]

I've got a Sigma and have owned Martins. The Sigma I have now is from the 80's and made in Korea. To me it has a small sound hole and sounds muffled. It's an SDR 41. Not overly impressed. But glad to have something to play as I've had to sell all my gear for family hardship reasons after 38 yrs of playing and collecting. Not complaining but my days of buying anymore gear are over.

[@monterreynuevoleon4009]

Something special about these Sigmas I have a Japan made DR-9 Sigma wish list know more about mine it’s seen some stories looks worn with scars but sound great 👍 Thanks T.W.

[@chubbyoo7]

I had one, no complaints what so ever

[@jumboegg5845]

I have an otherwise Identical 1977 "Nashville" branded Japanese Martin copy (N600D). Even the longitudinal divots in the soundboard are the same, makes me wonder if its caused by a defect in the grain, rather than by physical damage (which I don't remember ever doing). Mine still has nice low action, its only needed a tweak on the truss rod in the 46 years I've owned it since new. Love your work Ted, been watching for a couple of years now.

[@williamknell864]

Very nice. I've only encountered maybe 3 solid top Sigmas.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

My first D18 was a Sigma, later a Takamine, both had laminated sides and back, but beautiful solid spruce sound-boards. Does using laminated wood for the sides and backs hurt the tone, or does it reflect the sound waves more efficiently resulting in a purer more transparent sound uncolored by resonating solid wood sides and backs...?

[@dtreeguy]

Thanks Ted

[@guyb7005]

The test sample you played sounded amazing and familiar -- almost Prine-like, but I can't place it.

[@kaleoride]

Sigma is still producing guitars in China

[@johnp9975]

I bought one of the Sigma limited edition all solid wood guitars (for their 50th anniversary) 5yrs ago, a DCO-28. Gorgeous guitar. Made in China doesn't always mean "made in China".

[@philbert006]

Not sure what's going on, but 8/64ths is usually followed with the 1/8th and .040, roughly a millimeter. I guess you'll get that on these big jobs though. 😂

[@danielktdoranie]

For the first 4 chords I thought you were playing “Clay Pigeons”

[@RedRose4711]

Yeah man...my favourite channel.

[@songwriterjj6022]

I've played a few Signas. They're not too bad.

[@rickmccl71]

YAM aha, the surprise potato

[@SBanas]

Christmas came early this week :-)