Sigma Guitars was a guitar brand originally produced in Japan by the Sigma Guitar Corporation between 1970 and 1987. They were known for making high quality, affordable guitars, often seen as budget alternatives to more expensive American brands like Martin and Gibson. After going bankrupt in 1987, production of Sigma guitars shifted a few times before landing with Korean guitar manufacturer Samick in 1996. Samick continues to produce Sigma guitars to this day, positioning them in the entry to mid-level price range of the acoustic guitar market.
The History of Sigma Guitars
Sigma Guitars was founded in 1970 by C.F. Martin & Co. employee Tom Muramatsu. Muramatsu had visited guitar factories in Japan and saw an opportunity to produce quality guitars at lower costs by taking advantage of Japan’s skilled craftsmanship and efficient manufacturing processes. Martin provided startup capital for a new Sigma Guitar Company based in Japan, and began importing these Japanese-made Sigma guitars which were designed after popular Martin models.
Sigma guitars quickly developed a reputation for providing excellent quality and sound at substantially lower prices than American acoustics like Martin and Gibson. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Sigma became one of the most popular and best-selling acoustic guitar brands in the United States and worldwide. A number of famous guitarists played Sigma guitars, helping to boost the brand’s popularity.
But by the mid-1980s, inflation in Japan along with competition from other Asian guitar makers led to financial troubles for Sigma. In 1987, Sigma Guitar Corporation declared bankruptcy and ceased operations in Japan. This left the future of Sigma guitars uncertain.
Ownership Transitions in the 1990s
After Sigma Japan went out of business, production and ownership of Sigma guitars transitioned a few times over the next decade:
- C.F. Martin & Co. took over production of Sigma-branded guitars at their factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania from 1987 to 1996.
- In 1996, Martin sold the Sigma brand and tooling to Korean guitar company Samick. Samick shifted production to Korea and introduced more budget-friendly Sigma guitar models.
- Around 1999, Sigma underwent another change when distribution and development was taken over by German company Artesia Music. Artesia specialized in importing Asian-built guitars into Europe under brands like Höfner and Crucianelli.
While models and production locales shifted, Sigma continued to occupy the lower/mid price points of major acoustic guitar brands through this period of changes in the 1990s.
Sigma Guitars Today with Samick
Since the late 1990s, Sigma has been owned, produced, and distributed primarily by Samick, one of the largest guitar makers in Asia. Headquartered in South Korea, Samick also owns brands like Greg Bennett Guitars and produces OEM guitars for other major brands.
Under Samick, the Sigma lineup has expanded beyond just Sigma-branded guitars to also include sub-brands like Sigma DM (Dreadnought models), Sigma JM (Jumbo models), and Sigma OM (Orchestra models) which target different body shapes and styles. Some key specs and features of current Sigma acoustic guitars from Samick include:
- Primarily aimed at beginner to intermediate players
- Made with a mix of laminate and solid wood tops
- Mahogany, rosewood, maple and other tonewoods
- Most models priced under $500, with some under $200
- Factory-direct sales available through online retailers
Sigma has carved out an appealing market niche today as a reasonably-priced introductory brand from a well-known guitar company. The affordability and quality control from a major manufacturer have made modern Sigma acoustics good fits for new and advancing players, as well as students and budget-conscious pickers.
| Sigma Model Series | Body Shapes | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| DM Series | Dreadnought | $150 – $500 |
| JM Series | Jumbo | $200 – $400 |
| OM Series | Orchestra | $250 – $500 |
Key Sigma Guitar Models
Here are some of the most popular current Sigma acoustic guitar models that typify their quality benchmarks across different price points:
Sigma Guitars DM-18 Dreadnought
An affordable entry-level dreadnought with an all-laminate construction – spruce top and mahogany back/sides. Retails around $150. Good beginner guitar for country, blues, rock, and more. Electronics and cutaway available on some models.
Sigma Guitars OM-140 Orchestra Model
Sitka spruce top with laminated rosewood back and sides gives this orchestra-style Sigma warm, balanced tone. Fishman electronics and built-in tuner make it stage-ready. Usually retails around $299, putting it in reach for intermediate players.
Sigma Guitars JM-180 Jumbo
Sigma’s jumbo-bodied acoustics like this provide deep bass and volume. The JM-180 has an all-solid wood construction – Sitka spruce and mahogany – and nice appointments like pearl inlays. Priced around $499, it competes with brands like the Epiphone Masterbilt.
Conclusion
Sigma’s transition from a Japanese-made brand to ownership by Samick has allowed the company to preserve its identity of providing quality, affordable acoustic guitars. Models at entry, mid, and upper price ranges cater to new players looking for good starter instruments as well as more advanced pickers seeking great bang-for-buck performance. While no longer positioned to take on top-tier American brands head-to-head, Sigma guitars today offer an appealing mix of playability and value under the direction of one of the largest Asian guitar makers.
