Sigma guitars
Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 8:03 pm
I just picked one of these up as my first guitar (chose it over a new student-grade Yamaha, in part because the smaller body size fits me better), and now I'm trying to learn more about it. I see there's not a whole lot here on Sigmas short of the occasional mention, but I thought I'd ask here first to see if anyone has info on this model, since I'm already registered here.
This particular model seems to be difficult to find information on. It's a GCS-4 (or as the stamp inside says, "GC-S4"). I've been having a hard time dating it. The head has the "Sigma Guitars est. 1970" which suggests it was made after 1979. There is no paper label on the inside, which also suggests 1980-1984 (it seems the labels reappeared in '84). I also don't see a visible way to adjust the truss rod which seems to also suggest post-1980.
Everything suggests the instrument was made between 1980 and 1984. Except this little bit on Wikipedia (I know, not the greatest source, but beggars can't be choosers when there isn't much out there; it seems like most people have the DR or DM line, or the GCS-6 or GCS-7), listed under "Additional Models Approximately 1975 to 1978" which also states that "These guitars still had the early peghead logo, instead of the "Second Generation Sigma" Martin style logo that started in 1979.":
GCS-4 Grand Concert. Martin style peghead bound in white. Spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. Rosewood fixed bridge. Adjustable truss rod.
However, the logo is definitely the 2nd-gen logo (there is no Greek sigma letter on it). And if the GCS-4 was made 1975-1978, then why does everything else suggest 1980-1984? (Then again, I found something else online that stated the GCS-4 was produced starting in 1996...)
So which is it? (I know the age on these are impossible to pinpoint, but I expected to at least get close without finding conflicting info...) Is the second a completely different model? This one doesn't have the white-bound head, the adjustable truss rod, or the rosewood bridge, so I'm wondering if that's the case.
The only stamps inside are the Martin logo and the "GC-S4." There is nothing resembling a serial number, though I see other people referring to serial numbers on their instruments but I haven't a clue where they find them if there is no label.
I believe the bridge assembly has been replaced at some point as there are no screws as I see described as being common for these instruments. The top is laminate, as far as I can tell from looking at the edge of the soundhole.
I haven't a clue if this is a "good" Sigma as I'm just a beginner and it's not like I need something great anyway. I like it, anyway, so, yeah. Just would like to know more about it.
This particular model seems to be difficult to find information on. It's a GCS-4 (or as the stamp inside says, "GC-S4"). I've been having a hard time dating it. The head has the "Sigma Guitars est. 1970" which suggests it was made after 1979. There is no paper label on the inside, which also suggests 1980-1984 (it seems the labels reappeared in '84). I also don't see a visible way to adjust the truss rod which seems to also suggest post-1980.
Everything suggests the instrument was made between 1980 and 1984. Except this little bit on Wikipedia (I know, not the greatest source, but beggars can't be choosers when there isn't much out there; it seems like most people have the DR or DM line, or the GCS-6 or GCS-7), listed under "Additional Models Approximately 1975 to 1978" which also states that "These guitars still had the early peghead logo, instead of the "Second Generation Sigma" Martin style logo that started in 1979.":
GCS-4 Grand Concert. Martin style peghead bound in white. Spruce top. Mahogany back and sides. Rosewood fixed bridge. Adjustable truss rod.
However, the logo is definitely the 2nd-gen logo (there is no Greek sigma letter on it). And if the GCS-4 was made 1975-1978, then why does everything else suggest 1980-1984? (Then again, I found something else online that stated the GCS-4 was produced starting in 1996...)
So which is it? (I know the age on these are impossible to pinpoint, but I expected to at least get close without finding conflicting info...) Is the second a completely different model? This one doesn't have the white-bound head, the adjustable truss rod, or the rosewood bridge, so I'm wondering if that's the case.
The only stamps inside are the Martin logo and the "GC-S4." There is nothing resembling a serial number, though I see other people referring to serial numbers on their instruments but I haven't a clue where they find them if there is no label.
I believe the bridge assembly has been replaced at some point as there are no screws as I see described as being common for these instruments. The top is laminate, as far as I can tell from looking at the edge of the soundhole.
I haven't a clue if this is a "good" Sigma as I'm just a beginner and it's not like I need something great anyway. I like it, anyway, so, yeah. Just would like to know more about it.