Sigma DR35

I do not own this guitar, but just took the Martin factory tour on 12/8/2006 where the Sigma line came up in a Q/A session. While Martin as a corporate concern does not like to tout the initial "off-shored" manufacturing efforts, the unofficial verdict is that the Sigma's were totally worthy of the Martin name and are becoming increasingly collectible based on quality of workmanship, play and raw materials.

From other sources I have determined that the DR 35 was made circa 1980 in Japan with solid spruce top, and solid rosewood back and sides. It has 14 neck frets to the body and 20 overall. It is a dreadnought size, without cutaway, and no electronics. It is a dead copy of Martin's D35 (explaining the name, I guess)which is the upgraded Martin D28 with the addition of binding around body and neck, and three piece matched back. I lost a 1975 Martin D28 to a thief on New Year's day of 1980 and have been scarred ever since (My wife complains that I whine too much about this loss and should get over it. Obviously she doesn't play guitar and I lost it before I met her. I didn't see her callous disregard for my loss when I proposed to her, or it would have given me more pause in my consideration of marriage.) I have played a couple of Takamines since then, both jumbos, unsuccessfully searching for the fatter, bassier Martin sound, though I knew I would not replace the Martin D 28 feel and look without laying down a couple of grand, and the price gets higher by the day. (Martin is now a doctor's guitar, not for those of us who play for a living) Low and behold I walk into a shop selling this thing for $249.00, not in the market for an acoustic and committed not to buying something without electronics and a cutaway since I use so much more of my neck now that I have played for more years, and I don't want the hassle of getting electronics added on and then finding that they are not suited to my sound. Playing this thing converted me. It is a martin. (Mine says so on the headstock in the signature Martin typeset, "built by.. established in..") I played and thought of who I should alert to get this great deal on a guitar since I wasn't in the market for acoustic and wasn't going to get a guitar w/o electronics. I finally realized I would hate whoever bought it instead of me and broke my budget. (At least explaining the price wasn't as hard as explaining my Line 6 variax- That was almost divorce!) In short, it has the features of a Martin D-35! A beautiful guitar!

I am a church musician, finger picker/strummer/singer gigging 2-3 times a month at local pubs looking for a single or duo playing covers of 60's 70's & 80's folk, alternative pop. I use a Mackie 1202 board without effects or even reverb and powered RCF speakers in my gigs and the Church PA in the 2 Churches where I play. I play it all flat through an EMG magnetic pickup (I was tired of the piezo sound high end string dynamics even though my Tak had a better sound than most guitars.) I would beef up the bass with the Takamine. No need with the Sigma. Acoustically, I find that my playing has changed since I now have a greater dynamic range. I used to dig up my guitar top some on the Takamine when doing loud strumming because it had a solid cedar top with no pick guard. I no longer have to dig hard with a pick to be heard. I ditched my metal finger picks for finger picking. Now I am using a thumb pick and fingers, strumming with my first finger and top of my thumb because I can get heard that way and then my picking and lead work is audible at the same level by just using the thumbpick without trying to turn up for it. In short, the guitar is loud! and much more balanced. The bass is much more present in the mix of strings than with anything I have played save Martin. There is no muddiness that one would associate with a bassier sound. It is crisp and the treble strings are certainly very present in the mix, just a more balanced, fatter sound. Because it does have some guts, it handles blues and rhythm needs of a single troubador much better than other guitars.

First, I don't know what the original factory setup and action was on this guitar because it was made in 1980 and I bought this immaculate used model of it in 2005. Whoever had their hand in setting action whether factory or subsequently had made the neck pretty fast and comfortable. I have some problems above the 12-14 frets, but hey, it's a dreadnought! Actually my experience with Martin always was that they set their action pretty high so it wouldn't surprise me if action was difficult at factory settings and later set by a good luthier. The back and top were matched flawlessly but I found a couple of drips in the finish of the soundhole inside that didn't seem like it was up to Martin quality. I also noticed that the binding at the top of the neck had a sight just barely discernable imperfection in matching. Since neither of these flaws are discernable in my playing, and I haven't had anyone feel the inside of my soundhole,it has never been a concern for me. Where it counts the look of this guitar is professionally and carefully finished.

Martin is made a little thinner than many guitars so that it vibrates more and sings louder. Thus, it is more susceptible to breaking than some guitars, I suppose, but I haven't heard anyone complaining that a Martin exploded in their hands after so many years of playing. On the contrary, most people report that their Martin just keeps getting better and better! This guitar was made in 1980 and now is without flaw except what I inflicted on it putting in the endpin port for the electronics. I am using it as my regular guitar now, with my Takamine G20, (which cost me about $800.00 in 1982)sitting on the guitar stand. Tuners don't say grover on them but are closed and seem sturdy. I put the first strap button on the front and replaced the endpin with the guitar cord port for the electronics, so the quality there is my own fault, and it is good. I have been using it regularly and have had to stop less in the middle of a gig for string replacement than before. That is probably due to putting down my metal finger picks which certainly wear a string more and the fact that I don't dig as deeply at the strings with my pick anymore.

I have heard mixed reviews about customer support, both that Martin is very courteous, and that they don't want to admit that Sigma exists. I don't know what to believe and have no opinion on it, but hey, it's a guitar! If it looks good now and was built right , then wait till you have a problem and bring it to a luthier, if it's serious enough. I have no concern about this area.

I have been playing since I was 18 in 1970. I have 2 electrics, a Yamaha strat copy and a line 6 variax, a Fender P Bass, a banjo, a mandolin, and about 5 "project guitars" that I am rebuilding or fixing but not playing. The guitar was an obvious buy now opportunity that sounded greeat and felt great in the store and I have not had a moment of regfret aboput it. In fact this guitar has been the one that I most consistently pick up because it feels so great to play. Obviously I would be traumatized if I lost it and doubt that I could ever afford a replacement (Martin)if I lost it unless I found another Sigma DR 35 which seems unlikely. I go down on Saturdays to the bluegrass guitar shop to jam with the group that gathers there, all serious Martin owners and have gotten compliments on the sound of the guitar, that it compares favorabley with all the old Martins. I love the sound and the Martin feel and look. I hate the fact that it doesn't have a cutaway, but it's a dreadnought.

when you got a sigma dr35, you are lucky, this is a great guitar
the first acoustic guitar I bought was a new sigma dr-35 in 1980
,I loved the singing and sustain of the high notes and his enormous volume.
I'm using also the martin hd28 and d35,(first of all i'm an electric guitar player(fender)) but I'm still using the sigma because, live,
he's still doing the job (Fishman rare earth pickups(don't put it to tide on the guitar you will kill the sound (loose upper screw))

the sigma is missing the deep bass(acoustique) but she is really clear and straight in the high notes, une tres bonne guitare,
I'm still using it after all those years and concerts


marcus france, musicien

made in japan for c.f. martin & co., solid rosewood sides, 3 piece rosewood back,rosewood fretboard, mahogany neck, binding (edging)on body front and back and on the neck.

Sounds great to me. Full, lush , uhhhh, sounds like a martin.

finish is beautiful, it was set up very well when new. after about 15 years i lowered the action a little by sanding down the saddle. it's like new again

Rock solid. Absolutely no complaints.

Never needed it so I don' know. My only complaint is there is no info on the internet about my guitar. I bought it new in the mid 80's and it has a "C" suffix branded in behind the DR35. What does this mean? I cant find out.

I started playing about 1978. Never was in an organized band but played parties with a lot of guys who were. Got married in 1990 and dropped it. Sold my Gibson L6-s, BAD move,but kept my flattop in a closet. Got it out recently and bought another electric.(GODIN, love it) Everyone who plays my Sigma comments on it. If it could be any better, I don't see how. I went through a lot of guitars to find what I like. My only complaint is a lack of info about it, but that sure doesn't affect the way it plays. It sure fills a room with sound.

My dreadnought Sigma is Japanese made (early 80's) which is so much more superior to the Korean equivalents I've heard since. It has a polished solid spruce top and 3-piece rosewood backs & sides. The teardrop strikeplate is warm amber burr. The neck is matching mahogany and fretboard ebony. The mahogany head has rosewood facing with chrome tuners. The body, neck and head have beautiful white bindings. I have had a passive Martin Thinline pickup fitted and I think I should add an external pre-amp; I'm not keen on cutting a hole to have it fitted that might ruin the acoustics.

The acoustic sound is very superior. Deep and full, warm and mellow, yet crisp and clear, especially with light gauge strings, such as my preferred Martin's Silk & Silver strings. I mainly strum and sometimes pick a tune and play mostly at church.
However, it can bark back if you don't treat it right.

In the 20 years I've had it, I've only had it serviced once when I had the pickup fitted by a luthier. I've adjusted the neck myself once or twice. Everything is working great, including the tuners which I why I haven't had it serviced since, but I should to keep it in tip top shape and maybe to improve the action.

It is very robust guitar though the softer spruce top has had a few nicks, and the body a few knocks. I look after it well. Nothing seems to faze it.

Haven't had to seek any warranty support. It would be nice if the Martin Sigma web page had more historical information on their models through the years.

I got my first guitar as a kid over 30 years ago. The Sigma was my first solid top. I love how its tone has aged.
If I had to replace it, I might get another one but they're had to find and I have heard other beautiful guitars as well.

SOlid sproce top, biding all around, rosewood sides and three-piece (martin) rosewood back.

No ornate dressing or soundhole designs. Incredibly solid and well built guitar.

Manufactured in Japan, mine was a prototype built in 1970 when Martin was working out the manufacturing process for the sigma line. Best feature is the amazing acoustic sound that this guitar possesses.

I play everything from jazz and blues to chickin' picking folk on this and every kind of rock that works with acoustic. It's amazingly versatile.

Full open sound on straight fully strummed chords, delicate dynamics on mutes, fragments, and finger picking and can just howl on things like rock chordings and open alternate tunings.

Just a wonderful sounding instrument that honestly continues to sound better with age. I got it when it was about 25 yrs old and have had her about 8 years.

I go play $2500-5000 martins, taylors, gibsons, etc and NONE of them make me want to upgrade from my DR35...

It's the best sounding acoustic guitar I've ever played.

Bought used and was perfectly set up, so I wouldn't know. The rose wood on the sides and back is Indian apparently NOT Brazilian, but he book matching is flawless.

The tuners are great have never been loose and the guitar has aged beautifully...well actually it gets better with age.

OK this thing got chucked against a wall in a fight once (not by me) and I thought it was over. I picked her up, rubbed out a small visual bruise and the guitar is fine...it's a tank. A few falls off chairs and stands in the past years but the chuck (i mean with velocity) at a wall was the proof. These guitars are logs.

The neck, frets and fretboard have worn amazingly well considering that this guitar is played everyday, and has been for the past 8 years.

Never dealt. But I think the MArtin company spanks for not offering any information on the Sigma line at their website...eh, it's a guitar!

Been playing for 12 years pretty seriously. I play a Joe Pass jazz box (great btw), a Squire ProTone strat for beating (actually a *great* guitar) and am looking for a Parker Fly Deluxe.

I pretty mcuh play all styles on all the guitars, so the acoustic tends to be my main ax as it keeps me in shape and I don't have to turn the amp on.

If it were lost I would cry a river because at the times I've looked for another acoustic I've been disgusted at what I'd have to pay to come close to this guitar and the new Sigmas are far inferior to this vintage 1970 model.

I would be truly heartbroken and would probably find a custom luthier to make me something just like it, right down to the wood choice, triple-back, and neck dimensions.

Of all the guitars i've owned and sold (dozens) only this one makes me understand what "fits like a glove" means.

DR-35 Dreadnought accustic guitar made by sigma to the specifications and inspected by Martin. it has a solid spruce top, 3 peice east indian rosewood back, rose wood sides, 6 stripe bound body, bound neck, and headstock, and an ebony bridge. the neck is made of mahogony with 14 frets to the body, and 20 frets total.

The sound this guitar makes is amazing. It's loud, has a nice rich tone. I play an accustic rock style music it fits in great. when playing lead guitar the sound is nice and bright. rthym parts are nice and full. sounds just as good when i record the parts on my 4-track. I can't say enough good things about this guitar

This guitar has a nice low action, extremly easy to play. larger freats might make it play even easer.

I have never used it live, but i have owned it for 5 years and it seems real durable. never had any trouble with it.

does not apply

If you want a martin but can't affor the prices, try a sigma. I would stay away from the low end models, usualy use inferior materals, but the prices can't be beat. I have been so happy with mine. I definatly would purchase one again. when i bought this guitar all i wanted was a guitar with rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top. I figured i would have to pay $600.00 or more. I have even considered buying the DR-41. I can't say enough good things about this guitar!!!!!!