Sigma DR41

I believe this was one of the last Sigmas made. When Martin opened their plant in Mexico, Sigmas were phased out. I doubt it is more than four years old. The sticker says Indonesia.

14 clear frets, the same as a typical dreadnaught and the D 41 it copies.

It has a solid top with scalloped braces. The grain is amazingly tight and straight.

There are no electronics, but I had a nice Fishman installed and the sound is excellent through a PA or an amp.

The body is laminated rosewood. The neck appears to be sapele or mahogany and is two pieces. It is straight and appears very sturdy. the brdige and fingerboard are rosewood.

The finish is high gloss. Although I purchased it used, it is in mint condition. I will be the one to put the first nick on it. the top is white like my D 18 was when it was new decades ago.

It's a dreadnaught. Looks like and feels just like a Martin dreadnaught. The only thing that I would like more is solid back and sides and I could do without the fake Mother of Pearl inlay.

It has a compensated bridge of a hard white material.

The tuners are gold Grover rotomatics.

It has the typical Martin neck...good fingerboard, thin enough to get your hand around easily.

It came with a plush hard shell Martin case.

I play acoustic blues and folk with a little jazz and country flatpicking and fingerpicking. It's perfect for that style.

I'm using it directly through a PA system and or a Peavy Bandit amp.

The sound is clean with good reproduction, but I added the Fishman. It came unamplified.

The guitar has a full warm sweet sound. It sounded a bit drab when I got it, but after a few weeks of playing, it opened up and the difference was amazing. It has good bass, clear treble and solid mids.

It was set up standard 3/32" between low E and 12th fred and 2/32th " between the high E and the 12th fret. I took the action down to suit my touch both on the nut and saddle. It's great now.

The top is gorgeous with perfectly matched spruce pieces. The bridge is like a standard Martin.

It was flawless, but it's the top of the line Sigma.

It feels and looks as solid as my old Martin.

I bought it second hand, so I didn't get the lifetime warranty.
However, in my experience Martin really stands by their warranty if you buy a new guitar from them...which I have three times.

The dealer I bought it from is entirely trustworthy.

I've been playing 40 years. I have several other quality acoustic and electric guitars.

If it were lost, I would not have the opportunity to replace it, but if the opportunity to do it again occured, I would buy it without hesitation.

I would prefer simpler appointments. The real Mother of pearl on the frets is great. I could do without fake pearl, but cosmetically, it looks very nice.

My friend had one and I saw this on a website for my local store and the price was less than half of what they go for on Ebay.

Martin has discontinued the entire Sigma line, and for good reason. I have a Dr41 a Dm1st, a Dr1st, and a Cutaway acoustic electric model, DM1stce, and without exception they will not play without buzzing, especially from the 12th fret on up. I sent ONE of them back to Martin who did replace it, and the one I got back buzzed worse than the one I sent. I had to get a luthier to repair it and the other 3 at my expense.

The bluegrass picker will find themselves disappointed with any of the Sigma guitars, as they simply dont have the guts to project through a band, especially with a buzz if played hard.

The set up from the factory was .....NOT set up. A deaf man could have heard the buzzing.

No way this guitar would be suitable for any live playing without major work, and then never for any stressful playing such as rhythm bluegrass. If the guitar sounded as good as it looked it would be a winner. No, I wouldnt use this one on a gig, even AFTER it was reset up even with a backup.

Martin says this guitar has a lifetime warranty, they just didnt say WHOS lifetime. Their solution is to replace the guitar altogether, and send me another with the same issues that I have to start all over repairing.

I wish I knew this guitar was made in Indonesia instead of Japan Korea or even China. All are better quality. If it were lost, (after rejoicing for a bit) I would replace it with a comparable BLUERIDGE model, say BR140, a whole lot more guitar and ready to play right out of the box.

Solid sprue top, laminated rosewood back & sides, mahogany neck, rosewood board with hexagonal abalone inlays, ebony bridge with plastic saddle & nut, gold coloured generic grover style tuners (very smooth, positive & accurate). The guitar originally had a rather thick, "dipped in plastic" finish, which I sanded down, it looks & feels gorgeous now! Made in Taiwan.

This guitar is great for strumming & flat picking, lead playing is very easy, I lowered the action to 2mm 12th fret bass & 1.5mm treble, it buzzes if I really hammer it, but have gotten used to not digging in so much. It can sound a little bright sometimes, probably due to the lowered action, but it cuts through & shimmers like a good ol USA Martin! Bass is tight & controlled, booms a bit if thumbed.

Action was originally a tad high for my personal taste & the finish wa tune for weeks!s too thick & plasticky but the woodwork is nigh on perfect, Martin would not be associated with shit woodwork, methinks! The only other slight downer is the cheap looking gold coloured plating on the tuners, they do a great job though, it stays in tune for weeks!

This guitar has the feel of a well-made, American acoustic, ie. bombproof! The neck is as straight as an arrow, I have not babied it at all. Someone will be knocking out tunes on this long after I'm gone!

Never needed.

Been playing for over 20 years, on & off, I also play a Raimundo 660E cutaway electro-classical (see review), a Jap Strat & Les Paul Standard. I would really miss the Sigma if something happened to it & would find it very difficult to replace without spending a lot more. I would love a real Martin & a Taylor & a J200, but that's another dream! I can't honestly give the Sigma top marks, or even a 9 because it just isn't perfect, but you won't find anything that comes this close to a Martin at this price.

I've become a recent fan of Bluegrass music (all flat pick guitar--no fingering) and have recently purchased both this DR-41 and Jay Buckey's Virtual Band Guitar book #1. I attended the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association's 2006 Bluegrass Festival held at Snowbird Ski Resort this past summer (near Salt Lake City). I found plenty of praise for Jay Buckey himself, who won both guitar and mandolin contests there a few years back, but also noted the praise of Martin guitars among Bluegrassers. Long story short, from the first strum I have been thrilled with this guitar's sound! I bought it based on the Martin design's reputation, but hadn't actually played it until it arrived a my house on the UPS truck. My best descriptive word might be that it hums. If I were to describe the hum I'd say it's likely a combination of several things: 1) it has good, long sustain; 2) it is balanced in tone, it's the one voice sensation I get, for example, from listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (many voices, but one pleasing sound); 3) overtones/harmonics are pleasing--which speaks to the various pitches coming from any single string--the DR-41 manages to naturally resonate very pleasing overtones.

It's so stunning in appearance I purchased it without having first played it. I'll be more specific. I like the lines of guitar. Martins, in my opinion, have a very nice look, even without inlays, etc. Having said as much, I'm a fan of gold tuners and strings over silver. The abalone inlays are beautiful. And, personally, I think the deep/rich color of mahogany is well suited for the soft-yellow face of the body. Aesthetically, the tortoise pickguard in a reddish hue is the obvious and correct color choice. (If it had come in black I would have wanted to replace it.) Aside from looks, the action, or string height, is wonderful. It plays like butter. As far as guitars go, the height is so uniformly low that I can play the typical G scale chords of bluegrass with great ease, but also can play bar chords (right of the neck) with much less fuss than on other guitars.

The Zager DR41 is good guitar for any level of playing ability. It's obviously designed relative to its older sister, the classic Martin D41. Construction includes all the essential elements neccessary for a finer instrument such as: lots of rosewood; in the back, sides, bridge and fret board. There's a nice looking high gloss finish, binding all around and inlay. I like shinier inlay like the D41 but that's a personel preference. The attractive headstock has gold "grover" tuners with the Sigma/CFMartin logo. I can't find anything wrong with this guitar, so I'll "pick" on the pick guard. It's very thin, and does it's job.

My style varies from light finger-style riffs to a more aggressive acoustic rock, and country rock. This guitar won't have any problem getting the job done. Considering the price it really sounds good. It has nice acoustic resonance and sustain with deep rich lows, combined with sharp clean tones. Experienced players will feel the vibration in the top and throughout its body, confirning that you're playing a quality instrument. This guitar has a sound that you would expect in a much higher end guitar!

I read somewhere that a few DR41's (depending on where you got it) may come with a high action requiring further work. I've worked on my own guitars before only to be frustrated with the results. I once broke a truss rod trying to do it myself. So I thought it would be appropriate to have a professional luthier involved. When I found Denny Zager's website offering his DR41 modified with his EZ-Play technology I was curious. I was willing to pay a little more for quality control because Zager claims to personally select each guitar before working on them to reach a masterful level of intonation. I must say it works! My guitar is fun to play and it just sounds fantastic! There's absolutely no buzz anywhere!

I wanted to give higher marks in this area, but only time will tell how durable it is since I haven't owned it very long. But based on what I can see in its construction, I would certainly consider it to be reliable and durable enough. I hope this will turn out to be a 10.

Sorry, but I can't say this in a way that is less than "glowing" Customer Support is OUTSTANDING! After visiting the Zager web-site I felt confident about my purchase. Communication with this company is better than corresponding with my own family and friends! The Lifetime warranty and 100% guarantee return policy (including return shipping)is without risk. That's a lot of confidence in your product. Also, having a toll-free number to call, a web-site,and a physical address means a lot to consumers. Also really cool, free gifts came with my order! What can you say about incredibly honest and outstanding customer support.

I've been playing since 1970. I'm on my 9th guitar(excluding banjo). I've worked my way up from "no names" to very fine collectors. I was originally shopping for a good sounding "campfire" guitar. A guitar that I could leave out and not worry so much about. Now I feel the need to buy a case and humidifier so I can "baby" this one like the others. Yes, I would replace this guitar quickly if I had to, and I would hope to get another autographed by Denny Zager just like this one! I'm proud to have his name on my guitar!

I have to defer to the other reviewers for details on the construction, but this really is a beautiful guitar with the rosewood back and sides, abalone inlays on the body and neck and bridge pins, and most especially the Sigma logo on the headstock. I also like the banding on the headstock and neck. Really makes for a sharp, fancy looking guitar. The gold tuners are nice and smooth. The Sigma case (like a Martin case) has a nice big logo on it and is sooo solid.

I play finger-picking/flat-picking music of whatever kinds suits me. This guitar has a nice bold, loud, bright and wonderful sound. The character of the rosewood and sitka spruce top really comes out. It sounds as nice as any Martin I have ever played, but if you have a great sounding guitar to start with, it then becomes a matter of preference and variety. If I wanted to spend more money, I'd buy a fancy Taylor for sure, but not a Martin because I don't think they are much better than this Sigma.

I replaced the saddle and got the intonation adjusted because just about any guitar seems unplayable without it. So I guess I would say that with mine (I bought it used), adjustments were necessary. In addition to the saddle, I would like to replace the bridge pins, but haven't yet. I also have a Sigma DM-5 and I would have to say that the DR-41 seems a little stiffer to play which is probably great for strumming and flat-picking, but not as playable with fingerpicking. The fretwires seem high to me as well as perhaps the string height at the nut. I'm going to have to do something about the fretwires as playing lead is more awkward. I may have to get the intonation adjusted again as it may have gotten off just a bit. But I still really love this guitar.

This guitar appears to be very durable. I love the Sigma (Martin) case. It is sooooo solid and leaves room at the top for me to leave the Kyser capo on the headstock.

Haven't dealt with any warranty issues or the company.

I have been playing on and off for 30 years, but mostly off until the last two years playing intensive catch-up. I have demo'd many guitars over the last couple years and aside from Taylor and a few other high-end custom made brands, this guitar really stands out as being the best value to be found. Forget all the Takamines (except the best ones), the Gibsons (riding on name alone in this category), Ibanez, Ovation (plastic?? please...), Washburn, etc. The Sigma DR-41 is a beautiful and powerful sounding guitar in a stylish body with a lot of fancy detailing. I had not played the model before I bought it. I had to demo the Martin D41 and hope that it was as good. Mine actually sounds better than the Martin at the store which weren't being taken good care of (I think they're overrated, but I'm sure better players than I would argue the contrary). If I lost it, I would buy another the same day. It is the only thing that kept me from dropping $2,500 or so on a Taylor 7 or 8 series. I love a great guitar, but when you can get this much guitar for $350, it makes it hard to drop the $2500. I'll save the Taylor for a special occasion.

2002 DR41 made in inodnesia. 14 frets. solid stika spruce top. laminated rosedwood back and sides. grover tuners(very nice!!).

I play all differnt styles and it is a very versitle guitar. Good balance of bass mids and highs. It has noticably less warmth and sustain when compared to U.S. martins, but still blows all guitars in its price range out of the water.

straight from the factory the action suited me well. Came with crappy strings but thats no biggy.. switched em up. The finish seems a little to thick and glossy for my taste..kinda gives it a cheap look.

So far ive babied it with the thought of reselling it so im not sure but if i had to guess i would say it is just as good as any as far as durability.

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Overall for the price to quality and sound ratio it might be one of the best guitars you can find. Everytime i go to a music store i play guitars around this price range to compare and they all sound like crap to me. Maybe im just a fan of the martin sound i dunno? Ifi could go back in time i would have saved up a little longer and gotten a real martin

I have had this Sigma DR-41 for two years. Dreadnought. Nice accurate tuners. I installed a B-band 2.2 dual source pick up. Nice abalone inlay. Actually the inlay is nicer than what is on a Martin D-41 because it is not so gaudy like Liberace.

Put on a strap button under neck so I can stand up and play gigs.

I have waited to do this review for a while so I could compare to other guitars. This DR-41 is an excellent guitar. Nice intonation up the fretboard. Rich full sound. Nice harmonics. Really shines when strummed gently near or on fretboard. Here is how it stacked up to other guitars:

Martin D-15 nice, but about like my DR-41.

Action was a little high when purchased. I lowered it to a very low position. If played hard it will buzz, but only I can hear it. I just play gently or finger pick it. I had to file down a couple of frets after lowering the action, then it was fine.

Great finish and fit, except a 1 inch burl on the top wood. Nice intonation. Does not have a V neck like Martin D-41. This neck feels much better to me.

Someone commented that the abalone is not a shiney as on a
Martin D-41. Thank God! This abalone is pleasantly subdued, less like a rhinestone cowboy suit!

Yea, I gig without a back up acoustic. It is reliable and durable.

n/a

My first and only acoustic guitar. I have played for 25 years, but seriously for about 5 years. I have a decent PA system to play this through. I have several electric guitars, Digitech GNX2, Roland GR33.

I would get another one of these if I had to.

I LOVE this guitar. I love it for its tone and appearance. I wish it was smaller like a 000, but I have learned to get used to the bigger size.

Each guitar, (even the same model), has certain sweet spots. This guitar has its own sweet spots too. I got lucky when I bought this because I did not play enough guitars before buying it. I recommend this guitar if you want to pay about $400. Best guitar in its price range. A rating of ten is only for a guitar with more sweet spots. I am so excited about this guitar, I want to give it a ten. Lets be real though. My rating of 8 means this is a excellent guitar.

1988, Made in Japan. 14 fret dreadnought guitar, solid spruce top, laminated east indian rosewood back and sides.Bound body ,neck and headstock, hexagon position markers gold hardware. Bought a form fitting Martin D-41 hardshell case at a garage sale for $2 cdn.

I play a plethora of styles on this guitar and it suits almost every situation. It's a very even toned guitar and can bee incredibly loud. I've used it in the studio and live and this is one of the most mic friendly instruments I've ever played. I can't really say enough about this guitar. To sum it all up, after fifteen years of tonal development, there is no difference between this guitar and an American D-41

Nicely crafted, gloss finish (now carmelized) no flaws to speak of

never needed any support.

If I were to lose this instrument I would take another in a second. Best damn acoustic I have ever played.
I worked for the the Ottawa Folk Festival (Canada) and got to hear some of the finest acoustics made. Every single performer that tried my Sigma offered me money for it. Not one of them could believe it wasn't a hand-made Martin.

Solid spruce top,Laminated east indian rosewood back and sides.Fully bound body ,neck and headstock.Body is bound in abalone,abalone rosette,abalone hexagon position markers.Gold hardware.14 fret dreadnought guitar .A twin for the Martin D-41 ,minus the fancy headstock and all solid woods.It came in a Martin Hardshell case .No electronics yet.A Martin thinline 332 will be installed soon.Gloss finish,Beautiful guitar !!!

Booming bass, crisp highs ,This guitar really projects sound.
Martin SP stings are used

The action was good when I received this guitar. I took it to my luthier for fine tuning. I also had the plastic saddle and nut replaced with bone.

I haven't put this guitar to the test yet.The finish looks great (no thin spots)A very dependable guitar. The tuners will get replaced with grovers, although the die cast tuners seem above average

This guitar came with a full factory warranty.This particular guitar was made by Yamaha(not Samick) for Martin(Japanese). Whoever put this guitar together,was trying to impress the people at Martin.
(Fantastic job !!!)

I've been playing since 1976, I've owned a Martin D-1 and a Gibson Hummingbird among others .This guitar is the best value by far.I can't believe this guitar sells for under $1000. My brother has a Taylor ,he has to plug into an amp so I won't drowned him out.I recently replaced the headstock laminate (by choice) and replaced it with a Martin, Nobody can tell the difference !!!