Sigma GCS-4

Sigma GCS-4 Grand Concert Series flattop acoustic. This beauty was made in Korea, probably in 1989 as the serial number starts with 89. The guitar has a Solid spruce top, mahogany back, sides and neck. Ebony fretboard with 20 frets, Ebony bridge. Five-ply binding around the top, single on the back and matching rosette. Sigma chrome sealed tuners, Black scratch-plate. I believe the nut and saddle were originally plastic but mine has been replaced with bone. Looks are pure Martin, unfussy with the classic headstock - stunning!

The sound has that distinctive sharp Martin bass with clear and bright bell like trebles, loads of sustain, totally rich and just a joy to play. It is also louder than you expect for a small bodied guitar.

I bought my baby in used condition, so don't know about factory finish and it has also had some minor modifications. However, the guys who put it together clearly knew what they were doing back then. The joints and finish are as good as you would find on similar aged Martins. Mine has some battle scars, but nothing to affect playability. In fact the dings just give it more character. The spruce top has mellowed to a rich burnt orange shade. The action is low and fast. 9 out of 10 only cos of the scars.

This baby stays in tune as long as the temperature doesn't change radically. I would personally prefer a GCS-40 for gigging as it has a cutaway and factory fitted pick up with EQ, but this is my go-to guitar at home.

The finish has stood the test of time and all parts are in working order. Again, considering the age of the instrument and the fact that it was conceived as a budget instrument I would rate it 20 out of 10.

No idea, Sigma has ceased existence. Not sure if Martin would be helpful, especially as these babies are way superior to their current HPL budget offerings.

My overall rating considering the age and cost of the guitar would have to be 20 out of 10. Every time you look at it you have to pick it up and play. I can't believe how much a bargain this baby was compared to current models on the market. There is just no comparison.

Grand Concert Series almost identical to the Martin GC guitars. Nicely made in Korea supervised and sold by Martin. Appears to have solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides - the back may be solid wood. The woods are good quality. Nice neck with well finished frets. Good quality low geared tuners. Came with highish action and plastic saddle. I lowered it by installing bone saddle and adjusting the truss rod. Bought this guitar as an 'attic find' with original hard case - it had obviously been played for a while then stored. No idea of the age - 1980s?

Really excellent sound - very like a Martin GC with strong snappy bass and bell-like treble. You can play almost anything with this guitar, especially blues. Unbelievably clear bright sound for a Korean guitar.

Originally had a high action that I've lowered. I can find no flaws with the construction of this guitar other than the original plastic nut and saddle that I've replaced with bone. The finish is thin gloss similar to 80s Martins.

Certainly a giggable guitar that stays in tune for quite a while. No more fragile than any light GC body acoustic. I doubt the finish would last long on the road, but Martins wear through eventually.

The Sigma series was discontinued last year by Martin so I doubt that Martin would be very interested in a 25 years old Sigma!

Been playing for over 40 years and own too many guitars, electrics and acoustics. This little Sigma is a cut above the rest, and I find myself picking it up again and again. It's the sound that draws me in. If it were lost or stolen I would be looking for another - and/or for the thief!

Made in Japan, not sure about the year, it was my fathers guitar. 20 frets! Not too fancy but a beauty!

I have not heard a better guitar then this! It suits me well, it could suit anyone from beginer to expert! Just great all around sound for an acoustic.

Oh no question about this guitar, it is able to withstand anything! I have had it in a case for years before playing it, my dad has had it for at least 10 years with playing on it ever so often, but once I got into playing the guitar was never put down. Holds tune VERY well, if I could I would give it a 20. after sitting for a few years I just replaced the old strings and it sounded like a brand new out of the box guitar!

never delt with Sigma

Over all I would give it a 20, I dont think I could ever get a guitar quiet like this one! I love it!

Sigma GCS-4 (Grand Concert Series) flattop acoustic. Solid spruce top, mahogany back, sides and neck. No cutaway, 20 frets on ebony fretboard, bridge is also ebony. Five-ply binding around the top, single on the back and matching rosette. Sigma chrome sealed tuners, 24" scale neck. Black plastic teardrop scratchplate. No accessories or case, but she lives in a Fender deluxe gig bag now.
I named her Angie, after the Rolling Stones' song.

I wish that the rating scale went higher than a 10, because I'd give it a 20+ on sound. This guitar matches the sound quality of every Martin I have ever played. Sweet and smooth sounding when playing single notes and chords blend together nicely.

I can match Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton note for note on my Sigma. Although I can't touch their level of skill, the tone's there! :-)
Just listen to "Over The Hills and Far Away" and the unplugged version of "Layla" and you'll get the idea.

I play Rock and blues, and this guitar fits my style perfectly. Played normally, she has a rich, full sound. The highs are bright, but not harsh. If I bear into the strings a little, I can get a slightly slurred sound out of her, but with no buzzing or other unwanted noises.

I got this guitar (my first) for Christmas when I was 7 years old, so I can't comment on the factory setup. She hung on my bedroom wall until I was 15, when I found my obsession. (I could kick myself for those wasted years)

But after hanging on the wall for eight years, all she needed was a trussrod adjustment.

No factory flaws. All cuts are clean and precise, finish is smooth and beautiful. Tight neck joint.

Once again, 20+. I didn't have a case until 8 years after I got her, and she was subjected to a lot of carelessness during that time, but she got away with just light scratches on the back, (from contact with the wall) a small ding in the side, (from banging into a door jamb) and a couple of dings on the top. (I have a little sister)

Angie's a very dependable guitar, and although I've never gigged with her, I would have no hesitation about taking her without a backup.
The finish is still clear and durable, except for a small patch of clouding on the back, which has disappeared with polishing.

I've broken only one string on this guitar, and that was only because I accidentally kinked it during restringing.

Never dealt with Sigma.

My Grandfather bought me this guitar, who passed away a year later, so this guitar is irreplaceable. Depending on whether Angie was stolen, lost, or damaged badly, it would either be murder or suicide. :-) I would try to get another, but I don't think there is another guitar quite like Angie.

I was sitting in my favorite music store (my weekly therapy) playing a Martin D-28 and wishing I had the $2,000 to buy one. But when I got home, I realized Angie had the exact same tone, and better feel than the Martin. She's one of my most prized possessions.