Product: Sigma SE40T/BL
Price Paid: US $200 used
Submitted
08/04/1999
at
08:53am
by
Anonymous
Email: c-davis1 at ti<dot>com
Features
:
9
This nice cutaway dreadnaught is a dark turqoise/blue and black burst with a solid sycamore top. It has a 3-band eq and preamp built into the upper bout. The top has nice light flame, and the body, neck, and headstock are bound. the headstock has an inlaid mother of pearl flower and inlaid MOP name. In other words, a fancy instument. VERY hard to find a hardshell case for, as Martin doesn't sell one now, and the body is slightly smaller than your everyday box. I had to settle for a TKL that was about 3/4 inch larger, and sewed up a padded plush spacer that fits around the end of the body. Works, but a little hokey.
Sound
:
8
The SE40 has a nice big sound, but does not have a big bottom end without the electronics.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
The setup is OK, but it could still use some work to bring the action down with slightly heavier strings. I like big bass strings, but also like to bend the first three a lot. The setup as I received the guitar (used) was acceptable, but nothing to shout about. The construction of the guitar is absolutely tight, smooth, and everything functions just like it should.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
I mainly play this live with 5 other people. It has taken a beating, and even had a scratch on the front when I bought it used. I don't think the finish will wear quickly. I have no problem with taking just the Sigma along on a gig. As a matter of fact, it is my only acoustic, while I have several electrics.
Customer Support
:
9
The company (Martin) is very helpful. They helped me find out when this guitar was sold, and the details of this model. They said it was sold 1989-91 for retail of approx. $840. I think I got a good deal on it as a used guitar.
Overall Rating
:
8
I have been playing guitar or 5-string banjo in some fashion for 38 years. I now play Christian music with a local band. If this guitar was stolen/lost, I don't think I could find another like it. I think I would have to start all over looking for another one with the qualities I require. No one else seems to have seen one before, so I couldn't find repair parts. I already spoke of my problems finding a case for it. It is better than the acoustics that I owned before it: Alvarez ??, Takamine F349, F360, Epiphone PR350-12E, Ovation, Fender Malibu, and untold numbers of old house-brand acoustics.
