Special and Unusual Models
From 1980 through 1984, prior to construction being moved to Korea, Sigma produced several models that included electronic pickups: SE-18;SE-19; SE-28; SEMC-28 (with arched back); and SE-36. These models have saddles with each string individually compensated, yielding superb intonation. These models were produced in very limited quantities.
In the early 80s Martin imported partially assembled Sigma guitars from Japan and the assembly was completed in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. There were two models, labeled "Sigma Martin USA DR-28N and DR-35N," "N" for Nazareth. A Martin factory sales brochure shows the DR-28N to retail at $600.00 and the DR- 35N to retail at $650.00 The DR-35N has laminate rosewood back and sides and a solid spruce top.The DR-28Nhad a two piece back and the DR-35Nhad a three piece back (ala' Martin's own D-35.) The DR-35N had additional detail on the fretboard. The original factory brochure also states components were processed and finished on the same production line as regular Martins. The Head stock reads "Sigma Martin USA" and inside the sound box is " made in USA" with Martin address etc. Some consider the DR-35N to be a prototype of the inexpensive laminate Martin Shenandoah line of guitars. Since this model had serial numbers running from 900,001 to 902,908,. it appears that nearly 3000 Sigma Martin USA guitars were produced.
In 1980 Sigma produced 100 D-10 Anniversary guitars to commemorate 10 years of Sigma production in Japan. The D-10 has solid mahogany sides and back, solid select spruce top, rosewood fingerboard with diamond and square position markers, mother of pearl band stating "Anniversary" between the 19th and 20th fret, tortoiseshell type pickguard and binding, and close-ratio tuning machines. Regarding this guitar, Sigma enthusiast Sterling Webb stated "...equip one of these with a brass or ivory saddle, ebony bridge pins and medium strings and you can hunt down D-18s in the heaviest brush and stomp them to death...it's a very loud and impressive guitar!"
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