Sigma by Martin SD-28, natural gloss, made in Japan 1978. Sigma guitars launched in 1970 and were commissioned by Martin as an 'in-house' alternative to the Asian-made Martin copies flooding the market at the time. The brand was decommissioned by Martin in 2007 and then resurrected a few years later under new ownership, but these original Japan-made Sigma models are pretty collectable and very well made indeed. This particular example is a pretty unusual one, made in a transition year and stamped with an 'SD-28' model number, which seems to basically not exist. It's got some of the hallmarks of the 'second generation' Sigma models on offer from late '78, like a solid spruce top, 'spatula' headstock and Martin branded tuners, scalloped braces... so it seems to be a forerunner to the SDR-28 model that launched a year or two later. The serial number format and placement on the label rather than the bridge are also indicative of this being a 1978 transition model... pretty cool to get such an unusual one. It feels really lovely in the hands, the neck is slim and straight and the body rings enthusiastically at a light touch. The tone is pretty close to a USA Martin, it's got that thick fullness through the low end paired with a responsive and articulate treble, equally satisfying for both pick and fingerstyle playing. The magnetic pickup is basic but a handy bonus, you can get a pretty accurate plugged-in tone out of it with some EQ work. This is a pretty safe bet from an investment point of view and will surely make a great addition to your household.

Model: Sigma SD-28
Made: 1978, Japan (serial S072031)
Finish: natural, gloss poly
Body:solid spruce top, laminate rosewood back and sides
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 25.4" scale
Weight: 2.410kg
Mods: soundhole pickup and output jack installed (fully reversible)
Pickup: 'GIG 1310' passive soundhole magnetic pickup
Case: basic non-original hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back and some extra holes on the heel from since-removed strap pins only. The back has few light scuffs around the whole body as well as a white mark near the middle, nothing nasty. The sides have some dimples on the low shoulder and scuffs along the bottom edge, no major marks. The front has minor dimples and light scuffs around the whole body and some play wear around the soundhole and on the guard, but no major marks. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. The frets have some normal wear including the start of some pitting but are pretty even in height with no major buzz issues, 5/10 for fret life left. Setup with 12/53 Moonshiners strings.