I have a Sigma DR 35 and a Martin D 18. Had the Sigma for 43 years, it really mellowed out after 20 years, still show it the love it deserves but the Martin is absolutely awesome.
Just tried these two back-to-back in a shop. The Martin is slightly darker and more complex-sounding, but at 6x the price, the difference was pretty slight. If anything, the Sigma felt better in my hands.
I just got my hands on a Sigma (by Martin) TB1B (made in Korea), and once I got it set up right with some extra light strings (the seller had super heavy strings on it) and sanded the saddle down to get the action right, it's one of the best acoustic guitars I've ever played. In terms of how it feels in my left hand, it's a lot like my Ovation Balladeer, but certainly has it's own voice. Best $100 I ever spent.
I've had a sigma DR-7, mid 70's MIJ since I bought like new in 1978. Lot of miles and memories together and most of all kept me on my guitar journey for many years. In the past 11 or so years I have delved into the more higher end guitars both acoustic and electric including owning at one time or another 4 martin guitars. Every one has been what you'd expect when it comes to the Martin brand. The 000-18e retro or 000-18 of any type is a magnificent guitar to have. Thanks for posting this, both great guitars in their own league.
I just picked up a 1982 Sigma DR-41 for cheap. Best Trunk Guitar ever, this thing is really great sounding, low fast action... it's not as resonant as some of the Martins I've played but It's got 97% of the sound and for the money, way more mojo. The best guitar is the one that gets played, and if i have a guitar I'm not afraid to take with me that's the one that gets played. Sigma FTW!
i cant understand how people like that heavy Martin bass except in heavy strumming where i ll gve it the edge.In all other plays that heavy bass almost distorts the sound,in fingerstyle Martin is lousy to my ears,the Sigma sounds sweeter and more natural without that annoying heavy thumping.Thanks for this vid now i know i dont need to pay and arm and a leg to get good sound just because others say i do.
The Martin sounds warmer and the bass really pops. the Sigma might sound better on fingerpicking... I would be interested in if one feels better to play?
Great, comprehensive comparison. Leads to the question, "Does a guitar's sound change with age?" A 1980's Sigma vs a 2000 Martin. The Martin does have more body, which is great for some songs, but the Sigma does stand on its own, especially with some of the finger picking. My opinion...which I find doesn't matter to anyone except me! :-)
It is an interesting question whether the nearly 40 years old Sigma has a more 'opened up' sound then the much younger Martin. The Martin does sound fuller and bigger but the Sigma is still is a great guitar :)
Both sound very good but to my ear, the Martin D18 sounds richer, warmer and deeper (it shimmers) whereas the Sigma DM even though very good seemed a bit too bright or tinny for me. I can’t say that I’m not a little bit biased because I own a D18 myself, but for good reason. The age factors of the guitars and strings will have an impact on sound. Nice comparison and playing 😊
Maybe just me, but I thought the Martin sounded a bit "'tinny". I have a 1975 Sigma DM5-S and love it. I am thinking of adding a Takamine piezo pickup.
A 2013 D18 has scalloped top braces, which contribute to the rounder bass. The sigma has a fuller midrange, and with the stiffer top it may produce a louder sound than the martin under very heavy strumming.
Sigma sounds better no question - especially for fingerstyle. Martin make quality guitars, but they are mass produced in a factory, and hence way overpriced. Martin's only advantage is the resale value. Personally, you're better off putting your money in a savings bond, and buying a much cheaper guitar that plays and sounds similar.
I have a dr1st and a dm1n....I love the sound from both....never played a real Martin.....I can't imagine a Martin sounding any better....I'll have to find a music store that carries Martin's to see what I'm missing...I paid 10 dollars for the dr1st and 100 for the dm1n.
ahahaha I honestly prefer the sigma in a "don't look at the screen" comparison....the deeper bass frequencies on the Martin isn't always desidered in recordings...lovely fingerpicking by the way, bravo!
As a professional studio engineer recording these instruments on microphones and preamps worth tens of thousands of dollars, I would say that only using the Martin would be a huge mistake. The sound of this particular Martin works very well with fingerpicking, and is better than the Sigma for that, but honestly, I think the Sigma just objectively records better than the Martin, at least this particular instruments. The strumming has less of that boomy and almost muddy sound the Martin has, and has a little more mids, which means I don't have to scoop out boomy frequencies. The Martin had a lot less of those mid frequencies, which means it would sound burried in the mix unless it was on its own, and having to scoop out boomy frequencies, it would be even more burried. So unless the guitar was supposed to be featured on its own, I would say that the Sigma is the superior instrument when it comes to strumming in a studio environment. It would be easier getting great tones on the Sigma in a full mix, and that is very important. Using both these guitars together would be a winning strategy, letting on take over where the other is weaker.
Excellent and well thought comment! Martin great are solo guitar stuff. I’ll try the sigma as a strummed guitar in a band mix. Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻
@@G_Demolished Not really strange in my opinion, but rather uplifting. Uplifting to know you can get a Martin quality sound for a lot less, because with a Sigma, you pay only for the guitar, not the name, like you do with a Martin. How many hundreds, or even thousands of dollars is the Martin name alone worth when you buy a guitar, and how many is the actual guitar worth? I can guarantee that the name is worth a lot more than the instrument. The D18 is not the most recorded guitar because it was the best there ever was, it was just a common, good quality guitar to have amongst studio players simply because their heros growing up often had them (because they themselves were given them for free). Good quality instruments from a brand name everyone knew with a long and significant history. I mean, a supraphonic isn't the best snare in the world, but it's the most recorded, BY FAR. Same principle in my opinion. If Sigma had the brand name and the history that Martin had, their guitars could have been the most recorded ones, while Martin would have ended up making the copies.
logical : the sound is deeper, the mids have more harmonics and the highs are more subtile on the Martin. The sigma is not ridiculous at all, with excellent strings and ebony "pins" the sound could be warmer with a good precision for 450€ only !!
@@andrewcleggguitar seems to me Sigma focused on nothing but the Mid range on this guitar, martin has that beautiful low end its famous for, and this particular martin sounds good in all frequencies, you have got a good one for sure!
the Sigma sounds more like a D28 than an 18.. but it's just to my ear the D28 has always had a more treble sound and the 18 as well as D40,41,42 have all been able to bring the bass. but that's just my ear. I own a D41 and a 00-15 Martin
The Martin fills the room but the Sigma fills part of the room. That's my ear. I've owned both and by far the Martin is way the better. Sigma had cheeper components. Tuners, nut, and saddle. The reason for the sigma was I couldn't afford a Martin. It was a good substitute until I could afford a Martin d-18. A decent player and decent sounding guitar but definitely not an American made Martin. I still have my Martin but have parted ways with the sigma.
Martin's clearly better ... But it's true between these two, think the difference isn't so obvious with other models... the 28 is so special... thanks for the test. 😎🤘🎵🍻
I have a sigma that I bought new in early 2000s. I don't play very well but I think it sounds good. I did hear a difference in the two guitars. Was one better? Maybe slightly. Both sounded nice.
Depends on if the Sigma you are playing has any solid wood or if it is all laminate, some do some don't , either way if you change the saddle and strings it will sound better and closer to the solid wood Martin.
I have a sigma dm18 and it sounds great but the Martin is superior, the Martin just has a more nuanced, detailed sound, you can hear every bit of the highs, lows and mids of the Martin, just a much more complex sound.
The Sigma's not bad. The Martin has some incredibly rich overtones, more resonance and sustain. The Martin is clearly a superior instrument but tbh there's probably bang for the buck in both of them.
I heard the difference before you played the Martin. Excellent demonstration. However, the difference between the two guitar's sound is neither good nor bad; empirically speaking. But I like the D18 fullness and broad spectrum much more. Thank you.
I own a Sigma 52GCS 6 Made in Japan in the early 70', the Sigma that you're playing was Made in Taiwan.The ones Made in Japan are sought after because their sound quality are very close to the Martin but not quite like a Martin.
I have a 1980 Sigma DM-18. It's made in Japan. Sigma guitars were manufactured in Japan from 1970-1983 (with a couple models in the early 80's that were partially build in the US). It's true the Japanese models are more sought after. Many (but not all) had a solid spruce tops as opposed to fully laminate, but the back and sides are still laminate. They definitely evoke the sound of a Martin, but less rich and not quite as resonant (IMO). But still, it's a fantastic guitar if you can find one in good condition for $200 or less. I've also played several later era Sigmas, and they still sound pretty good too.
Just got to play a Sigma DM-18 in a local shop, it sounds way much lighter / clearer / sharp than the Martin. But, The warmth and bass of the Martin sounds so incredibly beautiful, it still is superior to my opinion. So I guess, Sigma is nice but cannot outbeat the Martin for sure., they are totally different guitars to me.
I don't think there's £1800 worth of difference there judging through sound alone. They both sound remarkably like accustic guitars to me. It's almost uncanny haha
The Martin has a richer sound, especially when using a flatpick. With fingerpicks, not as noticeable. BUT..the Sigma is close to 40 years old while the Martin is 7 years old, which should be factored in.
I've been really researching Sigma and Levin guitars, as they both have some great history with Martin. I play a Martin J-40 in performance, and love the depth of sound..but I also like some of the sound from certain Sigma models. Did you use the same brand/type/guage of strings during this test ? Thanks Andrew,... Randy
Hi Randy - thanks for the message. Yep same strings - Martin Bronze 80/20 (12-54). Sure the Martin J40 is a class instrument but definitely some excellent Sigma out there too. I’m currently playing a sweet little Sigma 000M-15S, so nice to hold and play. Thanks
@@andrewcleggguitar Thanks Andrew ! Yeah..my J-40 has a great sound,..but I know that many other guitars can also produce wonderful tones. I have a 1978 Yamaha FG-340 ( D-35 copy ) that I bought new. Every year it just sounds better and better, and quite a few folks have tried to buy it off of me. I'm really leaning towards a Sigma DR 42 or 45 someday. All the best !
Older Sigma are available on the second hand market but the newer ones are worth checking out too. I also have a new Sigma 000M-15S and it’s one of my favourite guitars
So my friend and I were wondering what guitar year he has. Everything screams both brand. It says it's an SDM-18 with a Serial number of 8031118. It also says Sigma Guitars tst.1970 with a Sigma Guitar Martin & Co Stamp over a 'Made in Korea'. Any idea what it is? An 2005 maybe? From the looks it has the pad as the Martin red design, but the end of the string is black. Sorry for my lack of knowledge, just curious.
Whilst I appreciate the objectivity, a. I'm up against it with my speakers, and b. I am more interested to know the player's thoughts. How does it feel "first hand"? How does it sound to you?
In my opinion the Martin sounds better but the Sigma is fantastic for what they cost so at the end of the day it’s down to what you can afford.It’s a shame the new Sigmas are made in China and have lost the Martin association.
i want to comment without having read any other comments...First of all your do a really good job in comparing how the two sound. the Sigma wood (to my eyes) looks nicer than the Martin, but the latter guitar has a deeper richer tone. do they have the same strings? any commentary on the wood would be interesting. Overall i would be happy with the Sigma, but far prefer the Martin.
Night and day dude. Martin wins this one. However, that Sigma was certainly no slouch. And your playing, my friend, could make practically any guitar sound good, I’d imagine.
Thanks for the comment - I first got the Sigma and then the chance to get the Martin appeared. The Sigma hangs in the wall - ready to go and is used for teaching.
Slight differences. Not enough for me to pay the extra dough for those slight differences. Put some elixir strings on that sigma, bet it sounds just as good if not better!!! But to each it’s own.
Same everything? The Sigma has laminated back and sides while the Martin is solid wood. Martin probably also has bone nut and saddle while the Sigma has plastic.
I have a Sigma DR 35 and a Martin D 18. Had the Sigma for 43 years, it really mellowed out after 20 years, still show it the love it deserves but the Martin is absolutely awesome.
Just tried these two back-to-back in a shop. The Martin is slightly darker and more complex-sounding, but at 6x the price, the difference was pretty slight. If anything, the Sigma felt better in my hands.
The Sigma is certainly a contender, but the Martin has such a rich, round depth. Very informative comparison!
Well said in a nutshell. The Sigma is good but the Martin is great 😀
Although the Martin is better, i actually prefer the unique sound of the sigma. Very natural
I just got my hands on a Sigma (by Martin) TB1B (made in Korea), and once I got it set up right with some extra light strings (the seller had super heavy strings on it) and sanded the saddle down to get the action right, it's one of the best acoustic guitars I've ever played. In terms of how it feels in my left hand, it's a lot like my Ovation Balladeer, but certainly has it's own voice. Best $100 I ever spent.
I've had a sigma DR-7, mid 70's MIJ since I bought like new in 1978. Lot of miles and memories together and most of all kept me on my guitar journey for many years. In the past 11 or so years I have delved into the more higher end guitars both acoustic and electric including owning at one time or another 4 martin guitars. Every one has been what you'd expect when it comes to the Martin brand. The 000-18e retro or 000-18 of any type is a magnificent guitar to have. Thanks for posting this, both great guitars in their own league.
I just picked up a 1982 Sigma DR-41 for cheap. Best Trunk Guitar ever, this thing is really great sounding, low fast action... it's not as resonant as some of the Martins I've played but It's got 97% of the sound and for the money, way more mojo. The best guitar is the one that gets played, and if i have a guitar I'm not afraid to take with me that's the one that gets played. Sigma FTW!
After watching this video, I'm convinced I'm going to buy the d18
i cant understand how people like that heavy Martin bass except in heavy strumming where i ll gve it the edge.In all other plays that heavy bass almost distorts the sound,in fingerstyle Martin is lousy to my ears,the Sigma sounds sweeter and more natural without that annoying heavy thumping.Thanks for this vid now i know i dont need to pay and arm and a leg to get good sound just because others say i do.
The Martin sounds warmer and the bass really pops. the Sigma might sound better on fingerpicking... I would be interested in if one feels better to play?
The Martin does feel nicer to play. It’s lighter and feels effortless. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
@@andrewcleggguitar Good Question and excellent answer, Thanks
Great, comprehensive comparison. Leads to the question, "Does a guitar's sound change with age?" A 1980's Sigma vs a 2000 Martin. The Martin does have more body, which is great for some songs, but the Sigma does stand on its own, especially with some of the finger picking. My opinion...which I find doesn't matter to anyone except me! :-)
It is an interesting question whether the nearly 40 years old Sigma has a more 'opened up' sound then the much younger Martin. The Martin does sound fuller and bigger but the Sigma is still is a great guitar :)
Both sound very good but to my ear, the Martin D18 sounds richer, warmer and deeper (it shimmers) whereas the Sigma DM even though very good seemed a bit too bright or tinny for me. I can’t say that I’m not a little bit biased because I own a D18 myself, but for good reason. The age factors of the guitars and strings will have an impact on sound. Nice comparison and playing 😊
They both sound great hardly no different in th sound.
It's like day and night. The martin has the bass and belly of a piano.
Maybe just me, but I thought the Martin sounded a bit "'tinny". I have a 1975 Sigma DM5-S and love it. I am thinking of adding a Takamine piezo pickup.
For strumming, the Martin sounds better. But, I like the Sigma better in the fingerpicking examples... it has a better presence, to my ear.
Yep - Martin sings when strummed. Interesting you prefer Sigma picked - difference less noticeable there. Both lovely instruments 👍🏻
Yeah, i feel that too. Seems that for Fingerstyle Sigma sounds nicer in this comparison.
A 2013 D18 has scalloped top braces, which contribute to the rounder bass. The sigma has a fuller midrange, and with the stiffer top it may produce a louder sound than the martin under very heavy strumming.
Sigma sounds better no question - especially for fingerstyle. Martin make quality guitars, but they are mass produced in a factory, and hence way overpriced. Martin's only advantage is the resale value. Personally, you're better off putting your money in a savings bond, and buying a much cheaper guitar that plays and sounds similar.
Yes a noticeable difference but considering the price difference the Sigma holds up well.
I have a dr1st and a dm1n....I love the sound from both....never played a real Martin.....I can't imagine a Martin sounding any better....I'll have to find a music store that carries Martin's to see what I'm missing...I paid 10 dollars for the dr1st and 100 for the dm1n.
Very informative. thank you sir!
ahahaha I honestly prefer the sigma in a "don't look at the screen" comparison....the deeper bass frequencies on the Martin isn't always desidered in recordings...lovely fingerpicking by the way, bravo!
GEEZ not even close! With headphones on, the Martin is fuller, deeper & richer from 1st strum. Instant win.
As a professional studio engineer recording these instruments on microphones and preamps worth tens of thousands of dollars, I would say that only using the Martin would be a huge mistake. The sound of this particular Martin works very well with fingerpicking, and is better than the Sigma for that, but honestly, I think the Sigma just objectively records better than the Martin, at least this particular instruments. The strumming has less of that boomy and almost muddy sound the Martin has, and has a little more mids, which means I don't have to scoop out boomy frequencies. The Martin had a lot less of those mid frequencies, which means it would sound burried in the mix unless it was on its own, and having to scoop out boomy frequencies, it would be even more burried. So unless the guitar was supposed to be featured on its own, I would say that the Sigma is the superior instrument when it comes to strumming in a studio environment. It would be easier getting great tones on the Sigma in a full mix, and that is very important. Using both these guitars together would be a winning strategy, letting on take over where the other is weaker.
Excellent and well thought comment! Martin great are solo guitar stuff. I’ll try the sigma as a strummed guitar in a band mix. Thanks for the comment 🙏🏻
That’s strange, because the D18 is one of the most frequently recorded guitars in the history of music.
@@G_Demolished Not really strange in my opinion, but rather uplifting. Uplifting to know you can get a Martin quality sound for a lot less, because with a Sigma, you pay only for the guitar, not the name, like you do with a Martin. How many hundreds, or even thousands of dollars is the Martin name alone worth when you buy a guitar, and how many is the actual guitar worth? I can guarantee that the name is worth a lot more than the instrument. The D18 is not the most recorded guitar because it was the best there ever was, it was just a common, good quality guitar to have amongst studio players simply because their heros growing up often had them (because they themselves were given them for free). Good quality instruments from a brand name everyone knew with a long and significant history. I mean, a supraphonic isn't the best snare in the world, but it's the most recorded, BY FAR. Same principle in my opinion. If Sigma had the brand name and the history that Martin had, their guitars could have been the most recorded ones, while Martin would have ended up making the copies.
Hard to be among copies as Martin invented the dreadnought guitar as we know it today
Not among but making
Nice Video!
Like the way you Play the Guitar.
Could you Please Write the Name of all Songs you Play in this Video ?
nicely done, great on camera persona!
Thanks for watching and your comments- greatly appreciated! 👌🏼
logical : the sound is deeper, the mids have more harmonics and the highs are more subtile on the Martin. The sigma is not ridiculous at all, with excellent strings and ebony "pins" the sound could be warmer with a good precision for 450€ only !!
The Martin does seem to project better ? And overtones are most notably, however the siggy sounds nice also tbh, and I appreciate your playing also..
Of course the Sigma have a dry sound, less warm than the Martin ,but it's a very good choice for the price.
I agree Gilles - Martin rules but Sigma is a great little brother
@@andrewcleggguitar seems to me Sigma focused on nothing but the Mid range on this guitar, martin has that beautiful low end its famous for, and this particular martin sounds good in all frequencies, you have got a good one for sure!
the Sigma sounds more like a D28 than an 18.. but it's just to my ear the D28 has always had a more treble sound and the 18 as well as D40,41,42 have all been able to bring the bass. but that's just my ear. I own a D41 and a 00-15 Martin
Interesting you say the Sigma sounds more D-28 - it does cut through a little more. Just had a look at your channel and subscribed - nice work. 😀
The Martin fills the room but the Sigma fills part of the room. That's my ear. I've owned both and by far the Martin is way the better. Sigma had cheeper components. Tuners, nut, and saddle. The reason for the sigma was I couldn't afford a Martin. It was a good substitute until I could afford a Martin d-18. A decent player and decent sounding guitar but definitely not an American made Martin. I still have my Martin but have parted ways with the sigma.
Martin's clearly better ...
But it's true between these two, think the difference isn't so obvious with other models... the 28 is so special... thanks for the test. 😎🤘🎵🍻
I have a sigma that I bought new in early 2000s. I don't play very well but I think it sounds good. I did hear a difference in the two guitars. Was one better? Maybe slightly. Both sounded nice.
Depends on if the Sigma you are playing has any solid wood or if it is all laminate, some do some don't , either way if you change the saddle and strings it will sound better and closer to the solid wood Martin.
The Sigma is solid top, laminate B and S. Experimenting with different strings, saddle and nut would be a nice project...
Solid wood sigma guitar d-18 1970 thru 2023 value
Love my Sigma SDM 18 but I would rather have a Martin someday. I watched 2 of your videos before I realized you have the same name as my nephew.
Thanks for the comment- my uncle actually has your name!
Strumming the Martin was a clear winner. But fingerpicking not so obvious which
The strumming shows the difference in the depth of the guitars. Thanks for the comment - I’ve more comparisons coming soon. Cheers
Huge difference the Martin just sounds better. Way more deep and robust.
With you on this one - Martin certainly has the depth and just better
I have a sigma dm18 and it sounds great but the Martin is superior, the Martin just has a more nuanced, detailed sound, you can hear every bit of the highs, lows and mids of the Martin, just a much more complex sound.
Totally agree!
D18 is much warmer, richer & sweeter compared with DM18
The Sigma's not bad. The Martin has some incredibly rich overtones, more resonance and sustain. The Martin is clearly a superior instrument but tbh there's probably bang for the buck in both of them.
Summed very nicely in your comment! Thanks
Agreed
I heard the difference before you played the Martin. Excellent demonstration. However, the difference between the two guitar's sound is neither good nor bad; empirically speaking. But I like the D18 fullness and broad spectrum much more. Thank you.
Both sound nice.
Martin sounds rich. Sigman is no slouch either . Both nice.
Do the both have the same kind of strings on them if not then cannot truely compare
Same strings - Martin 12s - same sort of age 👍🏻
Oh yes there are huge differences in between Martin and Sigma in this video and it sounds and feels entirely different when you play in person
I own a Sigma 52GCS 6 Made in Japan in the early 70', the Sigma that you're playing was Made in Taiwan.The ones Made in Japan are sought after because their sound quality are very close to the Martin but not quite like a Martin.
I have a 1980 Sigma DM-18. It's made in Japan. Sigma guitars were manufactured in Japan from 1970-1983 (with a couple models in the early 80's that were partially build in the US). It's true the Japanese models are more sought after. Many (but not all) had a solid spruce tops as opposed to fully laminate, but the back and sides are still laminate. They definitely evoke the sound of a Martin, but less rich and not quite as resonant (IMO). But still, it's a fantastic guitar if you can find one in good condition for $200 or less. I've also played several later era Sigmas, and they still sound pretty good too.
Just got to play a Sigma DM-18 in a local shop, it sounds way much lighter / clearer / sharp than the Martin. But, The warmth and bass of the Martin sounds so incredibly beautiful, it still is superior to my opinion. So I guess, Sigma is nice but cannot outbeat the Martin for sure., they are totally different guitars to me.
Great comparison. You really get what you pay for
Thanks for the comment - yep, the Martin really does shine.
I don't think there's £1800 worth of difference there judging through sound alone. They both sound remarkably like accustic guitars to me. It's almost uncanny haha
@@1invag If you can’t hear the difference it’s not worth it.
The Martin has a richer sound, especially when using a flatpick. With fingerpicks, not as noticeable. BUT..the Sigma is close to 40 years old while the Martin is 7 years old, which should be factored in.
I agree - fingerpicking the difference the less noticeable. The martin will sound amazing when it is 40!
I've been really researching Sigma and Levin guitars, as they both have some great history with Martin. I play a Martin J-40 in performance, and love the depth of sound..but I also like some of the sound from certain Sigma models. Did you use the same brand/type/guage of strings during this test ? Thanks Andrew,... Randy
Hi Randy - thanks for the message. Yep same strings - Martin Bronze 80/20 (12-54). Sure the Martin J40 is a class instrument but definitely some excellent Sigma out there too. I’m currently playing a sweet little Sigma 000M-15S, so nice to hold and play. Thanks
@@andrewcleggguitar Thanks Andrew ! Yeah..my J-40 has a great sound,..but I know that many other guitars can also produce wonderful tones. I have a 1978 Yamaha FG-340 ( D-35 copy ) that I bought new. Every year it just sounds better and better, and quite a few folks have tried to buy it off of me.
I'm really leaning towards a Sigma DR 42 or 45 someday. All the best !
There are "cheap" Sigma guitars avaible?
Older Sigma are available on the second hand market but the newer ones are worth checking out too. I also have a new Sigma 000M-15S and it’s one of my favourite guitars
@@andrewcleggguitar I bought a new Sigma in early 2021 but I would not call 800 Euro "cheap" ua-cam.com/video/eJRgUNrIthw/v-deo.html
Huge difference! The martin blows the sigma away. Not even close
Totally agree - Martin is better in all areas. Good stuff on your channel - will subscribe 👍🏻
@@andrewcleggguitar Thanks Andrew!
@@andrewcleggguitar you are a great player! beautiful fingerstyle tone on acoustic.
So my friend and I were wondering what guitar year he has. Everything screams both brand. It says it's an SDM-18 with a Serial number of 8031118. It also says Sigma Guitars tst.1970 with a Sigma Guitar Martin & Co Stamp over a 'Made in Korea'. Any idea what it is? An 2005 maybe? From the looks it has the pad as the Martin red design, but the end of the string is black. Sorry for my lack of knowledge, just curious.
Whilst I appreciate the objectivity, a. I'm up against it with my speakers, and b. I am more interested to know the player's thoughts. How does it feel "first hand"? How does it sound to you?
Great Channel 🎶🎵👍
Thanks so much 👍🏻👍🏻
Yes
In my opinion the Martin sounds better but the Sigma is fantastic for what they cost so at the end of the day it’s down to what you can afford.It’s a shame the new Sigmas are made in China and have lost the Martin association.
try some guitar made in philippines $200 also only like brand D&D
What exactly strings did you use on both guitars?
Hi mr.....what use stiil string type..... phospor bronze or broze....and size 0.11 or 0.12...???... thanks..🙏
Takamine G320 or Martin Sigma DM-4B - Which do you think I should get between the two? Or buy a Takamine guitar?
Thanks for the message - if possible try the guitars out and see what sounds best. Is the Sigma an older model? 👍🏻
i want to comment without having read any other comments...First of all your do a really good job in comparing how the two sound. the Sigma wood (to my eyes) looks nicer than the Martin, but the latter guitar has a deeper richer tone. do they have the same strings? any commentary on the wood would be interesting. Overall i would be happy with the Sigma, but far prefer the Martin.
Both with the same strings? And if so, same old strings?
yes for sure, martin sounds heaps richer, better bass sweeter highs.
Night and day dude. Martin wins this one. However, that Sigma was certainly no slouch. And your playing, my friend, could make practically any guitar sound good, I’d imagine.
Finger picking fairly comparable....but otherwise....what would compel you to pick up the Siggie? It's like comparing a bullfrog to a Spring peeper.
Thanks for the comment - I first got the Sigma and then the chance to get the Martin appeared. The Sigma hangs in the wall - ready to go and is used for teaching.
Just bought a Yamaha FG800M ... would love to see you compare it to the DM18
the sigma is more muted in harmonics, but I prefer it to the Martin
That D18 needs Custom Light strings. It sounds like Mediums.
Yes major difference - Martin more open, defined. Too bad. I was gonna buy a used Sigma until I heard this.
Martin sounds better but that sigma sounds
Amazing also
The Martin is all solid wood whereas at best the Sigma may only have a solid top but its more likely to be all laminate so not much of a comparison.
Martin for ever !
what’s the first fingerstyle song he plays? or is it just a noodle
It’s a piece I wrote called ‘Lara’ - here is the link. Thanks andrewcleggguitar.bandcamp.com/track/lara
SIGMA SDM18
Sunshine and Rain
D18 all day man 😎😊
It is not realy fair to compare a full solid guitar to a Guitar with laminated back and sides.
You could strum strings attached to a broomstick and sounds a lot better than me playing Vintage Martin D45, and that is a fact.
I’m sure you sound great on your D45 but I would love to play it! 👌🏼
I will not ever compare a sigma to a martin….ever….thank you sir 🇨🇦👍🏻
Well, that settles that.
Martin is better to my ear, the Sigma is no slouch when you take into account its price.
Slight differences. Not enough for me to pay the extra dough for those slight differences. Put some elixir strings on that sigma, bet it sounds just as good if not better!!! But to each it’s own.
The Martin sounds to me to be opened up a lot and nicer low ends. The Sigma sounds good ! Even !!!
You are right - the Sigma is good but the Martin is so much fuller! Martin feels nicer to play too ☀️
@@andrewcleggguitar BUT !!! We wanted to see how the back of each guitar looks . The difference between the two !
Of course they don't sound the same.
Sigma are very good guitars, but Martin sounds much better,,no doubt
1990's Sigma better than now. Like a martin.
Sigma more of a flat even sound I personally love it
There is quite a substantial difference. The Martin is just WAY nicer and full.
Thanks Andrew - the sigma has now gone to another owner but I still have the Martin 👍🏻
Martin D-18
Not comparable. From the first blow, you can see the difference in the clap ... though, the price.
They both sound good but for the price there’s nothing wrong with the sigma
Value of sigma guitar dm-18
Keep going need more verbal communication and knowledge on Guitar's
It's still 1k+
to me they sound very similar
i want your drugs
The sigma sounds great but unfortunately it's up against a very classy martin..
welche Gitarre ???? - ist halt Geschmakssache :-) die Sigma etwas spritziger, die Martin davür etwas voller - würde sagen : beide gut :-)))
Yes there’s a difference
no doubt martin
Value of sigma d-18 Japan
Same design, same materials, same everything yet such a difference in sound. Anyone know why?
Same everything? The Sigma has laminated back and sides while the Martin is solid wood. Martin probably also has bone nut and saddle while the Sigma has plastic.