1989 Sigma by Martin DM-4B - Black | Korea Vintage Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Solid Top | Case

I am offering a Sigma by Martin DM-4B from 1989, a made in Korea for C.F. Martin 14-fret dreadnought acoustic guitar, with a resonant solid spruce top over an X-bracing, warm-sounding sides and back made of mahogany, set-in mahogany neck with 42.8mm nut width, elegant rosewood fingerboard with dot pearl inlays including custom inlay at the 12th fret, ebonized rosewood bridge and tuning-stable Kluson Gold tuners in a gleaming black high-gloss finish with black pickguard and multi-ply bindings in very good condition, including black soft case and professional setup with 12-gauge Elixir strings.

Sigma has been manufacturing high-quality and highly acclaimed instruments for over five decades. The high level of craftsmanship in the manufacturing process, combined with selected woods and premium hardware at an unbeatable price, is the recipe for success that has helped Sigma achieve such renown to this day.

This 1989 Sigma DM-4B dates back to the time when Sigma, under the supervision of C.F. Martin, had high-quality interpretations of classic US models manufactured in Korea. The DM-4B was Sigma's own interpretation of a Martin D-18 with the same wood combination (mahogany body, spruce top). The solid top has great resonance thanks to the traditional X-bracing and offers a warm, full, and focused sound character. Compared to many contemporary guitars of this type, the DM-4B offers a remarkably open treble range with a rich fundamental tone – ideal for strumming, but also for dynamic fingerpicking.

A sound sample of the model can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

As is usual with early Sigma Korea models, the build quality is outstanding: the neck-body joint is cleanly crafted, the frets are precise, and the guitar offers a pleasant, traditional feel with a 645mm scale length, a neck profile that is not too wide, and a slim 42.8mm nut width.

The instrument also impresses visually with its timeless, classic vintage look, in which the high-gloss black finish is tastefully complemented by the naturally darkened multi-layer bindings, the black pickguard and the shiny gold hardware.

Technical specifications:

• Origin: Korea
• Year of manufacture: 1989
• Body type: 14-fret dreadnought
• Top: Solid spruce
• Bracing: X-bracing
• Back/sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with dot pearl inlays, including custom logo inlay at the 12th fret
• Nut width: 42.8 mm
• Bridge: Ebonized rosewood
• Tuners: Kluson gold tuners (upgrade)
• Body binding: Multi-layer black/white
• Rosette: Concentric rings, multi-layer
• Pickguard: Black
• Finish: Black, high gloss
• Scale length: 645mm
• Serial number: 9203312
• Includes black soft case

The Sigma DM-4B was only manufactured for Martin in Korea in the 1980s. The models manufactured later in Taiwan and Indonesia do not come close to the quality of the DM-4B made in Korea. The early Korean models are rare collector's items.

This guitar is in great condition and technically flawless. After almost four decades, there is some minor superficial wear, but these all blend nicely into the vintage patina of the instrument (see pictures). The frets are still in very good condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 12-gauge Elixir 80/20 strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €29.99 within Germany or €54.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All pictures shown are of the instrument actually for sale.