Sigma Guitars By Terada For Kurosawa & Co. Ltd.

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No. Tokai stopped making Sigmas in the early 1980s.

Kurosawa bought the brand in the 90s and had higher end models made by Terada in Japan, and some lower end models were still made in Korea apparently.

By my interpretation of the serial numbers the MIJ production only lasted a few years (1992-1995).

But that is my theory based on figuring out the code in the MIJ serial numbers. Others will probably argue with me. Seems pretty solid to me.
 
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No. Tokai stopped making Sigmas in the early 1980s.

Kurosawa bought the brand in the 90s and had them made by Terada in Japan, and some lower end models were still made in Korea apparently.

By my interpretation of the serial numbers the MIJ production only lasted a few years (1992-1995).

But that is my theory based on figuring out the code in the MIJ serial numbers. Others will probably argue with me. Seems pretty solid to me.
Have you seen any indication of evidence that Tokai ever made all-solid Sigmas?

I'm under the impression (from photos) that there is a big difference between Tokai lacquer and Terada lacquer. I'm not sure I have any Tokai guitars (none that I can think of), but I've had many high end Terada guitars.
 
Here is a Tokai built Sigma S2000 I once owned made in 1981.

Similar to a Cats Eyes CE2000 at the time.

It was all solid. Looked like Indian rosewood to my eyes.

It had issues with the finish being clouded and I sold it.
 
FWIW, Tokai's relationship ended with Martin in 1984 roughly. After 1984 you no longer see martin products or mentions in their catalogs.

After that, Tokai went through financial difficulties and as a result moved their factory from Terawaki to a building they once used to house employees which we call the Dormitory building.

ec6064b286bb160c3f13f08ac82e7f27.jpg

Not sure how much space was afforded to making acoustics in the Dormitory building. It would have been very limited and production shifted to having most acoustics made in Korea and later China while some select custom orders continued to be made at the Dormitory location until.... ?

So big changes in the mid 1980s.

2003 (Iain Black)
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2013 (Drowning in Guitars)
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My T Haruo made by Terada.

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An odd inlay form Cat's Eyes from 1975

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1977 Cat's Eyes CE 2000

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1993 Sigma
64194-763eb71d2d0c0a6b2e4fff9b62793032.jpg
 
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1993 Sigma Guitars By Kurosawa & Terada Catalog

Circa 1993 Sigma Catalog via YouTube

SIGMA GUITAR
PRODUCED by CF MARTIN
Sigma Guitar is a popular junior version that inherits the essence of Martin guitars.
The Sigma guitar is a long-awaited high-quality model planned and designed by Martin as a junior version of the CF Martin guitar. Everything from material management, manufacturing methods, and painting follows Martin's strict standards. For example, the bridge is attached after the top plate is painted, using the same process as Martin guitars. The Sigma guitar inherits the unique sound essence of Martin, and the more you play it, the more exquisite the sound nuances become. This is a long-awaited series now that acoustic guitars are making a comeback.


Screen Shot 2024-09-14 at 9.09.39 AM.jpeg

S000-28EC
Rosewood (EC Edition): ¥120,000
The EC sound nuances are here! Now that acoustic guitars are making a comeback, the Sigma SOOO-28EC model that advanced players have been waiting for has been completed. The inlay work, which is full of vintage flavor, enhances the value of this guitar. The torch inlays on the headstock and the fingerboard inlays are made of snow fleks, cat's eyes, and slotted diamonds. The fret edges are also filled with piping. The sound nuances inherit the essence of CF Martin and are unique to the Auditorium model. It is suitable for delicate playing where every note is important. Above all, I'm happy that I can enjoy the EC sound with this model.

S000-28
Rosewood: ¥100,000
The Auditorium model features a clear sound quality with less distortion and slightly less reverberation than the Dreadnought. In recent years, this type of guitar has become popular among many players who use it on live stages. It faithfully inherits the essence of Martin guitars, such as smooth passages and comfortable picking response. Like the EC model, it is ideal for advanced guitarists who are always seeking the best sound quality. Not only is it reliable as a recording guitar, but it also has new possibilities in live performances.

S000-28EC & S000-28
• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood
• NECK: Mahogany w/Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gross
• BINDING: White
• BRIDGE PINS: White w/Black Dot
• END PIN: White w/ Black Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 39 3/8" (1000.1mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 19 3/s" (492.1mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15" (381mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4 1/8" (104.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 11/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 24.9" (632.5mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18,000


SEC-1500R & SEC-2000J
Auditorium Model
An unmistakable successor to the Martin sound. A new unplugged legend has begun.

SEC-1500R
Rose wood: ¥150,000
A masterpiece of the EC model following the popular SEC 2000. The construction, which is full of the latest sensibility and nuances of the era, produces an unparalleled beautiful sound, and guitar players will be able to touch a new world at the moment of touch. The old-fashioned details such as the vintage finish, tortoiseshell pickguard, and 42 Snow Lake fingerboard are also a delight. Welcome to the world of SEC Unplugged.

•TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood
• NECK: Mahogany w/ Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony with 42 Snowflake
• HEADSTOCK: Sigma & Martin Logo
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Vintage Finish
• BINDING: White & Abalone Pearl
• BRIDGE PINS: White a Black Dot
• END PIN: White u Black Dot
• SCALE: 24.9" (632.5mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Kluson Tupe
• CASE: Martin Vintage Case Replica: ¥18.000


SEC-2000J
Jacaranda: 200,000
The Sigma SEC2000J is the pinnacle of the SEC model that created the Unplugged whirlwind. It is a masterpiece that CF Martin instils a modern breath into a traditional guitar design. It features an almost unbelievably beautiful Jacaranda back and sides, and a spruce top body construction. The 42 Snowflake fingerboard and torch inlay headstock are also traditional Martin patterns. This touch! This nuance! The unmistakable succession of the Martin sound, the new Unplugged legend begins with the SEC 2000J.

• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Jacaranda
• NECK: Mahogany w/ Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony with 12 Snowflake
• HEADSTOCK: Torch Inlay
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Vintage Finish
• BINDING: White « Abalone Pearl
• BRIDGE PINS: While a Black Dot
• END PIN: White w Black Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 39 - 3/8" (1000.1mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 19 - 3/8" (492.1mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15" (381mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4 - 1/8" (104.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1- 11/ 16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 24.9" (632.5mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Kluson Type
• CASE: Martin Vintage Case Replica: ¥18.000

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SD-18 / SD-28 / SD-28GIG
Dreadnought Model (SD-18 & SD-28)
GIG1310 Mount Dreadnought Model (SD-28 GIG)
With an astonishing dynamic range, the new world of SD-28GIG heralds a revolution in acoustic guitar.

SD-18
Mahogany: ¥180,000
The clear and bright sound is born from the body construction of mahogany back and sides, spruce top, and rosewood belly bridge. It will perform at its best in any music scene, regardless of genre, with crisp chord strokes and excellent response in lead playing. This model is attractive for its simple beauty, such as black cell body binding and rosewood fingerboard

• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Mahogany
• NECK: Mahogany w/adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Rosewood
• BRIDGE: Rosewood
• FINISH: Stain Gloss
• BINDING: Black
• BRIDGE PINS: Black
• END PIN: Black
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40 -1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 20" (508mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15 5/8"' (396.9mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 1 7/8" (123.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 11/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4" (645.2mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18,000

SD-28
Rosewood: ¥100,000
The SD-28 can be said to be the "basic acoustic guitar". It shows the best sound quality in pure acoustic music examples. This best-selling model meets the high-level demands of professionals, with powerful mid-low tones that envelop the treble tones of banjos and flat mandolins, and high tones that create a snappy beat.


• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood
• NECK: Mahogany w/Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gloss
• BINDING: White
• BRIDGE PINS: White w/Black Dot
• END PIN: White w/Black Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40 -1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 20" (508mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15 5/8"(396.9mm/
• BODY DEPTH: 4%8" /123.8mm/
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 1'/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4" (645.2mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18,000

SD-28 GIG
Rosewood: ¥145,000
This model is equipped with the popular GIG1310PU and Martin Thinline 332PU on an SD 28. Not only does it have a natural sound, but it is also revolutionary in that it changes the concept of the guitar and will have a big impact on guitar players

SHD-28 / S0-16NY / SD-35
Herringbone Dreadnought Model (SHD-28) "New York Martin" (SO-16NY) Dreadnought Model (SD-35)
Herringbone & New York Martin with a secret history. Welcome back to the world of the revival, 3-piece Pactone.

SHD-28
Rosewood: ·120,000
This attractive model has a surprisingly clear tone with good sound and a mellow mid-low range when stroking chords, giving it a good old sound that is a little different from the SD-28. The tortoiseshell pickguard, herringbone trim, diamond fingerboard inlays, and other features that convey the atmosphere of traditional Martin are unique to Sigma guitars, giving it a classy and solid construction. Guitarists who play this model will experience the true quality of the guitar.

• TOP. Sapsee 4 anitar
• BACK &, SINES. RAcawond
• NECK. Mahogany Adj.Rod
• FINGERBOARD: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gross
• BINDING: White
• BRIDGE PINS: White w/Black Dot
• END PIN: White w/Black Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40 1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 20** (508mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15 - 5/8" (396.9mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4 - 1/8" (123.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 11/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4" (645.2mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18,000

SD-35
Rosewood: ¥110,000
The SD-35 has a clear and brilliant 3-piece back tone and a smooth mid-low range. In recent years, a considerable number of guitarists have been using the 3-piece pack, and the unique value of this type has been recognized. The SD-35 also features Whitehill fret edge binding, which ensures smooth finger work. Due to its excellent microphone characteristics during recording, this model is popular not only with folk and country musicians, but also with the new generation of guitarists.

TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood 3-Piece Back
• NECK: Mahogany w/Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gloss
• BINDING: While
• BRIDGE PINS: White w/Black Dot
• END PIN: White w/ Black Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40-1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 20" (508mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15-5/8" (396.9mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4-7/8" (123.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 11/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4"* (645.2mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18,000

SO-16NY
Mahogany: ¥100,000
The neat body design and matte lacquer finish give this guitar a traditional look. This is a valuable model that conveys the image of Martin guitars from the time of its founding in New York. We offer the unforgettable, delicate sound to all guitar lovers.


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SD-45 & SD-41
Dreadnought Model
Deep and rich musicality. A series of ultimate masterpieces with astonishing expressive power.

SD-45
Jacaranda & Rosewood: ¥200,000
The Sigma SD-45 is a model with excellent balance, like a great river, with a relaxed and smooth flow. The body is lavishly decorated with Mexican shells, and produces a sound that is even more wonderful than its beauty. The exquisite tone and wide range of expression are also amazing, worthy of a masterpiece. It is a work of art that conveys the atmosphere of the Martin D-45 with its top-class materials and elegant torch and hexagon inlays.

●We are currently producing a limited edition Jacaranda model (Jacaranda is difficult to obtain due to the Washington Convention, so we will change it to rosewood as soon as the stock runs out. The price will not change.)

• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood
• NECK: Mahogany w/Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gross
• BINDING: White
• BRIDGE PINS: White/Pearl Dot
• END PIN: White w/ Pearl Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40 - 1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 20" (508mm)
• BODY WIDTH 15 - 5/8" (396.9mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4 - 7/8" (123.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 11/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4"* (645.2mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Gold Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18.000


SD-41
Rosewood: Y¥150,000
The Sigma SD-41 inherits the essence of the Martin D-41 while featuring a custom torch inlay on the headstock. It features 8-point small hexagon inlays, a tortoiseshell-type pickguard panel, and other careful considerations. The rosewood back and sides and spruce top produce a powerful and brilliant sound. Delicate expressiveness. The sound performance that responds to the sensitivities of the player is unique to the Sigma SD-41.

• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood
• NECK: Mahogany m/Adj. Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gross
• BINDING: White
• RIDGE PINS: White w/ Pearl Dot
• END PIN: White w/ Pearl Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40 - 1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH: 20" (508 mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15 - 5/8" (396.9mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4 - 7/8"
•NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 11/16" (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4" (645.2 mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Gold Enclosed
• CASE: Martin Replica Vintage Case ¥18,000


MARTIN CUSTOM MODEL
The coveted new product series, CF Martin Guitar.

D-28 Custom
Rosewood (SQ): ¥580,000
The long-awaited D-28 Custom is released by Martin. The body is constructed of the finest German blues top and selected Indian rosewood. The bridge has 6-pointed snow flakes on both sides and the fingerboard has traditional torch inlays, creating an elegant and traditional atmosphere. The truss rod is an old square type, making the whole body a custom specification. The ultimate D-28 delivers a heart-touching sound to players of pure acoustic music.

HD-28 LSH
Rosewood (SQ): ¥500,000
This custom model is a replica of the 1934 modified Martin D-28, which was used by the late Clarence White and is currently used by Tony Rice. Clarence White asked an unknown craftsman to enlarge the sound hole diameter by 10mm for the D-28, of which 11 were made at the time. It is known as the Monster D-28. The HD-28LSH (large sound hole) is a masterpiece that inherits the spirit of Clarence White. The non-position mark is suitable for this model. The selected sprue loose top and Indian rosewood body construction produce a powerful sound


D-28 Custom & HD-28 LSH
• TOP: Spruce
• BACK & SIDES: Rosewood
• NECK: Mahogany w/SQ Rod
• FINGER BOARD: Ebony
• BRIDGE: Ebony
• FINISH: Natural Gloss
• BINDING: White
• BRIDGE PINS: White w/Black Dot
• END PIN: White w/Black Dot
• NO. FRETS CLEAR/TOTAL: 14/20
• TOTAL LENGTH: 40 - 1/4" (1022.4mm)
• BODY LENGTH 20" (508mm)
• BODY WIDTH: 15 -5/8" (396.9mm)
• BODY DEPTH: 4 - 7/8" (123.8mm)
• NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 - 1/16* (42.9mm)
• SCALE: 25.4" (645.2mm)
• TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed
• CASE: Hardshell Included


All officially licensed Martin guitars come with a warranty from the sole distributor in Japan (Kurosawa Musical Instrument Co., Ltd.). In the unlikely event of a problem, you will receive a warranty and have the guitar repaired or adjusted using genuine CF MARTIN parts.

●When purchasing a Martin guitar, please make sure that the warranty card is the same as the one in the photo. Recently, similar warranties have been circulating, so if you are suspicious, please check the serial number and contact Kurosawa Musical Instruments Co., Ltd. Head Office. ●The Martin Club Newsletter is published four times a year.

If you purchase a Martin guitar and return the questionnaire card, you will be automatically registered in the "Martin Club" and will receive a 24KG tuning fork. Those who purchase a Sigma guitar can also join the Martin Club by applying.

●The 24KG tuning fork is engraved with the CF MARTIN logo. Please note that this mark cannot be used without the permission of Martin.

To apply for Martin Club membership, please contact: 1-44-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170, Pan Project Co., Ltd. [Martin Club]

PHONE.03(3590)0986 FAX.03(3590)7600
 
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Very rare guitar.

Shame that someone cut open the side for an EQ. Also other repairs.

Sigma by Martin SD-45J

Sigma by Martin SD-45J

This is an officially licensed Martin Style D-45 Jacaranda model.
It was described in the catalog at the time as a long-awaited high-quality model planned and designed by Martin.
This guitar is in player condition with some repairs, but it is set up for easy playing.
The scalloped bracing gives it a bright, lively sound with good response.

"Main specifications"
Top: Solid spruce
Side back: Laminated Jacaranda
Neck Mahogany
Fingerboard Ebony
Bridge Ebony
Bracing: Standard scallop bracing
Nut width: approx. 42.9mm
Made in Japan
Made in the 1990s

Condition
The two tone bars on the top bracing have been re-glued
Crack repair on one tone bar under the top bracing
One crack repair on the top from the sound hole to the end of the body
(Three spruce patches have been glued on from the back. There is a slight step in the crack.)
Neck Crack Repair
Head Back Overspray
There is a slight lift near the body end of the top trim.
There are sticker marks and scratches on the back of the body.
There are scratches around the bridge
There are two pickup holes on the side, one of which is covered with a Jacaranda plate.
The other jack hole is not blocked. There is currently no pickup.
The label has peeled off and is not attached.
The pegs, bridge, bridge saddle, bridge pins, and pickguard have been replaced.
I don't know if the nut and frets are original.
The frets are polished with steel wool and compound.
There don't appear to be any dents in the frets, but I think the height has been lowered.
There doesn't appear to be any warping in the neck.
With extra light strings strung and regular tuning, the string height is approximately 2.5mm for the 6th string at the 12th fret, and approximately 2.0mm for the 1st string.
The rod remains tightened at about 45 degrees. There are also other scratches, stains, dents, etc.

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1993 SD-45J

SN S053065

1990s Sigma by Martin SD-45J Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar w/ Case, Japan

Up for sale, a 1990s Sigma by Martin SD-45J in exceptional, 100% original condition, complete with the original hardshell case. A very rare Martin model produced in Japan under the Sigma brand, the SD-45J replicates the feature set of one of Martin's most highly prized and highest tiered dreadnoughts, the D-45.

Featuring an X-braced spruce top, bookmatched Jacaranda (Bolivian rosewood) back and sides, a mahogany neck with a V-shaped profile carve and an ebony fingerboard and bridge, the SD-45J is an extremely well-crafted and tonally responsive instrument. Additional upscale features in-line with a D-45 include abalone hexagonal fretboard inlay, gold hardware, and abalone binding framing the top, back, rims, and soundhole. The instrument delivers clear, authoritative Martin square shoulder dreadnought tone with brilliant, crisp trebles and a round, defined bass register. The guitar has tons of power and projection, with a smooth growl on the wound strings when you dig in with a flatpick. This Sigma weighs 4lbs 14oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 12-54 strings and comfortable action.

The mahogany neck has a slender soft V-shaped profile carve, measuring .830" deep at the 1st fret and .915" at the 9th. The ebony fretboard retains the stock slender frets which have their full factory height, showing moderate uniform wear beneath the strings on the crowns of frets 1-2, with wear growing more faint beneath the plain strings until fret 5. The guitar plays cleanly up the 25.4" scale, and the neck is straight with a responsive, optimally adjusted truss rod. The nut measures 1 11/16" in width. On the headstock, the guitar features a rosewood veneer and what is referred to as Martin's "torch" inlay in some circles. The gold Martin-branded and Schaller-made tuning machines turn smoothly and hold pitch reliably.

On the body, the ebony bridge sits flush with the top, and the saddle has decent height. Cosmetic appointments include abalone binding framing the top, back and rims, and the soundhole is accented by a tortoise pickguard. The bookmatched Jacaranda on the back and sides is a multi-ply construction, purportedly marrying plies of mahogany and rosewood, a practice used on many Japanese acoustics to provide good tone and better strength, while reserving the most visually dynamic cuts for the outer ply, highlighted by a gloss finish. Cosmetic wear is limited to a few pinhead-sized nicks on top, and light scuffing in the clear coat of the gloss on the back. The satin finish on the neck profile is nigh flawless.

The original Martin-branded molded black hardshell case with blue plush interior is included.

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Looks to me like high-end Terada use Gotoh-style tuners while high-end Tokai Terashima use Kluson-style Grovers. Don't know how consistent that pattern is though
 
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