That being clear,Les Paul Black Beauty 3is an instrument that is both beauty and the beast, but at a budget. The thing that I like about Epiphone is that they keep the quality of the guitar uniform throughout their range. Hi Friends, on Thursday last I bought a 2nd hand Sigma Guitar which I know was made in Korea and by C.F. These guitars are thoroughly inspected and prepared by Martin craftsmen at our factory and carry a limited lifetime warranty.[6]. I've had a positive experience with Martin-sold Sigma guitars (especially Korean ones), so I picked this up when it was offered to me for sale in-store. Current documentation (taken from the files at Martin) indicates these models were produced by the Kasuga Gakki company as overload for the Tokai Gakki company. All other text was printed in black ink, or stamped on in ink by the manufacturer (model and serial numbers.) ;). From 1980 through 1983, 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. Black binding (b/w/b/w/b.) Also refer to information regarding the D10-8 and D10-9. Before you read the rest of the review, let me tell you one thing straight off; this one is for those who are just learning the instrument from scratch. Another factory named Samick also manufactures guitars in Korea, however, their glory days in the particular market were over in the nineties. DR-7 Dreadnought. Its the cheapest version of a cheap copy of a premium brand. Sigmas made in Japan from 1970 through 1979 used a paper label to identify the model and serial number of the instrument. The very rare DR-14 was often confused with the DR-41 but it was a different model. General Acoustic Guitar and Amplification Discussion, https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-0ew?usp=sharing. Peghead bound in white. Laminated mahogany wood back and sides. Nonadjustable bridge, often showing a pair of pearloid screw covers. Solid spruce top. SGRC-41E. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. The manufacturer may have saved on production costs, but often not skimped on the quality of materials and parts. Adjustable truss rod. Going for a Crafter GA6/Nwould be a more sensible choice if you are willing to raise the budget a bit. The DR-28 was manufactured in Japan, Korea and Taiwan while the SDR-28 and the SDR-28H appear to have been manufactured in Korea and Taiwan only, starting in early 1986. Turns out, they are doing great in the acoustic guitars industry as well. While retaining the same early logo for several more years (c.19751976) the peghead itself began to take on a more tapered shape by 1972. All in all, PRS SE is a great guitar that ticks every box of being a perfect choice for aspiring guitarists. Five-digit or eight-digit serial numbers. Sigma Guitars DM2 acoustic guitar, made in Korea, ser. It features an HSH pickup configuration with a bridge Humbucker, a middle single-coil, and a neck humbucker, a design inspired by the super start era of 1986. So yeah, maybe they are not as good as their US and Japanese counterparts (because theyre cheap), but nothing compares to the price value! Sigma Guitars & Basses, Sigma Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars, Sigma Vintage Acoustic Guitars, Sigma Acoustic Electric Guitars, Sigma Jumbo Acoustic Guitars, Sigma Left-Handed Acoustic Guitars, Sigma Mahogany Body Acoustic Guitars, Guitar Amplifiers 3, Fender Electric Guitar Guitar Amplifiers 3 Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Old Sigma DR-7'sare they vaulable? For the most part, it seems like World Musical Instruments Korea handles many guitars that are made in Korea. DR-9, DR-11) had a 6-sided cast body and no brand name (11:1 ratio,) while there were others later on that more resembled Schaller (stop screw to the inside, Schaller style buttons. If we made a mistake in the listing that. High gloss lacquer finish. Thanks for the link but according to it, the label that matches the guitar in question is for "Late Korean period after circa 1990" which makes it later than the info stating manufacture began in 1984. The neck profile is relatively thin with a shallow depth, also known as the Slim D Shape. Serial numbers for Sigma guitars built in Korea and Taiwan are perhaps meaningless, though again some seem to indicate the year of manufacture (e.g. Chrome closed back tuners (11:1 ratio.) Black binding (b/w/b/w/b.). "[This quote needs a citation]. The OP-Pro preamp and OCP1 pickup, when plugged, produce a really high output with a vibrant and solid output when plugged. They are called 'Second Generation' Sigma's by C.F. Their primary clientele either ceased to make a particular range of guitars or simply moved their manufacturing facilities to other countries. Active from 1900 to 1978, the company produced over half a million instruments, mostly guitars, but also mandolins, banjos and lutes, making Levin the largest instrument manufacturer in Scandinavia for many years. There is a DR-14 on display in the Sigma Museum in Munich, Germany. Some of these guitars still had the early peghead logo, instead of the "Second Generation Sigma" Martin style logo that started in approximately 1976.[10]. Adjustable Rosewood Bridge on the earliest models. Many had laminated tops. However, as soon as you know what it brings, the high price seems well justified. This makes them darn good value for money and definitely something to consider. If we talk about the current market, at least a single range of every big brand, from Agile to Schecter, Dean and anyone in between, is manufactured by the WMIK. You are not the only person having this confusion. Guess what? Mother of pearl trim throughout ala' Martin D-41. results in a return there is no restocking fee. Find Your Sigma; Find Your Sigma. ;). Adjustable truss rod at headstock and fixed bridge. Flat-oval neck. Beside this, are Martin Guitars made in Japan? Martin and featured solid wood top. Rosewood overlay on 1st generation "Spatula" headstock (Sigma w/ logo. Used Sigma By Martin DM-1 Made in Korea Dreadnought Acoustic | Reverb Sell Your Gear Watch List My Feed Cart Sign Up Log In Guitars Pedals and Amplifiers Keyboards and Synths Recording Gear Drums DJ and Audio Gear More Categories View All Brands News Explore Shops Reverb Gives Help Center Shop Gear Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape. Rosewood bridge (some 'ebonized') and fingerboard. One of the biggest factors that stay as a testament to their immaculate quality is that most people still use and sell Korean models made back in the 80s and 90s. I have a Sigma DM-4 (all the same specs as yours) with a serial # of 8301XXX I know for a fact mine was purchased in Dover, DE somewhere between 1984 and 1986. Remember when I talked about Korean guitar manufacturers establishing themselves as the staple name for electric guitars back in the day. A passionate leader known for . Watch this gear and we'll notify you if it becomes available again. 1970" underneath in a smaller block font. Sigma GCS-1 made by Martin Co Acoustic guitar made in Korea in the 80s Cyncoed, Cardiff Sigma GCS-1 made by Martin Co Acoustic guitar made in Korea in the 80s In mint condition. Laminated spruce top. Early examples often have adjustable-height bridge saddles as well. United States law states that: "In contrast to copyright or patent law, trademark protection does not have a set duration or definite expiration date. reply Re: Sigma Guitars info: DR-35 Posted by Alan on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 19:46. In the years of 1981 and 1982, Martin imported partially assembled Sigma guitars from Japan and the assembly was completed in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. These were all 'non-adjustable' and held in place by two opposing screws (corner to corner) on the back of the headstock. Pearl/pearloid, DM12-7 12 String Dreadnought. Agile AL-2000 features premium quality wax-potted ceramic humbucker pickups, 2 volume controls, and 2 tone controls for a more customized and enhanced playing experience. The guitars top is made of sturdy spruce wood, with the sides and back made of traditional mahogany wood. They are all visually stunning. About. Furthermore, the US rights to the lapsed Sigma brand name had expired prior to C.F. Martin & Co. prior to selling the brand to AMI, and had since been picked up by St. Louis Music of Missouri, AMI is not allowed to use the brand name "Sigma" in the U.S. for their current line of guitars. $420.00 + $29.95 shipping. The aesthetic, sound, build, everything is top-notch. That's s tough one to answer. The result was Sigma Guitars. Because more than 30% of the work was completed within the borders of the United States, Martin was legally allowed to designate them as Made in U.S.A.[5]. What does that mean? Sigma guitars are designed by Martin, and like many other budget models these days, are built in Korea. Rosewood fixed bridge. The model and serial numbers were usually stamped on in ink, but some are known to have been hand-penned. Gold plated closed back tuners (ratio 12:1.) As much as I know, the final product exclusively produced by Korean vendors for Ibanez was back in 2008. The DR-35N had additional detail on the fretboard. The headstock shape was also modified to a deeper taper and shaped to resemble the Martin instruments. Best Korean Dean: Dean ML AT3000 Scary Cherry, Best Korean made Fender: Fender Showmaster Solid Body, Best Korean made PRS: PRS SE Custom 24 Electric Guitar, Best Korean made Gretsch: Gretsch G5622T Electromatic, Best Korean Made Hamer: Hamer Slammer DA21 SSH, Best Korean made Ibanez: Ibanez Prestige S2170FB, Best Korean Epiphone: Epiphone Les Paul Black Beauty 3 pickup, Best Korean made LTD: ESP LTD EC-1000 Electric Guitar, Best Korean made B.C Rich: B.C Rich Warlock NJ Series, Best Korean made V-shaped ESP: ESP LTD GL-600V George Lynch Super V, Best budget Korean-made electric guitar: Agile AL-2000 Guitar, Best Korean made Ovation: Ovation Mod TX Black, Best Korean made Harmony: Harmony Sovereign H6561, Best Korean made Sigma: Martin Sigma DM4 Dreadnaught, Beste Korean made acoustic guitar for beginners: Cort Standard Series Folk Guitar, Best Korean made acoustic guitar for sound: Crafter GA6/N, Best Korean made dreadnaught: Cort AD10 OP. Brands of Guitars Made in Korea. Since the guitar you will get (if you ever do) will be at least 35-40 years old, the vintage vibe alone is enough to bet your bucks for. They were built by specially trained staff in the most efficient guitar factories in Japan and then sent to the US for inspection before being released for sale and shipping to the music stores. Basic characteristics of Made in Japan Sigma guitars, Additional models approximately 1975 to 1978, correspondence with C.F.Martin Guitar Co, Inc. Customer/Consumer Service Department, December 2008. The neck of this model is also made of maple; however, with a laurel fretboard with 22 frets, that is extremely easy and smooth to play. Martin & Co., based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, created a line of inexpensive guitars in 1970 to compete with the increasing number of imported guitars from Japan and elsewhere. Overall, its a pretty decent model for its price. Action on stringed instruments is a subjective thing and we do not guarantee setup. [citation needed] High end models such as the D-10 Anniversary model have the "Second Generation" logo inlaid in the headstock using mother of pearl, as do many of the later Korean produced instruments. Rosewood Bridge and fingerboard. [citation needed], Construction moved from Japan from 1970 to 1983, to Korea from 1984 to 1994, to Taiwan in 1994 (made in both Korea and Taiwan for the 1994 model year) and finally Indonesia (?2007).[2]. The S2170FB is best preferred for clean music without even a subtle hint of distortion. But again, what is luck for! 1980 Sigma DR-41 in Natural finish, dreadnought acousticguitar in excellent condition. Laminated mahogany back and sides. In the shortest words, its simply the go-for choice if you are trying to save some extra bucks without compromising on quality. Terrific sounding and playing Korean made Sigma. SDR-41SP. )[13] or Grover tuners (stop screw below but without the familiar crescent knob. One sentence to describe the ESP LTD EC-100 electric guitar? So, again, your luck will come into play here too. All in all, its a great guitar with tons of versatility and pristine quality that screams about the craft of Korean manufacturers. DM-4LH Dreadnought Factory made left hand model completely built from the factory as a left hand model. Since the U.S. rights to the Sigma brand name and trademark had been allowed to lapse by C.F. [original research? Youll only find it in used condition now. These will show a four-digit serial number. S00R-42S. With everything considered, its a cheap but stunning guitar that leaves no box unchecked. Its generally counted as one of the best from the company and perhaps the best ever from any brand in the budget range. DT-22 Dreadnought. Such configuration makes this guitar extremely versatile for different music genres. 3-on-a-plate, open backed "economy" tuners. ), From approximately 1978 through 1983, and in later Korean-made instruments with few exceptions, stamps, or "brands" were embossed into the. Harmony Sovereign H6561is the Korean version of the 1960s iconic US-made 12860. These had an even fancier border. The guitar features a laminated, semi-hollow maple body, with a tailpiece bridge screwed directly into the center block for more sustain. Not to mention the 5-way pickup selector! These were eight digits long, the third digit always a place-holding 0, while all others by then were still only five digit serial numbers further adding to the confusion. Others continued on using the cheaper tuners. The feel, the weight, the action, everything is just spot-on. Hah! All in all, this has everything you could ask for under the $1000 range. In fact, the name has become synonymous with quality! This is understandable since the Martin customer service department now responds to individual inquiries stating "all" Sigma's had laminate back/sides, while Sigma catalogs from the early 1970s list the back/side wood as "matched", not meaning solid, but is a careful marketing nomenclature for laminate to confuse potential buyers. Lacquer finish. Despite being the cheaper versions of famous US-made guitars, many Korean-made guitars are original and well thought out. 'Black and White' label: The earliest examples had a plain black on white inner paper label showing the model and serial numbers. Both are excellent quality and have the fantastic familiar sound every metal fan adores. Sigma is an acoustic guitar brand originally started by Martin in 1970 in response to inexpensive Japanese-made guitars . onward. Sigma Special Edition SDK-41 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar in Natural 2,295.00 Loading. Seeking to compete in the market for budget-grade instruments, in 1970, Martin began importing acoustic guitars made by subcontractors in Japan . Chrome closed back tuners (11:1 ratio.) They were then made in Taiwan and that is when the quality started to slip and cheaper materials were used. Some versions may have laminated tops: according to the Martin 1992 catalog the DM-4H was designed for intermediate player, has a lamintated spruce top and belongs to the "Marquis Series ". Well, heres the thing! ], Sigma-Martin USA guitars built in 1981 and 1982 only had specifically assigned serial numbers ranging from 900,001 to 902,908 (2,908 in total.) Made in Korea. Martin. This means a casual player might not like it. Laminated rosewood sides and 3-piece back, ala' D35. ], It is safest to assume that all Sigmas have laminated sides and back woods. The line was discontinued in 2007. With this guitar in hand, all those runs, licks, and riffs will be way easier than what you have experienced with the standard electric guitars. Laminated Asian chestnut sides and back with matching wood. Martin & Co." logo underneath. The exciting thing is that both arent manufactured anymore. That being said, Its one of the best ever guitars produced by South Korea in the electric guitars category. TheGL-600V Super V Black is the made-in-Korea version of the iconic and only V-shaped electric guitar of the George lynch series. 1985. Based on the serial # yours would precede mine, however, Sigma serial #'s mean nothing except for #'s 900,001 to 902,908 in 1981 and 1982. Trademark rights expire when the owner stops using the mark in commerce federal trademark registrations expire ten years after the registration date, unless renewed within one year prior to the expiration. Sigma by C. F. Martin & Company Guitar maker C.F. Small dings and blems from use and age, nothing major.The worst ones are pictured and they are pretty small. Moreover, the shape of the Ovation Mod TX is such that it gives you the fast-paced feel of an electric guitar, however, with much less weight. Getting a bit into the conspicuities of the guitar, the Jackson PS4 has a beautiful alder body with a maple neck and a rosewood fretboard with 24 frets, pretty much a standard for Jackson guitars. I have a beautiful Sigma DR-35, with two internal numbers, one on the block at the base of the neck #905055, the other is on the inside, branded on one of the two back strips, #S23677. to the States by the Martin Guitar Co. Laminated mahogany back and sides. Rosewood fingerboard. Truss rod adjustment location is on peg head at nut until 1980. I've read somewhere that this is possibly early 1970s. The early 70s models (1970 -1975) can be distinguished by a headstock logo consisting of the single word SIGMA surmounted with the . They have a three-piece back a la D35, and the fret markers are different as well. The Sigma line was discontinued by C.F. Bought from Music Emporium USA, Rockville, Maryland. Guess what? Serial numbers for Sigma guitars built in South Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia are perhaps even more meaningless, though again some seem to indicate the year of manufacture (e.g. Solid spruce top. Though the production of Korean electric guitars might not be at its peak right now, there are still some models you can pick for quality and sound. Martin as a line of guitars at affordable prices to compete with the increasing number of imported guitars from Japan and elsewhere. It has the same tone as the original Les Paul (close enough to not be noticed) and is suitable for every Genre, whether jazz, blues, rock, metal, punk, and whatever you could think of. Manufacture of the Sigma DM-1 dreadnought acoustic began in 1996. "Sigma Guitars" were soon to have an excellent, yes even legendary, reputation. Many six-string "upscale" models from 1978 to 1983 instruments had adjustable sealed tuners, but the 12-string models continued with the covered (non-adjustable) "economy" tuners (14:1 ratio.) This isnt manufactured anymore, so the only thing you can do about it is buy it in used condition. Rosewood fingerboard. Thanks. Following are some of the best Korean acoustic guitars you would like to have a look at. Well, you need a lot of luck to find one even in used! In fact, they now produce most of their products in South Korea. Martin Co., based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, created a line of inexpensive guitars in 1970 to compete with the increasing number of imported guitars from Japan and elsewhere. neuropathy in feet after covid. Back and sides laminated rosewood. From what I understand, the company that now owns the Sigma brand has been making guitars since 2011, but they have nothing to do with Martin. Ok! Further, tests conducted on the 52S models with model numbers below "8" show that they are, in fact, wholly laminate bodies. Talking of the guitar itself, the Paul Reed Smith SE has a sturdy mahogany body that comes in various colors, from sunburst to Quilt Charcoal and anything in between. Circa 1993, Sigma introduced two Gibson-knock-off jazz guitars - the SEJ-35 and the SEJ-75. Headstock says sigma guitars est 1970. As well as probably one of the best to come from the brand in the mid-low budget price range. This early Sigma guitar is made in Japan, later they moved production to Korea, China and now Indonesia. This means you get to experience what a guitar with HH can do and much more. Its a pity Fender had to discontinue the Hamer range because, boy, these guitars are still going strong under the name of KMC. It had features from several of Martin's top-end domestic guitars, but Martin never made one exactly like it; in the United States, it is unique to the Sigma line, and possibly the rarest. That being clear, G5622T is one of the finest musical instruments you will ever get your hands on. This model was considered the top-of-the-line Sigma by Martin. 750XXXXX possibly equates to a build year 1975.) Crafter guitars produce a wide range of acoustic guitars in their South Korean factory. If you are more into creating a cleaner tone, the single-coil pickups at the center and the neck will suffice to give you that ultra-clear sound. Another good thing about this guitar is the 21 jumbo frets. By JD on May 15, 2019. Sigma Special Edition SGJA-SG200-VSB Jumbo Electro Acoustic Guitar in Vintage Sunburst 1,450.00 Loading. In 1970 "SIGMA", the brandname for acoustic guitars, was launched. Other Sigma instruments included mandolins, banjos, acoustic and electric bass guitars and solid-body and hollow body electric guitars. All in all, its a pretty decent quality guitar that came from the Samick factory back in the nineties and gives off as much as you could expect from a 500 bucks piece. However, if we compare it to something from Chinese or Indian brands, its one of those bangs for the buck instruments that I would easily choose over anything in its price tag. High gloss lacquer finish. It has a rock maple neck that gives the guitar its characteristic brightness. It has excellent sound, easy playability, and the best value for the money in the market. SC stands for (Sunburst Color) In 2011 the German company "AMI Musical Instruments GmbH" launched the Sigma Name/Guitars again. Made in Korea. 1970 I believe it's from 1984 and that's what I'm trying to confirm. We charge a 20% restocking fee for returns due to personal tastes such as tone or action. Oops, looks like you forgot something. Many of our items are for sale on multiple online sites and for sale in our shop. White bound peghead. Guitar maker C.F. Subscribe to THE newsletter for aspiring guitarists, We'll only use your email address for our newsletter and respect your privacy. They have a paper label stating "Inspected and Guaranteed by Levin" and "Sigma Guitars" "est 1970" is inlaid on the headstock in abalone. There were only a few types of tuning machines used during these years. With the double-cutaway body design, the glossy finish, and the ebony fretboard, theres nothing bad you would hear about this guitar in the price tag. Everything about it, from the body to the neck and every little detail in between, is just perfect. [16] This limited production run lasted one year and this model remained on Sigma Dealers quarterly price lists from October 1980 until July 1981. Mother of pearl Hexagon & heptagon inlay position markers on fingerboard. Korean-made guitars are a great value for the money. It is widely assumed by owners and Sigma historians alike that this is correct, though C.F. "[4][unreliable source?] The SDR models also feature "scalloped" bracing la Martin's own HD-28 with the addition of herringbone design around the binding. This guitar has some fret wear and some wear through the finish on the fretboard as well. I happened to own a very nice MIJ made Sigma. As the PRS SE guitars are specially targeted towards intermediately experienced guitarists, the guitars are made mainly with comfort in mind. Carved peghead. Neck is smooth with no sticky spots and the rosewood fretboard is great with frets that show no wear.The body on this guitar is also. For example, the guitar has three pickups. Sigma guitars made in Japan from 1970 through 1983. The DR-28 and SDR-28 and SDR-28H are clones to the original Martin D-28 and HD-28 guitars and are high quality instruments. Sigma Special Edition SGJK-SG200 Jumbo Electro Acoustic Guitar in Natural 2,335.00 Loading. Sponsored. The top wood is another matter entirely. World Musical Instruments Korea are a large single facility manufacturer of a huge variety of guitar models for internationally known brands such as PRS, Chapman and LTD. WMIC (as they are often styled) are based out of Incheon, South Korea and have a gigantic facility that is considered one of the "last standing" Korean guitar manufacturers. This early 1990s Sigma DR-41 was made in Korea and imported A recently uncovered C.F. Its nothing less than a gift for our budget buddies. Cort AD10 OP belongs to the same line of guitars as the previously mentioned one. The guitar comes in various colors, including Amber Sunburst, Vintage Black, Simple Black, and See-through Black Cherry. That, when combined with the maple neck, gives the guitar a very warm and snappy tone that is perfect for heavy metal music. "Ebonized" (blackened) rosewood bridge and fingerboard on some, natural rosewood on others. Given the run was for an entire production year, it is likely that thousands were built. In some models, the quality was so awesome that it almost blurred the line between Asian and American-made models. While some Korean brands may not be as well known as big-name guitar companies, they offer features and quality that rival even the best guitars on the market. Well, Ovation has been producing some high-quality instruments for decades now. Under the best of circumstances, Sigma serial numbers can only provide an indicator of the year when a particular model was built. I own a 1984 DM-4 (Korean-made with stamped back braces) and it is a better guitar than a Seagull S6 and comparable to a Taylor 510 and Martin D-1. All known Sigma guitars have laminated sides and back wood. Laminated rosewood sides and 3-piece back with a contrasting (often highly figured) rosewood center strip. Your purchases also help protect forests, including trees traditionally used to make instruments. Laminated spruce top. White binding on body (w/b/w/b/w.) And guess what? The build is also pretty solid if we consider its price tag. Sigma Guitars SDR-35 - Solid Top - Korea production! They were made in Japan from '70 until 1983, then moved to Korea. 1980 Sigma DR-41 - Natural (Abalone) incl. It makes it significantly easier to bend the notes as you can push the strings to the edge of the frets quite easily. The "Est. SDR-40. Its a gorgeous guitar that you wouldnt get enough of. Martin's intended sale of the brand to AMI and has been revived by St. Louis Music of Missouri, who currently offer a four model range of Martin clones, all sporting a 'block style' Sigma logo similar to the one on the very early Japanese output marketed by C.F. Headstock in great shape with no scuffs or dings. The first year is known to have a zero fret. These were second runs with cosmetic defects sold by Martin at a discount of usually 33%. Slammeris one of the two ranges that have been exclusively manufactured in Asian countries, including South Korea. The H6561 is considered one of the most classic budget relics of the past, with a performance that could give a hard time to most premium models produced by other brands today. Both, when combined, aids its overall aesthetic while also making one of the easiest-playing guitars. Some consider the DR-35N to be a prototype of the inexpensive laminate Martin Shenandoah line of guitars,[18] later to become their current HPL (High Pressure Laminate) line of laminated bodied guitars. Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care. [citation needed] Sigma Guitars Made In Korea Sigma Serial Number Date Check It's difficult to say which Sigma guitar is better, since the year they were made is crucial. Besides, it has just the same brilliant build, sound, and overall user experience as the original. The experience is even enhanced with the Master volume and tone controls and the 3-way selector switch. Pearl/pearloid. The research further suggests that the D10 Anniversary guitars are extremely rare to the open market. Sigma produced numerous "DR-*" models from the mid-70s on through 1984: DR-8; DR-9; DR-11; DR-14; DR-15; DR-28; DR-28S; SDR-28; DR-35; DR-41; and DR-45 . Moreover, the neck has a very flat profile, making it extremely easy and fast to play. Plus, the soundholes on the body lessens the possibility of feedback, with extended bass response and volume. This is no longer in question. Although the minor cosmetic issues might offer a minor aesthetic issue to some, research between 2014 & 2019 suggests that these D10 guitars were crafted to a very high standard and offer outstanding tonal qualities. Having a bright sound with a mild touch of warmth at mid-range, an effortless playing experience (thanks to the loose strings), and good action, its a great option for finger and flat-picking.