Identifying unique Martin/sigma mandolin

[Burkej4321]

I have a mandolin with an inside label that states: “Prepared and Inspected by: C.F.Martin and Company, Nazareth, Pa., Model SM-3 (hand written) Serial # 009008”. The head has no decals and it looks like pictures I’ve seen of SM-30 (double pointed, oval opening, sunburst). The head is unlike any I’ve seen in pictures (kind of pointed with scrolls. It has a truss cover plate. Wondering if it is an early prototype of a Sigma.

[Jim Garber]

Post some pictures

[rcc56]

It appears that Martin did import some Sigma two-point oval mandolins with the SM-3 designation during the 1990's.
If you look at google images, you will find an expired reverb listing for a similar mandolin.

[Jim Garber]

It appears that Martin did import some Sigma two-point oval mandolins with the SM-3 designation during the 1990's.
If you look at google images, you will find an expired reverb listing for a similar mandolin.

OP says SM-30. I saw the reverb listing: https://reverb.com/item/35058294-vintage-martin-sigma-sm3-a-style-acoustic-electric-mandolin-ohsc

But the op should still post a photo with the unusual headstock.

Also there is a 2018 thread here about an SM-3: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...on-Sigma-sm-3s

[Simon DS]

Thanks Jim,
for posterity:

[Burkej4321]

OP says SM-30. I saw the reverb listing: https://reverb.com/item/35058294-vintage-martin-sigma-sm3-a-style-acoustic-electric-mandolin-ohsc

But the op should still post a photo with the unusual headstock.

Also there is a 2018 thread here about an SM-3: https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...on-Sigma-sm-3s

Sorry - I didn’t respond sooner. I will try to attach photos.

[MikeEdgerton]

Sorry - I didn’t respond sooner. I will try to attach photos.

It was actually a copy of a Gibson and was imported under many names. Nothing really unusual about it.

Here is what it is a copy of.

Here's an Ibanez copy.

Here is an Alvarez copy.

[MikeEdgerton]

Here is a Martin Sigma copy without the F style peghead.

Here is a Martin Sigma with the F style peghead.

[Burkej4321]

Thanks for the links. But what I am wondering about it is it has a label, which reads “Prepared and Inspected By: C.F. Martin Co., Nazareth, Pa. Model # SM-3 Serial #009008”. That tells me it is most likely a Sigma, but it has no Sigma markings. I just find that weird - could it be a very early version or prototype?

[Dave Hicks]

I like the looks of it - how does it sound?

D.H.

[Burkej4321]

I think really good - I am just learning to play. I had it professionally set-up, which helped significantly.

[MikeEdgerton]

Thanks for the links. But what I am wondering about it is it has a label, which reads “Prepared and Inspected By: C.F. Martin Co., Nazareth, Pa. Model # SM-3 Serial #009008”. That tells me it is most likely a Sigma, but it has no Sigma markings. I just find that weird - could it be a very early version or prototype?

Or a later version. I know you want the connection to Martin to be something special, it really isn't.

[Dave Hicks]

Maybe worth a try at https://www.martinguitar.com/contact-us?

[Mark Gunter]

Not most likely a Sigma, but definitely a Sigma. Just a Martin Sigma. Hope it’s a ton of fun to play!!

[Richard500]

I have a very nice sounding Samick SM-3, so when an identical one turned up recently online, I thought I’d bid. That one had the Martin label, and the bidding went rather high. I dropped out. I’m thinking all these, if Korean, might be Samick.
Obviously, some people attach considerable value to a major name on a label, regardless of it’s small or zero relevance.
These days, it certainly works in the automobile world as the name on the hood says nothing about who made the car.

[Richard500]

I have a very nice sounding Samick SM-3, so when an identical one turned up recently online, I thought I’d bid. That one had the Martin label, and the bidding went rather high. I dropped out. I’m thinking all these, if Korean, might be Samick.
Obviously, some people attach considerable value to a major name on a label, regardless of it’s small or zero relevance.
These days, it certainly works in the automobile world as the name on the hood says nothing about who made the car.