Sigma Guitars TM-15 acoustic steel-string travel guitar

General

The neck of this TM-15 by Sigma guitars has a neck length of 23 inches, or 584 mm. All in all, on average about 6 cm shorter than that the neck of a standard dreadnought model. So it is not a travel guitar for nothing, the shorter neck and modestly sized body make it very suitable for the travelling guitarist. For convenience, the TM-15+ comes with a matching gig bag. So you can not only get started right away, you can even take it out and about. Because the soundboard is made entirely of mahogany, it has become an instrument with a pleasantly deep and full sound.

Construction of the TM-15

The first thing you notice about this travel guitar is, of course, the particularly beautiful mahogany top. Besides making a beautiful picture, this solid wood top also provides more resonance and projection. So the woods are fine, and in terms of hardware too, this Sigma lives up to its origins. Both the top and bridge comb are made of bovine bone with the bridge comb being offset for optimum intonation. The finish is spot on across the board and the tuners and strap-buttons are rock solid. Sigma guitars are simply a good and economical alternative to the expensive American original.

Sigma Guitars

The first Sigma guitars saw the light of day in 1970 and were manufactured by the well-known firm Martin and Co. They were meant to counterbalance the growing stream of inexpensive guitars from the East. Production ceased in 2007 and four years later the rights to the name were bought up by a German firm. With Martin's approval, the guitars are now made in China. Martin's confidence is evidenced by the fact that in the US they distribute Sigma guitars themselves, albeit under the name Kindred guitars. So the guitars still have a name to uphold and they do so with verve.