What is the body size of the Sigma S00M-18?

It features a 00-14 fret body shape, which is smaller and slimmer than a standard dreadnought.

Is the Sigma S00M-18 made of solid wood?

Yes, it features an all-solid construction including an AA-rated spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides.

What type of spruce is used for the top?

The guitar uses AA-rated solid spruce, which is selected for its premium quality and tonal properties.

How does the 00 body shape affect the sound?

The slim 00 shape provides a brighter voice with plenty of clarity, helping the guitar stand out in a musical mix.

Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the balanced tonality and comfortable body size make it superb for fingerstyle picking.

What material is used for the nut and saddle?

The S00M-18 is equipped with a bone nut and saddle for improved resonance and buzz-free performance.

Does the Sigma S00M-18 require frequent retuning?

Sigma uses high hardware standards to ensure the guitar can handle long playing sessions without requiring constant retuning.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Sigma S00M-18 typically retails for approximately £699.

How does mahogany affect the tone of this guitar?

The solid mahogany back and sides provide a sweet, balanced tonality with a focused midrange.

Is the finish gloss or satin?

The model is listed in a Natural finish, following traditional aesthetics for the 18-series style.

Does it have a cutaway?

No, the S00M-18 features a traditional non-cutaway 00 body design.

How does it compare to a dreadnought?

Compared to a dreadnought like the Hartwood Artiste, the S00M-18 is smaller, more comfortable to hold, and has a brighter, less bass-heavy sound.

Gear article

Sigma S00M-18 Acoustic Guitar

The Sigma S00M-18 is an all-solid wood steel-string acoustic guitar featuring a compact 00-14 fret body design. Constructed with AA-rated spruce and mahogany, it is designed to offer a balanced, bright tonality suited for both fingerstyle and chordal performance.

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Overview

The Sigma S00M-18 represents the brand's commitment to traditional acoustic design, utilising high-grade solid tonewoods to achieve a vintage-inspired aesthetic and sound. As a '00' sized instrument, it sits between traditional parlour and dreadnought sizes, offering a more comfortable, slim profile that caters to players who find larger bodies cumbersome. The 'M' in the model name signifies the use of mahogany for the back and sides, a staple wood in acoustic guitar history.

Tonewoods and Construction

The guitar is built around a premium combination of solid woods. The top is crafted from AA-rated solid spruce, known for its ability to produce a wide dynamic range and crisp articulation. This is paired with solid mahogany back and sides, which contribute warmth and midrange focus. Because the instrument features all-solid construction rather than laminates, the tonality is characterised by enhanced resonance and an elongated sustain that typically improves as the wood ages.

Design and Playability

The 00-14 fret body shape is a significant feature of the S00M-18. The slimmer body depth and smaller footprint naturally emphasise higher frequencies, providing a 'bright' voice that allows the guitar to cut through a mix. This design also promotes a relaxed playing position. The hardware standards include a bone nut and saddle, which are preferred for their superior vibration transfer compared to plastic alternatives, ensuring a buzz-free string action and stable tuning.

Sound Profile

The sonic character of the S00M-18 is described as sweet and balanced. While it lacks the heavy bass response of a larger dreadnought, it compensates with clarity and projection. This makes it particularly effective for recording and live performance where a muddy low-end is undesirable. The combination of spruce and mahogany ensures that every note remains distinct, even during complex chord work.

Target Audience

The S00M-18 is highly suited for fingerstyle players who require precision and quick note decay. However, its balanced nature also makes it a viable tool for strummers who prefer a more controlled, bright sound. Its ergonomic size makes it an excellent choice for smaller-framed players or professionals looking for a comfortable couch guitar that does not sacrifice tonal quality.

Market Comparison

In the mid-range acoustic market, the Sigma S00M-18 competes against various body styles. While the Yamaha CG142S offers a nylon-string classical alternative, and the Hartwood Artiste or Sonata models provide larger body shapes like Dreadnoughts and Grand Auditoriums, the S00M-18 occupies a specific niche for those seeking a compact, all-solid wood steel-string. It offers a more traditional, vintage-spec experience compared to the more modern aesthetic of the Tanglewood Northstar Pro series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body size of the Sigma S00M-18?: It features a 00-14 fret body shape, which is smaller and slimmer than a standard dreadnought.
Is the Sigma S00M-18 made of solid wood?: Yes, it features an all-solid construction including an AA-rated spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides.
What type of spruce is used for the top?: The guitar uses AA-rated solid spruce, which is selected for its premium quality and tonal properties.
How does the 00 body shape affect the sound?: The slim 00 shape provides a brighter voice with plenty of clarity, helping the guitar stand out in a musical mix.
Is this guitar suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the balanced tonality and comfortable body size make it superb for fingerstyle picking.
What material is used for the nut and saddle?: The S00M-18 is equipped with a bone nut and saddle for improved resonance and buzz-free performance.
Does the Sigma S00M-18 require frequent retuning?: Sigma uses high hardware standards to ensure the guitar can handle long playing sessions without requiring constant retuning.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Sigma S00M-18 typically retails for approximately £699.
How does mahogany affect the tone of this guitar?: The solid mahogany back and sides provide a sweet, balanced tonality with a focused midrange.
Is the finish gloss or satin?: The model is listed in a Natural finish, following traditional aesthetics for the 18-series style.
Does it have a cutaway?: No, the S00M-18 features a traditional non-cutaway 00 body design.
How does it compare to a dreadnought?: Compared to a dreadnought like the Hartwood Artiste, the S00M-18 is smaller, more comfortable to hold, and has a brighter, less bass-heavy sound.