Freshly inspected and set up in-house by our esteemed Guitar Tech. See below for more details and specifications.
FROM MARTIN GUITARS:
To mark Chris Martin IV’s 70th birthday, we’re proud to introduce the D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th—inspired by an original 1955 D-18 recently acquired at auction. That guitar, serial number 144636, was part of the legendary Skip Maggiora collection and shows considerable playwear on the top, adding to its character and storied past. 1955 wasn’t just a milestone year for the Martin family—it was the dawn of the folk boom, a movement that would forever shape the sound of American music and launch the company into its next great chapter.
This all-new limited-edition model captures the essence of that mid-century Martin with the unmistakable tone and feel of a true classic. The top is made from reclaimed spruce sourced from land- and water-salvaged old-growth trees from Alaska, including wind-felled trees, dismantled log bridges, and massive logs once used in barge ramps and log floats that supported historic logging operations. This marks the first time Martin has used this unique, sustainably sourced spruce. The top is printed to replicate the worn look of the original 1955 model.
Limited to 70 guitars, each includes an embossed paper label hand-signed by Chris Martin IV. It’s a fitting tribute to Chris’ dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Indian Rosewood Headstock Overlay with 1950s-Style Rounded Corners
Vintage-style Kluson Waffleback Nickel Tuners
1 11/16” Bone Nut
GE Modified Low Oval Profile Select Hardwood Neck with 25.4” Scale Length
Neck Thickness .82" at First Fret and .97" at Eleventh Fret
FSC Certified Rosewood Fingerboard with 1955 Style 18 Mother-of-Pearl Dot Inlays and 16" Radius
20 Standard Frets
GE Modern Belly FSC Certified Rosewood Bridge with Drop-In Bone Saddle
Reclaimed Spruce Top in Aged "Custom Ink Printed" Gloss Finish with Mahogany Back & Sides in Gloss Finish
Paper Label Embossed with Model Name and CFM IV Signature, Numbered in Sequence with Total
Non-Scalloped Rear-Shifted Sitka Spruce X-Bracing
Weight 4 lb 2 oz
Hard Shell Case
Serial Number 2976376