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 gloss Dreadnought body, crafted with mahogany back and sides, delivers a loud, projective tone. 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. Printed to replicate the worn look of the original 1955 model, it produces a clear, even tone and adds a rich layer of history to the voice of the instrument. Paired with rear-shifted non-scalloped Sitka spruce X-bracing, it offers a precise, focused sound with enhanced treble clarity and responsiveness. The FSC®-certified rosewood fingerboard features mother-of-pearl 1955 Style 18 dots, while the satin select hardwood neck with a Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval profile provides smooth, comfortable playability. Vintage-style Kluson® Waffleback® nickel tuners complete the look, blending vintage style with reliable precision. Limited to 70 guitars, each includes an embossed paper label hand-signed by Chris Martin IV. Released alongside the 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th, it’s a fitting tribute to Chris’ dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation.
Specifications
Highlights
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Back and Sides: Mahogany
Top: Reclaimed Spruce with Aged color
Neck: GE-Modified Low Oval with Standard Taper
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16''
Case: Hardshell
Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze – Medium
Top
Top Material: Reclaimed Spruce
Finish Top: Gloss
Top Color: Aged
Top Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Top Detail: Custom Ink
Binding: Brown Faux Tortoise
Bridge Material: FSC Certified Rosewood
Bridge Style: GE Modern Belly – Drop in Long Saddle
Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8''
Bridge Pin Material: Ebony
Bridge Pin Dots: None
Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
Pickguard Inlay: None
Rosette: Old Style 18 Multi-Stripe
Saddle: Bone
Saddle Radius: 16"
Body
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back Material: Mahogany
Side Material: Mahogany
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Back and Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
Back Detail: None
Side Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 18 Madagascar Rosewood
Back Inlay Material: None
Side Inlay Material: None
Bracing Pattern: X-Brace
Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped
Brace Material: Sitka Spruce
Brace Size: 5/16"
Heelcap: East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece: Brown Faux Tortoise
Endpiece Inlay: None
Neck
Neck Shape: GE-Modified Low Oval
Neck Taper: Standard Taper
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Finish Neck: Satin
Scale Length: 25.4"
Number of Frets Total: 20
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Rosewood
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16''
Fingerboard Inlay Style: 1955 Style 18 Dots
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
Fingerboard Binding Material: None
Side Dots: White
Headstock
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and 1950s Rounded Corners
Headplate Material: East Indian Rosewood
Headplate Logo Style: Authentic Style Script Overlay
Headplate Binding Material: None
Tuning Machines: Vintage-style Kluson Waffleback Nickel Tuners
Knob: Oval
Nut Material: Bone
Specifications
Highlights
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Back and Sides: Mahogany
Top: Reclaimed Spruce with Aged color
Neck: GE-Modified Low Oval with Standard Taper
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16''
Case: Hardshell
Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze – Medium
Top
Top Material: Reclaimed Spruce
Finish Top: Gloss
Top Color: Aged
Top Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Top Detail: Custom Ink
Binding: Brown Faux Tortoise
Bridge Material: FSC Certified Rosewood
Bridge Style: GE Modern Belly – Drop in Long Saddle
Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8''
Bridge Pin Material: Ebony
Bridge Pin Dots: None
Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
Pickguard Inlay: None
Rosette: Old Style 18 Multi-Stripe
Saddle: Bone
Saddle Radius: 16"
Body
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back Material: Mahogany
Side Material: Mahogany
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Back and Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
Back Detail: None
Side Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 18 Madagascar Rosewood
Back Inlay Material: None
Side Inlay Material: None
Bracing Pattern: X-Brace
Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped
Brace Material: Sitka Spruce
Brace Size: 5/16"
Heelcap: East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece: Brown Faux Tortoise
Endpiece Inlay: None
Neck
Neck Shape: GE-Modified Low Oval
Neck Taper: Standard Taper
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Finish Neck: Satin
Scale Length: 25.4"
Number of Frets Total: 20
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Rosewood
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16''
Fingerboard Inlay Style: 1955 Style 18 Dots
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
Fingerboard Binding Material: None
Side Dots: White
Headstock
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and 1950s Rounded Corners
Headplate Material: East Indian Rosewood
Headplate Logo Style: Authentic Style Script Overlay
Headplate Binding Material: None
Tuning Machines: Vintage-style Kluson Waffleback Nickel Tuners
Knob: Oval
Nut Material: Bone
