Martin D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th Birthday 

DESCRIPTION

From Martin:

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. 

SPECS

Weight: 4.2 lbs

Case: Hardshell Case 

Year: 2025

Body Size: D-14 Fret

Top Material: Reclaimed Spruce

Bracing Pattern: Rearward Shifted X Brace

Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped

Back Material: Mahogany

Side Material: Mahogany

Neck Material: Select Hardwood

Neck Shape: GE Modified Low Oval

Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Rosewood

Scale Length: 25.4"

Number of Frets Total: 20

Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16"

Fingerboard Inlay Style: 1955 Style 18 Dots

Back and Side Finish: Gloss

Finish Top: Gloss

Top Color :Aged

Finish: Neck Satin

Bridge Material: FSC Certified Rosewood

Saddle: Bone

Tuning Machines: Kluson® Nickel Vintage Waffleback®

Pickguard: Faux Tortoise

Electronics: None

Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 - Medium (MA550T)

SETUP & INSPECTED BY OUR TECH TEAM

All of our guitars come with a FREE professional setup to a comfortable action as specified by that instrument’s manufacturer. Our setups always include inspection of (and necessary adjustment to): action, intonation, tremolo angle, truss rod, frets, nut, bridge, and more. We can accommodate special setup requests - additional charges and/or shipping delays of 1-2 business days could occur.

INDIVIDUALLY PHOTOGRAPHED

After 15 years of innovation in our photography process, Ish Guitars has developed a way to get you the most accurate true-to-life color of every instrument we sell. We never embellish, oversaturate, or misrepresent our images, so that your buying experience can be as much like visiting our showroom as possible. Keep in mind that various computer screens can show colors a bit differently, so the color on your screen may not match the real thing perfectly no matter how hard we try. Also, unless otherwise noted, we individually list and photo every piece of gear that comes through our doors.

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