Martin 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th Acoustic Guitar

To mark Chris Martin IV’s 70th birthday, we’re proud to introduce the 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th—inspired by an original 1955 000-18 recently acquired at auction. That guitar, serial number 145102, was part of Heritage Auctions’ Guitar Shop Collection and bears the marks of a life well played. 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 000 body, crafted with mahogany back and sides, delivers a warm, punchy midrange and bright treble response.

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 non-scalloped Sitka spruce X-bracing, it offers a precise, focused sound that sings with clarity and control. 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 D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th, it’s a fitting tribute to Chris’ dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation. 

• Body Size: 000-14 Fret
  Finish Top: Gloss
  Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
  Back and Side Finish: Gloss
  Bracing Pattern: X-Brace
  Scale Length: 24.9"
  Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped
  Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16''
  Top Material: Reclaimed Spruce
  Neck Shape: GE-Modified Low Oval
  Back Material: Mahogany
  Neck Taper: Standard Taper
  Side Material: Mahogany
  Electronics: No
  Top Color: Aged
  Bridge Style: GE-Modern Belly Drop in Long Saddle
  Binding: Brown Faux Tortoise
  Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8''
  Top Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
  Bridge Material: FSC® Certified Rosewood
  Top Detail: Custom Ink
  Bridge Pin Material: Ebony
  Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
  Bridge Pin Dots: None
  Pickguard Inlay: None
  Saddle: Bone
  Rosette: Old Style 18 Multi-Stripe
  Saddle Radius: 16"
  Brace Material: Sitka Spruce
  Back and Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
  Brace Size: 1/4"
  Back Detail: None
  Back Purfling/Strip: Style 18 Madagascar Rosewood
  Back Inlay Material: None
  Heelcap: East Indian Rosewood
  Side Detail: None
  Endpiece: Brown Faux Tortoise
  Side Inlay Material: None
  Endpiece Inlay: None
  Neck Material: Select Hardwood
  Fingerboard Material: FSC® Certified Rosewood
  Finish Neck: Satin
  Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8''
  Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
  Fingerboard Inlay Style: 1955 Style 18 Dots
  Number of Frets Total: 20
  Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
  Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
  Fingerboard Binding Material: None
  Side Dots: White
  Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and 1950s Rounded Corners
  Tuning Machines: Vintage-style Kluson® Waffleback® Nickel Tuners
  Headplate Material: East Indian Rosewood
  Knob: Oval
  Headplate Logo Style: Authentic Style Script Overlay
  Nut Material: Bone
  Headplate Binding Material: None
  Case: Hardshell
  Label: Paper Embossed w/Model Name and CFM IV Signature, Numbered in Sequence
  Pleked: True