Description
Martin D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th! Reclaimed Old Growth Sitka Spruce Top, Mahogany Back & Sides, GE-Modified Low Oval, Standard Taper, Mahogany Neck, Rosewood Fingerboard & Bridge, Vintage-style Aged Kluson Waffleback Tuners. Awesome!
This Martin D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th marks Chris Martin IV’s 70th birthday. She’s inspired by an original 1955 D-18 recently acquired at auction (check the picture). 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. Martin only builts 70 of the georgeous guitars! Most notbble from a tonal point of view is the old-growth Sitka top with the Rear-Shifted, Non-Scalloped Bracing. This will give you a vintage tone with a Tighter low end (controlled, less boom) and more focus with excellent note definition. She has a strong midrange punch with a more dry / fundamental-heavy tone and excellent clarity when strummed hard. This is the ideal guitar for Bluegrass rhythm (hard flatpicking) and players who need cut, not boom. And of course recording situations where too much bass is bad.
This classic Martin dreadnought captures the essence of that mid-century Martin with the unmistakable tone and feel! The top is made from reclaimed Sitka Spruce sourced from salvaged old-growth trees from Alaska. This marks the first time Martin has used this unique, sustainably sourced Spruce. The FSC®-certified Indian Rosewood fingerboard features mother-of-pearl 1955 Style 18 dots, while Genuine Mahogany neck with the Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval profile provides smooth, comfortable playability. Vintage-style Aged Kluson® Waffleback® nickel tuners complete the look, blending vintage style with reliable precision. Also included is an embossed paper label hand-signed by Chris Martin IV. It’s a fitting tribute to Chris’ dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation. Listen to a sound impression here:
Price includes:
- C.F. Martin Limited lifetime warranty.
- 21% VAT included. VAT is not applicable for buyers from outside the Eurozone.
- We ship worldwide, fully insured. Check your shipping rate HERE.
- 14 day Return Policy applies.
- All guitars come with a new set of strings and a setup to your liking.
