To mark Chris Martin IV's 70th birthday, Martin is 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, a curated selection of historically significant and well-preserved instruments that speak to the enduring appeal of vintage acoustics. This particular 000-18 stood out for its unmistakable wear -- nicks, dings, and scratches that show decades of play -- and for the honest, soulful voice that made it a favorite among players of its era. Its aesthetic and tonal character served as the blueprint for this limited-edition model.

Features:

- Captures the essence of this unique mid-century Martin
- Unmistakable tone & feel of a true classic
- Warm, punchy midrange & bright treble response
- Mahogany back & side with Reclaimed Spruce top
- Select hardwood neck & Rosewood fretboard
- Vintage-inspired wear on the top & brown faux tortoise binding
- Kluson Waffleback nickel tuners
- Genuine Bone saddle
- Hardshell case included

The 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th captures the essence of that mid-century Martin with the unmistakable tone and feel of a true classic. Limited to just 70 instruments, it's a tribute to legacy, artistry, and the enduring spirit of the world's most respected acoustic guitar maker. The gloss 000 body, crafted with mahogany back and sides, provides a warm, punchy midrange and a bright treble response. The top is… read more made from reclaimed spruce sourced from old-growth trees salvaged both on land and in water around Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. These include wind-felled trees, dead standing timber, bridge stringers from dismantled log bridges, and massive spruce logs that were once used to build barge ramps and log floats. These log floats, which served as mobile platforms for remote logging operations, were dismantled in the early 2000s. This is the first time Martin has incorporated this rare and storied wood into a guitar. Printed to replicate the wear of the original 1955 model, the top adds both tonal richness and a deep connection to history. Paired with non-scalloped Sitka spruce X-bracing, it delivers a precise, focused sound with remarkable clarity and control.

1955 wasn't just a turning point for the Martin family -- it was a pivotal moment in American music. As the folk boom swept across the country, guitars like the 000-18 helped shape a new era of sound. This model carries that spirit forward. In addition to the visual wear on its top, the brown faux tortoise binding and Old Style 18 multi-stripe rosette nod to the original 1955 aesthetic. The FSC-certified rosewood fingerboard features mother-of-pearl 1955 Style 18 dots, and the satin select hardwood neck is shaped in a Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval profile for smooth, comfortable playability. Vintage-style Kluson Waffleback nickel tuners complete the look, blending timeless style with modern reliability.

With only 70 guitars available, each includes a hardshell case and an embossed paper label hand-signed by Chris Martin IV, chairman of the board and the sixth-generation leader of Martin. Chris' vision has shaped the company's identity for over 50 years, and this guitar is a fitting tribute to his family's dedication to quality, tradition, and innovation. Released alongside the D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th, it celebrates Chris' 70th -- by doing what Martin does best. And with its roots in vintage history, this guitar carries more than just tone -- it carries a legacy.

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

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