Martin D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th Limited-Edition Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Aged Natural

Created to celebrate Chris Martin IV's 70th birthday, the Martin D-18 CFMIV 70th 1955 limited-edition dreadnought acoustic guitar is a testament to legacy and craftsmanship. Inspired by an original 1955 D-18 from the renowned Skip Maggiora collection, this model honors mid-century design with modern innovations. The reclaimed spruce top—sourced from salvaged old-growth timber in Alaska, including wind-felled trees and dismantled log bridges—adds a historical richness to its tonal character. Combined with mahogany back and sides, this instrument produces a warm, balanced sound with exceptional projection. Limited to just 70 guitars, it blends vintage appeal with contemporary precision, making it a celebration of artistry and tradition. Rear-shifted Sitka spruce X-bracing tightens the top for focused bass, mids, and treble clarity, ensuring a tone that resonates with depth and responsiveness.

Reclaimed Spruce Top Reflects History and Adds Warmth

The top of this guitar is crafted from reclaimed spruce, sourced from Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. This wood, salvaged from wind-felled trees, dead-standing timber, and dismantled log bridges, carries a story of resilience and sustainability. The custom ink finish replicates the wear of the original 1955 D-18, adding visual authenticity while enhancing tonal richness. Paired with rear-shifted X-bracing, the top delivers balanced projection and clarity, ensuring a dynamic response for players seeking vintage-inspired warmth with contemporary reliability.

Mahogany Back and Sides Create Balanced Projection

The mahogany back and sides contribute to this guitar's warm, resonant tone, ideal for dynamic playing styles. Known for its ability to produce balanced mids and controlled bass response, mahogany enhances projection and sustain while complementing the reclaimed spruce top. The dark mahogany finish and Style 18 Madagascar rosewood purfling add a refined aesthetic, tying the instrument's tonal richness to its vintage-inspired design. These tonal characteristics make the guitar stand out for its clarity and depth, appealing to players who value heritage and performance.

Historical Details Honor Mid-Century Craftsmanship

From the faux tortoise binding to the Old Style 18 multi-stripe rosette, this guitar is steeped in historical charm. Inspired by the original 1955 D-18, it features a FSC-certified rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl Style 18 dot inlays, ensuring period-accurate details. The select hardwood neck, shaped with a GE Modified Low Oval profile, offers smooth playability, while Kluson waffleback nickel tuners deliver vintage authenticity and modern reliability. These details pay homage to the iconic mid-century design while ensuring the instrument performs to contemporary standards.

Martin Dovetail Neck Joint for Enhanced Stability and Tone

The traditional dovetail neck joint reinforces the connection between the neck and body, optimizing the transfer of vibrations for superior tonal depth and sustain. The satin-finished neck provides a comfortable feel, while bone components, including the nut and saddle, ensure durability and precision. Ebony bridge pins maintain string alignment under tension, supporting the guitar's structural integrity during extended use. This thoughtful engineering enhances the instrument's reliability, making it a lasting tribute to Martin's dedication to quality.

A Collector's Piece Rooted In History

The Martin D-18 CFMIV 70th 1955 limited-edition dreadnought acoustic guitar is more than an instrument—it's a piece of history. Its reclaimed spruce top and homage to the Skip Maggiora collection connect players to a storied past, while its handcrafted design ensures unmatched tone and playability. With only 70 models available, each guitar includes a hand-signed label from Chris Martin IV and a hardshell case for protection. Celebrate Martin's legacy with a guitar that embodies artistry, sustainability, and historical significance.