Celebrate Chris Martin IV’s 70th Birthday with the Limited-Edition Martin 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th Acoustic Guitar
To honor Chris Martin IV’s 70th birthday, Martin Guitar proudly unveils the 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th—a limited-edition acoustic guitar inspired by a vintage 1955 Martin 000-18, serial number 145102, recently acquired through Heritage Auctions’ esteemed Guitar Shop Collection. This historic instrument embodies the rich legacy of Martin craftsmanship and marks a pivotal era in American music history—the rise of the 1950s folk music boom.
This exclusive 70-piece release is a tribute to a guitar that helped define a generation. The Martin 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th captures the soulful tone and timeless character of the original mid-century model, delivering the legendary Martin tone in a refined, modern build.
Vintage-Inspired Design with Sustainable Innovation
Crafted with a gloss-finished 000 body, this model features genuine mahogany back and sides, offering a warm midrange and articulate treble response. The soundboard is made from reclaimed old-growth Alaskan spruce, a sustainably sourced tonewood salvaged from wind-felled trees, decommissioned log bridges, and historic barge ramps. This is the first time Martin has used this rare spruce, infusing each guitar with a distinctive voice and eco-conscious story.
Classic Appointments with Premium Craftsmanship
- Non-scalloped Sitka spruce X-bracing ensures a clear, focused tone with outstanding projection.
- The FSC®-certified rosewood fingerboard features vintage 1955 Style 18 mother-of-pearl dot inlays.
- A satin neck with a Golden Era Modified Low Oval profile delivers smooth, comfortable playability.
- Authentic Kluson® Waffleback® nickel tuners complete the vintage aesthetic with modern tuning stability.
- A specially printed top replicates the well-worn character of the original 1955 000-18.
Each guitar includes a hand-signed, embossed label by Chris Martin IV and is accompanied by the similarly inspired D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th, making this a rare opportunity for collectors and tone enthusiasts alike.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Martin 000-18 1955 CFM IV 70th Anniversary Guitar blends vintage heritage with forward-thinking craftsmanship, reflecting Chris Martin IV’s lifelong commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation. With only 70 guitars worldwide, this model is a once-in-a-generation release for those seeking a collectible, heirloom-quality acoustic guitar that plays as beautifully as it looks.
