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
Left Handed Availability: True
Label: Paper Embossed w/Model Name and CFM IV Signature, Numbered in Sequence
Pleked: True