Martin D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th Birthday Spruce/Mahogany Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar #1852

Built to honor the 70th birthday of C.F. Martin IV, this limited-run D-18 is a faithful nod to a mid-century classic with only 70 guitars made worldwide. It takes direct inspiration from a well-worn 1955 D-18 that once belonged to the Skip Maggiora collection, an instrument that captured decades of American music history in every strum. The body features solid mahogany back and sides paired with a unique reclaimed spruce top, salvaged from old-growth trees in Alaska. Some of this spruce was recovered from barge ramps, wind-felled forests, and deconstructed log bridges. Not only is it Martin’s first use of this sustainably sourced tonewood, but it also adds an unmistakable richness and maturity to the voice of the guitar. The printed top detailing recreates the look of that original 1955 model while maintaining the responsiveness and tonal balance players expect from a D-18. This model features a traditional dovetail neck joint, rear-shifted non-scalloped Sitka X-bracing, and a 25.4-inch scale for classic Martin punch and projection. The satin-finished neck has the Golden Era Modified Low Oval shape with a standard taper, offering smooth comfort across the rosewood fingerboard. Vintage-style Waffleback tuners, 1955 Style 18 dot inlays, and a faux tortoise pickguard round out the classic aesthetic. Each guitar is hand-signed by Chris Martin IV and comes in a hardshell case, numbered with a commemorative label. This D-18 captures the soul of a historic era with premium tonewoods and craftsmanship that live up to the Martin legacy. It’s an heirloom instrument built for players, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the lasting sound of a true vintage-style dreadnought.