Martin Guitar D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th
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Martin Guitar
D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th
Product Info
Article Number:
617568
Brand:
Martin Guitar
Model:
D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th
Category:
Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Price:
$6,873.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
This CFM IV D-18 is a beautifully crafted tribute to a legendary era of Martin guitars. It captures that sought-after 1950s tone—a little more fundamental and woody than later models—and is perfect for players who appreciate a vintage vibe and powerful projection for bluegrass, folk, or singer-songwriter styles. It's a serious instrument for the discerning player.
Product Description
- Martin Guitar D-18 1955 CFM IV 70th
- Steel-String Guitar
- Limited edition - on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Chris F. Martin IV
- Based on a D-18 from 1955
- which was purchased at an auction
- Type: Dreadnought
- Top: Solid spruce
- Back and sides: Solid mahogany
- Neck: Selected hardwood
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- 1955 Style 18 dot fingerboard inlays
- Scale: 645 mm (25.4")
- Nut width: 42.9 mm (1.69")
- 20 frets
- Faux tortoise pickguard
- Rosewood bridge
- Saddle: Bone
- Kluson nickel vintage waffleback machine heads
- Strings: Martin Guitar MA540T
- Colour: Natural
- Includes case
- Made in USA
PROS
- • Exceptional Sitka spruce top yields a powerful, balanced vintage tone
- • Solid mahogany back & sides provide warmth and focused projection
- • Vintage Kluson waffleback tuners offer smooth, accurate tuning stability
- • 1955-inspired dot inlays and faux tortoise pickguard add vintage aesthetics
CONS
- • Premium-priced, making it inaccessible for many players
- • Mahogany construction limits versatility for modern, bright playing styles
- • Faux tortoise pickguard isn't as desirable as genuine material for some
Product Video
Key Features
Top Wood
Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides
Solid Mahogany
Neck Material
Selected Hardwood
Fingerboard
Rosewood
Scale Length
645 mm (25.4in)
Frets
20
Electronics
None
Weight
Approximately 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg)
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*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's designed to emulate the sound, but a true vintage D-18 would have more aged wood and a unique character. This CFM IV captures the essence, but won't be a perfect replica.
The neck is based on the '55 profile, which is slightly rounder and less slim than contemporary necks; it’s playable but may require some adjustment for players used to a thinner profile.
The MA540T strings are a good starting point, but personal preference varies; most players will likely want to experiment with different string gauges and brands to find their ideal setup.
