In celebration of Christian Frederick "Chris" Martin IV's 55th birthday and his steady contributions to Martin Guitars, the company has introduced the new CFM IV 1955 D-18 guitar in his name.

Not just the mahogany version of the other guitar released in his honor -- CFM IV D-28 -- the new CFM IV 1955 D-18 has a number of features that set it aside from other Martin instruments. The D-18 has a bright treble, crisp mid-range, and clear bass, making it a standout choice for bluegrass, folk, and country musicians. The manufacturer also notes that the D-18's strong, loud voice is meant to be heard and hold its own over banjoes, mandolins, steel guitars, and rock 'n' roll as well.

The D-18 was first introduced in 1935 and for many years outsold the more costly D-28, according to Martin Guitars. In 1955, the year of Chris Martin's birth, Martin sold 1,103 D-18s versus 806 D-28s.

Now it's time to drop some names. Elvis Presley played a 1942 D-18 during his early career (it can be heard in on all of his Sun recordings, including "That's Alright Mama"). Hank Williams also played a D-18 that he rotated with his D-28 (Hank's 1947 D-18 is now owned by the Martin company and is on permanent display in the Martin Museum). And Eddie Cochran's guitar intro in "Summertime Blues" was played on a D-18, also.

In creating the CFM IV 1955 D-18, the company replicated D-18 specs that were in place during 1955, which includes the following: a sitka top with non-scalloped top braces, a small maple bridgeplate, an old-style 18 rosette and tortoise body binding and pickguard, cedar ribbons, cloth reinforcement strips, an ebony bridge (with long bone saddle) and fingerboard, a bone saddle, rounded headstock (from template wear) with the old style C. F Martin & Co. scroll decal, and other authentic 1955-specific details.

New, special features added to the model include back and sides made of rare quilted mahogany (dark stain), an adjustable 14-fret neck (with two-way truss rod), old-style "waffleback" tuners, figured Madagascar rosewood back strip and head plate veneer (similar in look to the original Brazilian rosewood headplate), and a small paper label specially designed by Dick Boak and signed by C.F. Martin IV in numbered sequence. The guitar is finished in with high-gloss polished lacquer.

To be produced in very limited quantities, only 55 of the new CFM IV 1955 D-18 guitars will be made. Each guitar will ship in a cabernet plush, five-ply, hard shell case.

For more information, please visit martinguitar.com.