Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV Koa Acoustic Guitar - Natural

A century ago, Martin introduced its first lacquer-finished guitars, setting a new standard for beauty, durability and craftsmanship that would influence acoustic guitar building for generations. The Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV celebrates that milestone with a limited-edition instrument crafted entirely from solid flamed koa and dressed in elegant Vintage Gloss, capturing the warmth, depth and visual richness of the company’s earliest lacquer-era instruments. Inspired by Martin’s historic Hawaiian koa models, this 0-12 fret Custom Shop acoustic pairs its intimate small-body design with hand-shaped GE-scalloped X-bracing that enhances the naturally warm, focused voice of koa with remarkable responsiveness and tonal nuance. A GE Modified Low Oval neck profile and 24.9” scale deliver a relaxed feel with modern playability, while the ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface with crisp articulation. A vintage-inspired slotted headstock, Golden Age Relic brass tuners and an individually signed and numbered label complete a remarkably refined instrument limited to just 100 examples worldwide.

Solid Flamed Koa Construction With Warm, Focused Vintage Character

Crafted entirely from solid flamed koa, the Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV delivers a naturally warm, focused acoustic voice with exceptional midrange presence and tonal nuance. Koa combines the clarity and articulation of maple with the warmth and sweetness of mahogany, producing a balanced response that grows richer and more complex over time. The intimate 0-12 fret body design enhances the guitar’s responsiveness and immediacy, making it especially well suited for fingerstyle playing and nuanced acoustic performance. Hand-shaped GE-scalloped X-bracing further refines the instrument’s resonance and dynamic sensitivity, helping the guitar respond with remarkable openness and tonal depth despite its compact dimensions.

GE Modified Low Oval Neck With Smooth Ebony Fingerboard

A GE Modified Low Oval neck profile paired with a 24.9" scale length gives the 0-18K2 CFM IV a relaxed, highly comfortable playing feel that encourages expressive phrasing and effortless fretting. The shorter scale slightly reduces string tension for a softer, more responsive touch, while the ebony fingerboard adds crisp articulation and smooth note definition under the fingers. A traditional 12-fret neck joint contributes to the guitar’s resonant, intimate character while positioning the bridge more centrally on the soundboard for enhanced warmth and tonal richness.

Historic Styling Inspired by Martin’s Early Koa Instruments

The Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV draws heavily from the visual language of Martin’s earliest Hawaiian koa guitars, pairing elegant craftsmanship with historically inspired detailing throughout the instrument. Martin’s Vintage Gloss finish gives the flamed koa body exceptional depth and warmth while recreating the visual character of the company’s earliest lacquer-finished acoustics. A slotted headstock with Golden Age Relic brass tuners, Style 18 multi-stripe appointments, ebony bridge and old-style fingerboard inlays reinforce the guitar’s early 20-century aesthetic, while the “100 Years of Lacquer” paper label—individually numbered and signed by C.F. Martin IV—marks each instrument as one of just 100 examples produced worldwide.

A Custom Shop Tribute to Martin’s Enduring Craftsmanship

The Martin Custom Shop 0-18K2 CFM IV honors a defining moment in Martin history through an instrument that blends historic inspiration with uncompromising modern craftsmanship. From its all-solid flamed koa construction and hand-shaped bracing to its Vintage Gloss finish and period-correct detailing, every aspect of the guitar reflects the artistry and precision that helped establish Martin as one of the most influential acoustic builders in the world. Warm, intimate and visually stunning, the 0-18K2 CFM IV stands as both a remarkable commemorative instrument and a deeply musical Custom Shop acoustic built to inspire for generations to come.