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Something musical is emerging from the ashes of last year's Eton Fire. Guitar-maker Fender is turning fire-damaged trees from Altadena into a series of one-of-a-kind electric guitars. Angel City Lumber, in partnership with Fender, worked with residents to safely remove and preserve damaged trees. Four custom instruments will be produced and auctioned off to raise money for rebuilding homes while giving a second life to wood that would have otherwise been mulched.
The first guitar to emerge from Fender’s Corona, California Custom Shop is the Altadena Telecaster. Its body is carved from Deodar cedar salvaged from a tree damaged in the fire. Finished in a thin satin urethane, the cedar body shows off every ripple and knot in the grain. It’s paired with a AAA figured maple neck styled after early 1950s Telecasters, complete with a black single-ply pickguard. The neck plate is engraved with "We Are All Altadena" artwork by Eric Junker.
"Music has always been about connection, and this project brings that spirit to life through an instrument built to give back," said Justin Norvell, President of Americas at Fender, in a press release. "This partnership represents our commitment to the artist community affected by the fires, honoring their resilience while supporting long-term recovery efforts in Los Angeles."
This guitar certainly could sit untouched in a display case, but it's already seen some action. Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith played the Altadena Telecaster live at A Concert for Altadena, a benefit supporting long-term recovery efforts for families, businesses and first responders affected by the fire.
All proceeds from the auction of the guitars will go directly to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, funding home rebuilding, housing stability programs and broader community recovery across the San Gabriel Valley. The auction is hosted through PLUS1 as part of its LA Fires Fund, which has drawn support from more than 25 artists, including Lord Huron, Lucy Dacus, My Morning Jacket, Sabrina Carpenter and others.
The Altadena Telecaster, valued at over $5,000, is currently open for bidding through February 4 at 5:59pm PST. Bidding is already well above estimate at $7,500. Three more custom guitars made from reclaimed fire wood will be auctioned off as they are completed.