Trees damaged in the Eaton Fire are being transformed into Fender guitars

When Taylor Goldsmith of Dawes performed at a benefit concert for Altadena fire recovery this month, one of the guitars he played had a significant connection to the community, which had been devastated by wildfire.

It was a Fender Telecaster handcrafted by the Fender Custom Shop from a deodar cedar tree damaged in the Eaton Fire, and it’s now up for auction to raise more money for Altadena fire relief.

Three more Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Altadena Telecasters will be made from Altadena timber, with each of them auctioned as they are finished. All of the money raised from the auctions organized by the PLUS1 non-profit organization will go to the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes in the community.

“Music has always been about connection, and this project brings that spirit to life through an instrument built to give back,” said Justin Norvel, Fender’s president for the Americas, in a written statement.

“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,” Norvel said.

The currently on-auction is valued at an estimated $5,500, with a top bid of $5,200 on the evening of Friday, Jan. 16. The auction runs through 6 p.m. on Feb. 4.

The wood came from salvage operations by Angel City Lumber, which saved it from being mulched to be used in various rebuilding projects.

“Recovery doesn’t end when the headlines fade,” said Marika Anthony-Shaw, founder and CEO of Plus1, which helps artists incorporate charitable fundraising into projects such as ticket sales and other endeavors.

“This collaboration shows what it looks like when brands use their craft, their audience, and their resources to continue supporting communities that still need it even after the news cycle has moved on,” she said.

Shaw said in a written statement that the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund has so far distributed $425,000 to organizations working around Los Angeles, thanks to support from artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, My Morning Jacket, Lucy Dacus, and Lord Huron, which also performed with Dawes at A Concert for Altadena on Jan. 7.

For information on the current auction or to bid on the Altadena Telecaster, go to Givebutter.com/c/AltadenaTelecaster,