Music and community are colliding in a powerful way in Los Angeles, and this time, the instruments themselves are part of the recovery. San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has teamed up with Fender, Fender Custom Shop, and nonprofit impact platform PLUS1 to transform wood salvaged from trees damaged in the Eaton Fire into a series of limited-edition guitars.
And 100% of auction proceeds going directly toward rebuilding homes and supporting families impacted by the 2025 wildfires.
From Fallen Trees to Fender Telecasters
Four custom guitars are being crafted from reclaimed Altadena fire wood. The material would have otherwise been mulched, but now it gets a second life. This time as instruments built for impact.
The wood recovery effort is being led by Angel City Lumber, a local organization focused on salvaging and repurposing urban trees. Their team worked with residents to remove damaged trees. And in doing so they eased the burden on homeowners while preserving meaningful pieces of the community for future rebuilding projects.
A Piece of the Community
At the heart of the collection is a Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition Altadena Telecaster, valued at over $5,000. Its body is made from Deodar Cedar sourced from a fallen Altadena tree. And it’s finished in a thin, natural satin urethane that highlights the wood’s grain. The guitar pairs that reclaimed body with a one-piece roasted 3A flame maple neck in an early-’50s Tele style. It blends classic Fender design with a deeply local story.
Music Backing the Mission
The initiative is part of the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund, which supports organizations working on the ground across Los Angeles. More than 25 artists and partners have backed the effort, including Lord Huron, Lucy Dacus, My Morning Jacket, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Sabrina Carpenter, The Revivalists, and Zeds Dead.
Fender’s President of Americas, Justin Norvell, says the project reflects what music has always stood for – connection.
“An instrument built to give back brings that spirit to life,” he shared, noting the partnership’s focus on supporting the artist community and long-term wildfire recovery efforts across L.A.
A Guitar That’s Already Hit the Stage
The Altadena Telecaster has already made a public appearance. Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith played the guitar onstage at A Concert for Altadena, a benefit supporting the Altadena Builds Back Foundation and its long-term recovery efforts for families, small businesses, and first responders affected by the Eaton Fire.
Where the Money Goes
Every dollar raised goes directly to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, helping fund:
- Home rebuilding in wildfire-impacted neighborhoods
- Housing stability programs for displaced families
- Long-term community recovery efforts in the San Gabriel Valley
“Rebuilt homes are a symbol of recovery,” said SGV Habitat CEO Bryan Wong. “These instruments are building more than houses — they’re restoring hope.”
How to Bid
The first guitar is currently up for auction through PLUS1:
- 🕘 Starts: January 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. PT
- ⏰ Ends: February 4, 2026 at 5:59 p.m. PT
- 🔗 Bid here: Altadena Telecaster
The remaining three custom instruments will be released as they’re completed.
Supporting L.A. Through the Music
Altadena has long been known for its vibrant arts community, and this project bridges that creative spirit with real, tangible recovery. These guitars carry a living story from the trees that once shaded local streets to the stages and studios where new music will be made.
If you want to support wildfire recovery and own a piece of L.A. history, this might be the most meaningful instrument you’ll ever see.