Burned Altadena Trees Become Fender Guitars to Fund Home Rebuilding

The Deodar cedars that burned in Altadena are coming back—not as trees, but as Telecasters.

Fender’s Custom Shop in Corona is building four one-of-a-kind electric guitars from wood salvaged from trees damaged in the January 2025 Eaton Fire,

All auction proceeds will go to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes for displaced families, according to Guitar World.

The first instrument—dubbed the Altadena Telecaster—was debuted by Taylor Goldsmith of the rock band Dawes at A Concert for Altadena at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on January 7, the fire’s one-year anniversary. The sold-out benefit concert raised $450,000 for the Altadena Builds Back Foundation.

Angel City Lumber is handling the wood salvage operation, according to Guitar World. The guitar’s body was carved from a Deodar cedar damaged in the fire. The neckplate is engraved with “We Are All Altadena” artwork by Eric Junker, according to Guitar World.

“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 statement reported by Guitar World.

Bidding on the first guitar is open through the non-profit auction platform PLUS1 and closes February 4 at 5:59 p.m. PST. The estimated value is $5,000, with bidding above that amount as of January 16, according to Guitar World.

“Rebuilt homes are a symbol of recovery for a community after a disaster,” said Bryan Wong, CEO of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, in a statement. “Partnerships like this will help ensure the fabric of the community of Altadena—which was known for its vibrant arts community—can return. These instruments are building more than houses, they are restoring hope.”

Fender will unveil and auction three additional guitars as they are completed.

The auction is available at givebutter.com/c/AltadenaTelecaster.