The “Dire Wolf” Bass Heads to Auction This Summer Benefiting Grateful Guitars Foundation and Music Heals International

Grateful Guitars Foundation is proud to announce this year’s annual benefit auction (opening May 26 and ending June 26) will co-benefit Music Heals International and our marquee item is a “Dire Wolf” Bass donated to GGF, played and signed by Oteil Burbridge at Grahame Lesh & Friends – Unbroken Chain 3/22/26 at The Fillmore in San Francisco.

This custom bass is modeled on Jerry Garcia’s legendary Wolf guitar by master luthier Doug Irwin – one of the most storied and celebrated instruments in rock history – and was built to Oteil’s specifications by luthier Bill Asher. This Dire Wolf is only the second one ever built, the first was gifted by GGF to Oteil at Red Rocks on July 6, 2025 in honor of his contribution and commitment to keeping our favorite music alive, and this one will be the last to feature the same iconic inlays designed by Jessica Asher and Jenny Shuman.

GGF founder Andy Logan shares, “Grateful Guitars is extremely thankful to Oteil Burbridge for his immense generosity paying it forward in support of music education by offering the second stunning Bill Asher Dire Wolf for our upcoming summer auction with Music Heals International. For fans who attended GD 60 at Golden Gate Park or the recent Grahame Lesh & Friends shows, they experienced the full impact of the huge bottom end of the Dire Wolf bass. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a fan to own an Oteil Burbridge stage-played and signed Dire Wolf bass with unique artwork that exists only on Oteil’s basses. We’re hoping Oteil’s unique generosity will inspire fans to back these two wonderful causes. Music Heals International supports music education internationally and Grateful Guitars supports music education domestically, so our missions are well aligned to spread the joy and healing aspects of music around the world.”

Proceeds will be split equally between GGF, which supports music education and instrument access for young musicians across the United States, and Music Heals International, which has spent over a decade using music as a vehicle for healing and opportunity in communities in Haiti, India, and Venezuela.

“Music Heals International was born from a deep belief in the power of music to transform lives—a belief I inherited from my father. Partnering with Grateful Guitars Foundation allows us to carry that legacy forward, placing instruments with history and soul into the hands of the next generation, where healing, creativity, and connection begin.” — Sara Wasserman, Founder and Executive Director, Music Heals International

For collectors, Grateful Dead devotees, and fans of Oteil Burbridge alike, the opportunity is clear: own a piece of living music history while supporting two organizations whose work ensures that the next generation of players will have the tools they need.

Auction Opens: May 26, 2026
Auction Closes: June 26, 2026
Estimated Value: $50,000-$100,000
Beneficiaries: Grateful Guitars Foundation & Music Heals International (50/50)

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