06/24/2026
More than fifty years ago, Doug Irwin built a guitar for Jerry Garcia known as Wolf. It became one of the most storied instruments in rock history and the foundation for everything that came after.
When Oteil Burbridge set out to create a bass in that lineage, he worked with master builder Bill Asher and Doug Irwin to bring the vision to life. The result was the “Dire Wolf” Bass: a six-string bass built on Doug’s body core design, and made to the exact specifications Oteil and Bill worked out backstage at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
After Oteil received his Dire Wolf, a second instrument was commissioned to give back in its honor. Dire Wolf 2 is being offered to benefit the Grateful Guitars Foundation, which supports music education for underserved youth while placing world-class instruments in the hands of exceptional players, and Music Heals International, founded by Sara Wasserman, which brings music programs to children in Haiti, India, and Venezuela. Former students are now leading classrooms, indigenous youth are reclaiming their cultural identity through music, girls are forming the first all-female bands their communities have ever seen, and the work will carry on beyond a generation.
At Irwin Guitars, we are proud to see Doug’s design legacy support a cause that reflects the spirit of music itself. This instrument was built from a love of music and a belief that instruments belong in as many hands as possible.
Bidding is open now through June 26.
Place your bid here:
https://givebutter.com/c/2026-GGF-MHI-Benefit/auction/items/1971792
📸 Jay Blakesberg Photography
Grateful Guitars Foundation
Music Heals International
Oteil Burbridge
Jerry Garcia
Michael Wald
