SAN LUIS OBISPO (November 9, 2007) – Following recent events, Ernie Ball is proudly participating in the Music For Relief and Unite the United online auction to benefit victims of the California Wildfires that began on October 21. Launched November 5, the eBay auction includes Ernie Ball’s contribution of a Music Man Sterling Bass signed by Avenged Sevenfold bass player Johnny Christ – as well as 70 other instruments, concert tickets and collectible memorabilia donated by various parties to raise both awareness and funds in light of the tragedy.

The donated bass is none other than Christ’s personal touring instrument, adding both interest and value.

“We’re happy to be part of such a timely cause – and not just because we’re a family brand rooted in California,” said Derek Brooks of the Ernie Ball Company. “This kind of devastation requires as much immediate action as possible if communities and landscapes are to be properly restored.”

Event proceeds will profit charities aimed at recovery needs and reforestation efforts including the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund (www.calfund.org) as well as the American Forests’ California Wildfire ReLeaf Fund (www.americanforests.org). To access the auction, please visit www.ebay.com/CAwildfires.

The Unite The United Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by the producers of the Vans Warped Tour and the Rockstar Taste Of Chaos Tour with a mission to encourage fans, artists and industry leaders from the music, touring and lifestyle worlds to come together through charitable contributions, events and volunteer efforts in order to work toward a positive change in our national community. For more information, visit www.Unitetheunited.org.

Founded by members of the band Linkin Park, Music For Relief is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters. Since its inception in 2005, Music for Relief has raised over $2 million for the victims of the tsunami tragedy in Southeast Asia and hurricanes Katrina and Rita. For more information, visit www.musicforrelief.org.

Ernie Ball was the first to offer rock strings with the creation of Slinkys, and further revolutionized the market by offering guitarists Custom-Gauge single strings. The Ernie Ball Company also produces Music Man guitars and basses, volume pedals, and other accessories. The company's strings and accessories are available in more than 6,000 music stores throughout the U.S. The company also exports to 82 countries. For more information, contact the Ernie Ball company at (800) 543-2255, or visit their website at www.ernieball.com.

These products are Ernie Ball trademarks registered in the USA and many foreign countries:

ERNIE BALL®     CUSTOM GAUGE®     SLINKY®     EARTHWOOD®
MUSICMAN®
STINGRAY®     SILHOUETTE®     AXIS®
STERLING®     4+2®     3+1®

Trademark ownership is indicated by the symbol ®, however, for the sake of brevity it is omitted during the story.

Contact:
Derek Brooks
Ernie Ball, Inc.
(800) 543-2255

Media Contact:
Keith Negrin
MORSEKODE
(952) 853-9555