Show us a bassist who doesn’t have at least a little bit of affection for a late-’60s Fender Jazz and we’ll show you a bassist without a heart.
One particular Jazz Bass, which bears the serial number #266610, was once owned by the coolest cat in pretty much all of bass guitar history, Bootsy Collins, and is to be sold at auction on December 5 2025.
There are also two strap button holes on the lower horn, a modification Bootsy himself confirmed as unique to his early James Brown bass.
“When I first joined up with the James Brown crew I had a $29 Silvertone guitar, and I thought I was awesome,” Bootsy told the Fender YouTube channel. “Until I met James Brown and he told me, ‘Son, you can’t come on my stage with that funny-looking thing right there!’
“He broke my heart, but at the same time, I was like, ‘Okay, well, I would love to have a Fender Jazz Bass.’ He said, ‘No problem. I’ll have it for you tomorrow.’
“The next day came and Mr. James Brown got me a Fender Jazz 1969 bass. And I was like a kid in a candy shop. It was the bomb!”
Further provenance is provided via a signed document from bandleader Hollie Farris that reads: “Mr. Brown originally purchased this bass in Cincinnati for Bootsy Collins to play on concerts and recordings when he hired him in 1970. After Collins left the Band in 1972, Fred Thomas played this bass on concerts and recordings as his main instrument.”
William Collins – as nobody calls him – was involved in Brown’s backing band only for a short time, but during his tenure he recorded several anthems, including Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, and Soul Power, Pts 1 & 2.
Following his departure from the JBs in 1972, Bootsy’s ’69 Jazz Bass continued its life on stage and in the studio with Brown’s new bass player, Fred Thomas, whose grooves went on to power such classics as Hot Pants, Make It Funky, Papa Don’t Take No Mess, Get on the Good Foot, and Pass the Peas.
No estimate for the sale is listed, but at the time of writing, bids stand at $5,000.
See Heritage Auctions for more.
“James Brown told me, ‘Son, you can’t come on my stage with that funny-looking thing!'”
The Moment Bootsy Collins Joined The Godfather of Funk
Bootsy Collins, a name now synonymous with funk bass and a flamboyant stage presence, wasn’t always the star he is today. When the young Bootsy Collins first joined James Brown’s legendary band in the 1960s, he brought with him a unique style and, most notably, a distinctive instrument-the Fender Jazz Bass. However, James Brown initially wasn’t having it.
“James Brown told me, ‘Son, you can’t come on my stage with that funny-looking thing!'” Bootsy recalls the iconic moment when Brown admonished him for his unconventional bass guitar.
This moment reflects not only the strict standards James Brown held for his band members but also the beginning of a transformative musical partnership that changed funk music forever.
The Fender Jazz Bass: A Funk Icon
The Fender Jazz Bass that Bootsy used was no ordinary guitar. Its sleek, curvy body and distinctive tone helped define the sound of a new era. Recognizing Bootsy’s unique potential, James Brown himself gifted the young bassist a Fender Jazz Bass. This was more than just an instrument-it was a symbol of faith and musical legacy.
Bootsy’s funky,innovative style,combined with the jazz Bass’s rich tone,created the backbone for some of the most influential funk grooves of the 20th century.
Why the Fender Jazz Bass Stands Out
- Distinct Tone: Known for its bright, snappy sound that cut through band mixes.
- Playability: Comfortable neck profile and smooth fretboard allowed Bootsy to develop his intricate slap and fingerstyle techniques.
- Iconic Design: The sleek and “funny-looking” shape that initially caught James Brown’s attention.
Bootsy Collins & James Brown: The Partnership that Revolutionized Funk
Bootsy Collins’ time with James Brown’s band-notably The J.B.’s-was transformative for both the bassist and the Godfather of Funk’s sound. This partnership:
- helped pioneer funk’s deep grooves and punchy rhythms.
- Laid the groundwork for Bootsy’s later success with Parliament-Funkadelic.
- Featured Bootsy’s pioneering slap bass technique, which gained acclaim worldwide.
It was this period that truly forged Bootsy’s legendary stage presence, marked by his signature star-shaped sunglasses and flamboyant costumes.
The Fender Jazz Bass Now Up for auction: A Music History Treasure
Fast forward to the present day: the very Fender Jazz Bass gifted to Bootsy Collins by James Brown is now set to be auctioned. This auction piece is a true collector’s treasure, highly sought after by music enthusiasts, historians, and funk aficionados alike.
| Item | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fender Jazz Bass | The exact model gifted by James Brown to Bootsy Collins | Icon of funk music history and Bootsy’s career |
| Provenance | Authenticated from Bootsy’s early years with James Brown | Direct link to funk’s formative era |
| Condition | Preserved with original parts | Exceptional for collectors |
| Estimated Auction Price | Expected to reach six figures | Reflects cultural and musical importance |
Why This Auction is a Big Deal
- Historical Value: The guitar represents not just a musical instrument, but a pivotal moment in funk history.
- Cultural Impact: Bootsy’s influence on funk and popular music is monumental, making this guitar culturally priceless.
- Investment Opportunity: due to its rarity and provenance, this Fender jazz Bass is likely to appreciate further as a collectible.
First-Hand Experience: Bootsy Collins on His fender Jazz Bass
Bootsy has openly shared stories about how the Fender Jazz Bass changed his life and music:
“I remember staring down the first time I held that bass. James didn’t want me with it, but then he gave it to me. That moment gave me confidence to bring my funky style to the stage and make it my own.”
This Fender Jazz Bass was not just an instrument but a launching pad for Bootsy’s identity as a funk innovator, mentor, and cultural icon.
Benefits of Bootsy’s Funk Legacy and the Fender Jazz Bass
- Inspiration for Musicians: Shows how courage and innovation can break the mold in music industries.
- Education: The story behind the bass is a teaching tool for funk history.
- Collector’s Appeal: Opportunity to own a slice of funk royalty’s past.
- Preservation of Music Culture: Highlights the importance of preserving musical artifacts for future generations.
Additional Context: Bootsy Collins’ Continued Impact on Funk
Beyond his early career days, Bootsy Collins has:
- Created Bootzilla Productions and Funk University to mentor emerging artists.
- Maintained relevance by evolving his art while honoring his funk roots.
- continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans across the globe.
His partnership with James Brown and that Fender Jazz Bass serve as foundational chapters in a remarkable career that remains vibrant today [[1]][[2]][[3]].
