This Week in Bass: Bootsy’s Historic Fender, Steve Harris’s New Precision, and Flea’s Fiery Solo Track

It was another big week for bass with big news from Bootsy Collins, Steve Harris, Flea, and more. Let’s dive in.

The top story was on the sale of a 1969 Fender Jazz that hit the auction block. Stripped of its original Sunburst finish, the bass’s plain look belies its essential history as funk pioneer Bootsy Collins’ first Fender. James Brown bought the bass for him when he joined the band in 1970. It changed hands to Fred Thomas after Collins was dismissed. The consignor got it after Brown abandoned his band in Miami in 1977. Heritage Auctions reports that it sold for $40,000 on December 5th.

Next, Fender unveiled a series of 50th Anniversary instruments for Iron Maiden, including a Steve Harris Precision model. The four-string sports a satin black finish and a mirrored pickguard, but sets itself apart from his current signature model. It has vintage hardware and an ’80s-voiced split coil pickup as a throwback to the band’s earlier days.

Flea unveiled a new song called “A Plea” as a first peek at an upcoming solo album. The track blends jazz, funk, punk, and spoken word for an inspired, fiery blend. Details on the new album are still few, but we do know that Anna Butterss will join him on bass.

Other top stories include a monster groove by Riccardo Oliva with Matteo Mancuso, the Port City Tempest tube amp, and much more. Scroll on to get caught up on all things bass.

1. Bootsy Collins’ Historic James Brown-Era Jazz Bass Surfaces for Auction

Bootsy Collins’ James Brown-era 1969 Fender Jazz Bass, the instrument that shaped early ’70s funk, is now up for auction through Heritage Auctions.

2. Fender Marks Iron Maiden’s 50 Years With Limited Steve Harris Precision Bass

Fender honors Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary with a limited Steve Harris Precision Bass, featuring a satin black finish, vintage specs, and 80s-voiced tone.

3. Inside the Groove: Riccardo Oliva’s Bass Work with the Matteo Mancuso Trio at Montreal

Riccardo Oliva brings serious heat in this live cut from Montreal Jazz Fest, driving the trio with fast, aggressive lines on his 6-string Ibanez.

4. Nick Fyffe Grooves in Newly Released 2001 Jamiroquai “Love Foolosophy” on Later with Jools Holland

Jamiroquai revisits their 2001 era with a fresh release from Later with Jools Holland showing Nick Fyffe locked into the smooth and heavy Love Foolosophy pocket.

5. Flea Releases “A Plea,” Showcasing His Bass, Vocals, and Trumpet Work

With “A Plea,” Flea reveals the direction of his solo album, expanding a bass centered opening into a rich arrangement shaped by an impressive list of collaborators.

6. Port City Amplification Unleashes the Tempest: A Hand-Wired Tube Bass Head Built for Modern Players

Port City Amplification enters the bass world with the Tempest, a hand-wired 60-watt tube bass head blending vintage tone, modern versatility, and premium components.

7. Aguilar Unveils Ultra-Rare DB 751 LTD Black Bass Amp (Only 5 Made)

Aguilar has released an ultra-rare DB 751 LTD Black bass amp, limited to just five units worldwide. A blackout chassis, red LEDs, and classic 751 power.

8. Empress Effects Announces the Buffer++: A Powerful Upgrade for Complex Signal Chains

Empress Effects has released the Buffer++, a versatile utility pedal with 12 routing modes, a 30dB boost, input pads, and stereo loop options for complex rigs.

9. David Byrne’s Stripped-Down Band Highlights Inventive Bass Work at Tiny Desk

David Byrne brings a lively, joyful Tiny Desk set, and Kely Pinheiro’s steady Bass lines keep the groove locked in as the band leans fully into the fun.

10. G. Gould GGi5-Studio^3: A Graphite-Neck Powerhouse with Triple EMG E-Series Pickups

Geoff Gould’s GGi5-Studio³ blends graphite-neck innovation with a myrtle burl top and triple EMG E-Series pickups. See photos, full specs, and details.