Object of the Day

Bootsy Collins Space Bass Guitar

March 14

A limited edition Bootsy Collins Space Bass from Washburn Guitars, owned by Bootsy Collins. This is a four-stringed electric bass guitar with an asymmetrical star shaped body, decorated with silver and red crystal elements and a mirrored pickguard.

Bootsy Collins Space Bass guitar owned by Bootsy Collins

Description
A limited edition, Bootsy Collins Space Bass from Washburn Guitars (2015.234.1.1) owned by Bootsy Collins. This is a four-stringed electric bass guitar with an asymmetrical star shaped body modeled from Bootsy Collin's Space Bass guitar. The guitar is decorated with silver and red crystal elements and a mirrored pickguard. The silver crystal elements on the bass guitar are in a star pattern around the pickguard. The red crystal elements decorate the edge of the mirror pickguard. Red and silver crystal elements decorate the headstock. The guitar has two (2) black electric pick-ups at the center of star body. The neck of bass guitar is made of light brown wood with silver colored metal frets and star-shaped pearl fret markers. The brass colored bridge has the text [BADASS BASS II] with a trademark symbol next to the text stamped on the bottom edge. There are four round brass control knobs on right side of the body. Two of the control knobs have plastic mirrored stars attached to the tops. Black lettering on the headstock of the guitar reads, [BOOTSY / Washburn / MADE IN T]. The back of the headstock has a winged Washburn logo at the top above manufacturer information, serial number and patent numbers.
The guitar case (2015.234.1.2) is a rectangular wooden case with a faux white, leather finish with gold braid trim. The hardware on the case is brass with a white plastic handle. The top of the case has a gold five-point star with the text, [Bootsy] written in the center with black script. The interior is covered in crushed red velvet. A Delta Airline [FRAGILE] sticker has been placed on the top of the case. The interior of the case has a brass, oval plaque attached to the lid of the interior storage compartment with the following inscribed text [G&G / "The Original Vintage / Case Co." / MADE IN U.S.A.].
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Manufactured by
Washburn Guitars, American, founded 1883
G&G Quality Case Co., American, founded 1978
Owned by
Bootsy Collins, American, born 1951
Date
July 2002
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Bootsy Collins
Medium
Guitar: brass (alloy), alloy steel, plastic , crystal (lead glass), paint and mother of pearl on mahogany and maple;
Case: vinyl , metal and velvet on wood
Dimensions
H x W x D (.1): 46 1/2 × 19 × 2 3/8 in. (118.1 × 48.3 × 6 cm)
H x W x D (.2): 21 3/4 × 52 1/4 × 4 1/4 in. (55.2 × 132.7 × 10.8 cm)
Type
cases (containers)
electric guitars