A black Fender Precision bass guitar is being donated by Roger Waters to aid the United Nations Foundation's campaign to eradicate malaria. The instrument, which most of us automatically associate with Roger as his "classic" bass, will be auctioned off.

The auction will be held before Roger's Dubai concert on February 21st, most probably to be held live on radio a few days before the concert (although this detail is yet to be confirmed).

"We'll take the highest bidder backstage so that they can meet Roger Waters when he signs the guitar. We'll make a cheque out to the United Nations Foundation then," said Padma Coram from promoters The Talent Brokers.

Such an iconic instrument so closely linked with Roger and the history of Pink Floyd, is bound to go for a high figure - especially with the winner meeting Roger backstage.

For more details of the charity and its' work, visit www.unfoundation.org/malaria.
UPDATE, February 19th: The bass was auctioned off last night for a record Dh450,000, with an Indian businessman placing the lucky last bid.

Successful bidder, Rajan Kilachand, a Dubai-based Indian businessman and avid collector of musical memorabilia, said he was "very happy" with the outcome. "I grew up listening to the 70's groups like Pink Floyd and I have previously bought a [Carlos] Santana guitar in a similar radio-auction," he told Gulf News.

"I really wanted to pursue the bidding as far as I could, and my bid was the highest, so I am very happy right now. The money goes to a good cause as well, so it's worth it."

Waters will sign the guitar before the concert, which is being held at Dubai Media City on Wednesday.