Bootlegger Ace 4 Review- An Ergonomic Headless Bass You Can SIT DOWN With! - LowEndLobster Review

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Bootlegger Ace: bootleggerguitar.com/ace-bass/
Hey everyone! Today we're reviewing the very interesting looking Ace 4 string headless bass from Bootlegger guitars. With a solid neck thru construction, passive electronics, and an extremely interesting but functional and ergonomic body shape... does this hit where the Steinberger Spirit misses? Lets find out!
Big thank you to Bootlegger guitars for sending this bass to review. This is a review loaner, and not purchased by me. However, I do not accept money or compensation from manufacturers/brands for bass reviews.
This bass and all my other basses with rounds are strung with MJC Ironworks Nickel Plated Stainless Steel 45-105(125) unless otherwise noted. Check them out at www.mjcironworks.com
Info on my signal chain, setup and more: • FAQ: My Signal Chain, ...
Discord: discord.gg/dzrFMzD
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Twitter: @LowEndLobster
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[@MegaBassfunk]

A word on the headstock string lockdown mechanism... It’s not good to be heavy handed when tightening the Allen screws to lock the strings down. You can easily go too far and break the windings with the screw, causing the string to fail. Use minimal torque when changing strings. It may take a couple times to find the magic pressure. I also recommend using hex core strings rather than round core. The hex core allows the outer wrap to anchor itself more securely to the core wire and can mitigate string breakage with a system like this. Another tip came from Roger “tiny” Khors, (bootlegger artist and bassist for Unknown Hinson). He runs the string through the head piece then bends the strings at a 90 degree angle at the end of the neck before clippingThem. This helps the outer core remain stable

[@LowEndLobster]

Great tips! Thank you

[@seanpowell1496]

Yep I cracked the top of my neck by cranking down too hard on the grubs. The bass is so well constructed that the hair line cracks were no big deal thank goodness.

[@gwlankard1]

I love how delighted you get when you find a bass you like.

[@LowEndLobster]

:)

[@budduggly7781]

I was anxiously anticipating this review. You did not disappoint. The playability and comfort of this instrument is what has me interested. Quite intriguing.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Budd!

[@andyduckering8731]

Hi Lobster, thanks for another really awesome review. I've got to say, this bass looks really interesting to me - I play in a wheelchair and great as conventional guitars (I've really been tempted by the Sire U5 and the Squier Paranormal) undoubtedly are, a bass thats ergonomic and doesn't take up as much space is an awesome idea *if* it sounds good and plays well sat down, which this really does by the sound of it (I loved the sound of that bridge pick-up). And what's more, it doesn't break the bank!!!

[@JoseDW7000]

This was a really great video man! Killer tone, nice playing, good vibes and a really nice instrument too. Keep it up!

[@kamasotomonte5043]

Dude i just wanna say , i love your energy , the wall and the rack of beautiful basses , the LOBSTER CLAWWWW!! , lenses and beard , great reviews lots of thicc tones, just love your channel bro❤🔥

[@kamasotomonte5043]

Oh right ZELDA MUSIC 🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the content :)

[@rickrolli7091]

That is a very interesting bass. I never thought I'd think about a headless but... Interesting.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank Rick!

[@jiminyfingers9973]

Yeah... these could really be the sleeper bass of the year for value and playability alone. Great review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks James

[@tonycarel1785]

Awesome review! comes with a hardshell case a company after n]my own heart. Lobster love watching the reviews. I learn something new all the time, you touch on subjects most reviews don't for that I am thankful. Lobster keep up the great work and have a wonderful day.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tony!

[@matthewlunsford4351]

Interesting and sounds good. There is a five-string and it is 34" scale. There is also an extra device to buy for when using it on a strap standing up, it adds about $159 to the price.

[@mattrodela2030]

Tight sounding bass. Thanks for sharing this demo.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Matt!

[@Mrpsblobsoflowendmung]

Wooo love that neck pickup with the tone rolled off

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Phil!

[@conorlarkin1111]

Great review! I’d love to hear about how a bass balances on a strap, and the weight of the bass in future review. Keep up the good work man!

[@MegaBassfunk]

I addressed this in a reply to another’s comment, but I will answer for you. The bass balances well on a strap but because of the location of the strap button, the reach you the lower notes will feel about three frets longer than a fender. I (strongly ) recommend a strap extender bar. It takes care of that. The bass is such a steal, I think bootlegger should just raise the price and include the strap bar with the bass.

[@josephjordan2883]

I’m a gigging bassist. So, strap balance and fret reach are VERY big factors for me. I can’t play Warwick Thumb basses and Thunderbirds due to this. I wish fixes were more readily available.

[@conorlarkin1111]

@@josephjordan2883 that’s exactly how I feel!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Conor! :)

[@MegaBassfunk]

Lobster, Thank you for the excellent review .it’s nice to see a demo of the bootlegger that actually shows how it sounds! Most of the other video demos are someone playing in their bedroom with a cellphone and the sound is not representative of what the bass sounds like. Yours is. a word on the pickups... Boohueng is not really a “brand” IMO , they are an OEM, much like Muse, the Korean company that builds the instrument for Bootlegger. I looked up the Booheung company on the Internets and the #1 importer of their products is FENDER music instrument company. The #2 importer of their products is GIBSON guitars. So rather than renaming the pickup with some marketing Mumbo jumbo like “rail monster HB2” or something, Bootlegger is actually being quite transparent by simply listing the actual Manufacturer part number . Booheung pickups are probably being sold by fender under some moniker like “grease house smoke bucket” pickup or something but they’re just Booheung OEM pickups.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you and great info on Boohueng!

[@mixc8]

I looked at these basses when they first came out, I see the price has gone up :( I never really liked the body style, being a Steinberger man (Original version). You did the best review on this bass hands down and I am surprised on the tone, and most of all I now understand why they built the body that way. I am a big fan on headless guitars and basses. I own from Kiesel, Strandburg and Ibanez etc headless axes. Still want to get an original Stienberger but as you know they are a bit expensive. I did try the lower end sprit bass, with hopes of modify it. But I found the Steinberger Synapse bass a better value then trying to mod a sprit. After seeing this video I may pick one up, I would be interested in seeing what mods I can add :)

[@MrSparks54]

I've been looking at these for a few weeks, seem to be great value for money and a hard case to boot. Thanks for the run thru Lobster!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Sparks!

[@snakeplissken44]

I think it's more important to check the balance while standing with a strap. Straps don't solve all neck dive issues. Great review though. This bass sounds 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jeffjones1143]

I think I've seen just about all of your videos Low and I still wait for you to ask to hit that like button before I hit it. Ya don't mess with tradition. Oh yeah, I like that bass. Does it come as a 5 string. Aw man sorry Low, the shift isn't working on this phone so no question mark...

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Jeff! They do make a 5 string :)

[@jeffjones1143]

@@LowEndLobster Cool, thanks low.. Dam, no shift key... True frustration.

[@ryanrogers8923]

I am feeling the sound, it presents its self very well. Hitts well above its weight class! No I know if I'm in the market just where I'll be going to.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ryan!

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Hidden gem for sure

[@ronbzoom8531]

Any chance of Lobster trying out the 5-string version?

[@allenmitchell09]

Talking about how it balances; they sell a strap button extension bar that you can add. Not sure if it helps with neck dive. I noticed in some of the pics on the site that the strap extension was installed. It’s $99 though so...

[@MegaBassfunk]

Yeah the strap bar isn’t cheap but it’s a liscensed Warwick item and They don’t give their liscenses away. A big chunk of the price goes to Warwick I’m sure. I actually know bootleggers cost per item for these and they’re not cheap. Bootlegger isn’t making big profits off the strap bars

[@LowEndLobster]

Great info Lhaley!

[@mauricemusician7636]

What would need to change for that last claw?

[@thefool2007]

I understand your neutrality by not playing with a strap and agree with your reasons. Some instruments are naturally prone to neck dive because of design and or heavy tuners. Buy in a minor sense, it may still be useful information. I once had a Washburn 6 string that sounded decent. I got rid of it because I was tired of holding it up- even with a high quality strap with locks. But anyhow, this bass sounds super. Good design. Not crazy about the shape. Looks like fun to play and could be modded. Maybe in black or a bright neon color would work for me better. Cheers.

[@MegaBassfunk]

Rick, neck dive on this bass is not an issue at all BUT the extended reach to the first position notes IS . Because of the strap button placement, the reach to first position is about three frets longer feeling than on a fender. IMO A strap extender bar is a necessity to bring the low F within comfortable reach. Bootlegger offers the Warwick Chest bow extender bar , designed for the Warwick Nobby Meidel bass, and while not cheap, it is high quality and comes with a strap lock system.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Rick and Lhaley!

[@SurcoTheWise]

Very impressed. I might get the 5 string one later.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Surco!

[@chriswenkle2635]

Great review Lobster. I would love to see and hear one of these as a fretless. The looks and shape make me want to see it demoed like the beginning of Mel Brooks' "Spaceballs" where the bass just goes on and on. Okay - I obviously need more coffee.......... Cheers!

[@LowEndLobster]

Ahahahahaha dude I used to be able to recite that movie line for line as a kid.

[@jeffjones1143]

@@LowEndLobster Aw I really miss John Candy. Spaceballs, epic. My shift key isn't working. Aaaaaaaaaaa .. So frustrating...

[@Bassdriver]

I still hate the neck pickup placement. Still, cool little bass. Great they make such interesting things.

[@drummerjv217]

Love your videos, Lobster! What do you think of the pickups? Do you think this bass would sound even better with Aguilar DCB soapbars, similar to the ones you installed on the Ibanez EHB? Also, in your opinion, how do you think the Ace compares to the EHB, soundwise?

[@LowEndLobster]

Great questions Jerrin! I really liked the tones I got out of these pickups. DCBs would definitely sound different. I think the EHB has more tonal flexibility with the preamp, but IMO the stock bartolinis (not real barts, BH2s) sound worse than these pickups here.

[@drummerjv217]

@@LowEndLobster Thanks man!! Yea, I'm really torn between these two basses lol! But considering the 5-string versions.

[@philipmcadam5339]

A very interesting bass to be sure. I am wondering where does the shoulder strap attach?

[@LowEndLobster]

Strap button is on the back, looks like there's an extender arm too (or you can use one of the steiny ones).

[@philipmcadam5339]

@@LowEndLobster Thank you.

[@chrismorris3897]

I'm not a fan of headless basses, but tones are outstanding!

[@michaelkeefer4293]

Just goes to show what can be done in the budget range if you forgo the fancy electronics and features to focus more on better quality materials and construction. You've reviewed a number of basses in this general price range (and even more expensive) that had electronics problems and other obvious corner cutting issues in order to pad a spec sheet. If I didn't already have an EHB I'd be seriously looking at getting a Bootlegger.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael! Indeed these are very well rounded for the price. You're definitely not paying for the name here (cough Fender cough)

[@thomasasai7851]

How is it standing while playing.

[@kevmac1230]

I like my Spirit but I wish I'd seen this first.The price including case makes it a better deal , before anything else is even considered.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Kev. These are really great basses and many tiers above the spirits in quality

[@davidpost4216]

Do you think those pickups sound similar to the Bartolini pickups on you Ibanez EHB1005MS? I own the EHB1005 MS and to me the Bootlegger sound almost the same. For under $600 that is an outstanding buy!

[@LowEndLobster]

Honestly, I haven't had the barts in the EHB for over a year and don't even remember what they sound like hahaha.

[@claudiogagliardi4543]

Anyone knowing exactly the weight of this bass? There is also a 30 inch scale version of the same bass, a bolt on.

[@jesseb6518]

Hi Lobster! I see it has 24 frets as well, are there any advantages of a 24 frets bass vs 20, 22? Thanks for any help you can give! Jesse B

[@LowEndLobster]

Hi Jesse! That's a great question, the main advantage you have is range (being able to play very high notes or just hang out higher up on the fretboard). However there are challenges with 24 fret instruments as well that not all overcome gracefully. Specifically pickup placement and cutaway ergonomics (for instruments with cutaways- does not apply to the Bootlegger).

[@jesseb6518]

Awesome, thanks for the reply and keep up the great work!

[@RyoCanCan]

Man, I'd love one with 6 strings. Gotta ask if they'd be willing to make one.

[@LowEndLobster]

That'd be interesting! I know they do 4's and 5's but a 6'er would be cool. I don't know of that many headless 6'ers outside of NS Design and the EHB

[@demogis]

Kiesel has an extensive line of headless 6ers. I have a Vader fretless 6. It has a similar string locking mechanism.

[@jeffreypowell1656]

Very nice review. Why can I not see your replies to people's comments? It would be very helpful to be able to see them.

[@LowEndLobster]

I'm not sure. I don't have comments hidden.

[@longdongbongchong]

I can't say I'm a fan of the headstock cap hardware. The design offers no opposing tension and removes any possibility of having a volute, which not only feels nice, but offers your fingers a place to go at the 1st fret, especially my thumb which I need for control and often goes past the cap as it is here. IMO, it's a lazy and cost cutting construction method.

[@MegaBassfunk]

I would have to disagree with you on The volute. The reason basses use a volute is to support the weak point of an angled headstock (like on a Warwick) , (gibsons are notorious for breaking off headstocks , they don’t use a volute). since there is no headstock, there is no significant structural advantage to having a volute. Not having a volute is IMO not lazy, cheap or cost cutting, it’s just not necessary.

[@LowEndLobster]

Great info Lhaley and you nailed it. I do not miss the volute here.

[@longdongbongchong]

I think I may be using the word wrong. I have several basses with angled head stocks that don't have the raised part. (Volute). I think what I was really trying to say is that I like the extension of neck past the nut of traditional basses and feel like I would miss it with this bass.

[@GozhouCS]

"Never judge a book by its cover" is what they say. And that's true. I wasn't going to bet a coin on that bass, at first sight. I had to change my mind. I still don't like the shape, but that doesn't matter much if it sounds and plays great. Awesome job, again!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks B@ssiCS! I felt the same way. Upon unboxing, I was not expecting the build quality or sound to be as good as it was. Very impressed with Bootlegger and hope to check out more from them in the future.

[@_levandre_]

Can you try Alessandro venturealla from slipknots bass?

[@LowEndLobster]

Oh man! He uses a Status Graphite bass. I have a fretless of theirs that I love. I'd LOVE to get one of the models he uses though, Status RULES!

[@_levandre_]

It really does!

[@KendrickSajorda]

does the thumb ring help with slap 🤔

[@LowEndLobster]

Great question! Yes, I've been wearing it my whole bass playing life and I like the added weight it adds to my thumb. I don't hit the strings with it (unless I want a different sound/effect), but instead use it to give my thumb more mass for harder slaps

[@jdmarino]

I like it!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks John!

[@MotoGreciaMarios]

I could very well see myself buying this bass and then adding 30$ worth of black epoxy putty on that straight slope for a nice arm rest and then it would be perfect :)

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Marios :)

[@scottnickerson2]

Thanks Lobster! Looks like it could still be a good "travel" bass too. With someone with a lot of gigs I have to fly to this appears like it would be easier to carry on... in a gig bag vs the case the Ace comes with. What do you think??

[@longdongbongchong]

My NS Design CR4 fits in an airplane overhead compartment. It's "headstock " is slightly longer than this so yes, it can be a great travel bass. Problem is that unless this bass comes with a custom fitted gig bag, and hopefully one with good protection, you would have to find a case that would work for it. Also, you should still check, as the body on this bass extends far beyond the bridge, so this makes it longer than it needs to be, at least for travel purposes.

[@LowEndLobster]

It comes with a custom fitted hard case! I think this bass will be well protected during travels :)

[@longdongbongchong]

@@LowEndLobster That case looked pretty big, and that it wouldn't fit in an overhead compartment. But if you are checking in the hardshell case, then that's a different story.

[@MegaBassfunk]

Scott, that is is exactly reason I got one! While the hard case is very nice, the gig bag is pretty cheap and lightweight and IMO won’t hold up to serious use. I .use a guitar gigbag .

[@scottnickerson2]

@@LowEndLobster Can you tell me the exact measurements (length & width) of the Ace? I have some great padded bass & guitar bags & curious to know if any of them would be the appropriate size. Thanks! - Scott

[@klaymeister]

You're extra caffeinated! Lol. This sounds like the LTD GB-4 or whatever that seafoam bass was called.

[@LowEndLobster]

Filming days are also my extra espresso days ;P

[@lothar34]

I hate the chopped off look of the end of the neck. Same w/ Kiesel headless offerings. The Ibanez EHBs looks like they have enough meat to use w/ a wallhanger and are easier on the eyes than this thing.

[@LowEndLobster]

I definitely don't trust my EHBs with the wall hangers I use hahaha

[@tigerscott2966]

They named that bass correctly...bootlegger...there was definitely some drinking going on whey they designed that thing...

[@arturovod5847]

I like headless bass . I use 2 custom build by Ukraine ( guitar masters Mihail Cherkashin and Lobanov guitars

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Arthur! I've never heard of those builders but would love to see their work :)

[@jazzman1954]

So how does it hang on a strap?????

[@LowEndLobster]

I literally explain why I don't test with a strap in the video ;P

[@jazzman1954]

@@LowEndLobster So it’s not a sensible test/review. What’s the use of a bass that you can’t play standing up or with a strap? Also, for your benefit. If you continue to play bass sat down without a strap you will get serious back issues sooner or later because you are bent and twisted. You should use a strap sitting and keep upright and straight. The bass above the right leg.

[@LowEndLobster]

Guess not then. I look forward to seeing some sensible bass reviews from md54 in the future :)

[@jazzman1954]

@@LowEndLobsterWhen it comes to issues with posture I know what I’m talking about. It’s also clear that you are an amateur musician and shouldn’t be a giving advice on products.

[@LowEndLobster]

@@jazzman1954 I don't know man, you're the only one here who seems to be getting bent out of shape. BAM, posture burn.

[@PushSueAside]

NO NO NO!!!!!!! I didn’t want this bass yesterday, stop using your weird mind tricks on me!!!!!! Damn that creepy little headless bass sounds nice, and...... STOP IT!!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

XD Thanks Tommy!

[@PushSueAside]

@@LowEndLobster you’re the best buddy. Thank YOU!!!!

[@karl_3885]

Headless's are the ultimate weirdness to me. Looks that is.

[@karl_3885]

Sounds very nice though.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you Karl!