Bootlegger Ace 4 Unboxing & First Impressions - Headless Ergonomics Ahoy! - LowEndLobster Fresh Look

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More info on the Bootlegger Ace Headless Bass: bootleggerguitar.com/ace-bass/
Hey everyone! Today we're unboxing and giving our first impressions on the Bootlegger Ace 4 Headless bass! I've stumbled upon these a few times while browsing Reverb and have been very curious about how this basses stack up to the headless competition. I reached out to Bootlegger Guitars and they sent me this retail example on loan to unbox and review. Thank you Bootlegger Guitars for providing this instrument! To be clear, this is a loaner and not my own bass nor am I keeping it.
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
Facebook: LowEndLobster
Twitter: @LowEndLobster
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[@PushSueAside]

Still not a headless fan, except for a “travel bass” maybe, but it’s nice looking and sounds good as well It looks like it would feel as if you where holding a “Thunderbird” (sitting) and someone cut off all the unnecessary “bits and bobs” and left you with “contact” parts only. ...and for that, I say, “way to use your noodle, Bootleger” Cheers and thank you for sharing this one.

[@LukeShingoose]

Headless basses are so great. Once you try one, it’s hard to go back.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed, nothing like light weight and ergonomic design!

[@telecasterowner]

Great review mate!

[@michaelkeefer4293]

That thing sounds pretty nice! Looking forward to your full review.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Michael!

[@longdongbongchong]

Your hair looks really nice today, Lobster 🦞.

[@LowEndLobster]

Why thank you! I really appreciate that! I've been growing it out :)

[@MrSparks54]

Now that's what I call an axe! Very cool. Thanks Lobster!

[@macmcmillan]

Just had a look on their website and I can certainly see one of their headless basses winging their way to me one day. Thanks for the review

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mac! Full review coming not this Sunday but next :)

[@cskeise]

Loving the bootlegger bass, my kind of bass Lobster...💙👊😎

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you!

[@cstarrett]

I am very intrigued and looking forward to your full review later. An unconventional look for sure, but I'm a sucker for the ergonomics and compact size - in a full-scale bass!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Charles!

[@christophermitchell1827]

It's actually based on the hondo lazer guitar design. Jonny winters played one. Cool looking though.

[@LowEndLobster]

I did not know that! Thank you for that info!

[@bootleggerbluesband5131]

I am very impressed that as the owner of Bootlegger Guitar and the designer of the Ace my love of Johnny Winter is known. Yes the Spade 6 string is my impression of Johnny’s Hondo Elerwine

[@tonycarel1785]

Sounds really good. I haven't heard of them before. Have to check them out. I have no idea what they cost,I like the fact it comes with a hardshell case (awesome) that's my biggest complaint with these guitar and bass companies these days. If you spend over a thousand dollars on an bass or guitar it comes to you in a cardboard box. I am sorry that not the experience I want 😡 I am sure I am not the only one that feels this way. Sorry for the rant! Looking forward to your review on this bass.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Tony! Full review coming not this Sunday but the Sunday after :). They're priced very well (Under $600 with the case from their site), and are a nice breath of fresh air IMO. I agree with you about the cases. It's ridiculous how many big names neglect the most basic protection for the instruments they sell.... GIVE US A CASE! XD

[@airworthy777]

That’s a very unique body shape, what a beautiful bass.

[@stainless641]

Fishman pickups and preamp would make this sound killer!

[@LowEndLobster]

Now there's an idea!

[@andyduckering8731]

£500 shipped to the UK with the referral code in the other video. Definitely worth thinking about especially with all those claws.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Andy! Glad you find this appealing.

[@BootLeggerGuitar]

This is our new pickup position bootleggerguitar.com/product/ace-5-string-honey/

[@LowEndLobster]

Hell yeah! Looking forward to checking out more instruments in the future and appreciate you sending me this one to check out! I really enjoyed my time with it (as you'll see in my full review). I had a lot of questions during the unboxing that some quality time definitely answered in terms of ergonomics and playability.

[@48streetrat]

Nice wood! Nice design 👌 👍 decent sound

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Ralph!

[@alexskibicki2262]

Nice shirt, lobster. I’m from Chicago and Chicago music exchange is a great place for gear. As for the bass, though odd looking, but does have a nice sound and the construction looks pretty solid.

[@kirtfulcher6288]

Strandberg has a headless, high end (you were lookin for a non-EHB example). I think Status has some models too...

[@boomerbassmeme]

Ergonomic, sounds cool, and quirky...I dig it! 🦞👍

[@Metalbass10000]

Slap tone was cool, but not much discernable difference between the pickups, and both sounded quite thin for my taste. Full review should be good.

[@Jitobass]

It sounds much better than I expected. I though it was a brand like brice in terms of quality

[@budduggly7781]

I am not a fan of headless basses...but this one looks really cool. You answered my question about whether or not it's comfortable to play. Reminds me of one of those big pizza spatulas used to make artisan pizzas. I'm anticipating your full review on this one!

[@radiosaladstudios4656]

As a child of the 70s, I’d always wanted a Steinberger. I heard they sounded bad but never had a chance to play one. Having better headless options is really nice. And yes, the woodwork end of that is absolutely perfect.

[@Bassdriver]

The original ones don't sound bad. Peculiar, yes. But definitely not bad. Listen to the bassline in Elton John's "I'm still standing". Or to Bryan Ferry's "Kiss and Tell" (played lovely by Guy Pratt). That's a Steinberger. The Spirit ones however... Ummm, no.

[@radiosaladstudios4656]

@@Bassdriver Way cool. Had no idea that was a Steinberger.

[@LowEndLobster]

Well said BD, yeah the spirits are all looks and no substance. For a little bit more, this bootlegger delivers a much more complete package IMO

[@kevmac1230]

I like that bass.I own 26 basses (I know I'm crazy)ranging from high end to cheapo but I must admit that I love my Steinberger Spirit four string.I only paid a bit over $300.

[@kanesmith4961]

Wow, $600 with hard case. That's a steal. I'd buy a couple to throw at friends' studios if it weren't for the glossy neck finish.

[@MegaBassfunk]

Nothing that a scotch brite pad can’t fix!

[@jeffjones1143]

Shiver me timbers Low! If that ain't an oar my ass is a banjo! But it's not quite as bizarre as the Mothman! By the way I live about 25 minutes away from the area where the original Mothman was repudiated to be sighted. Anyway that bass actually sounds pretty decent! Ahoy thar matey!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Ahaha thank you Jeff!

[@RyoCanCan]

Looks hella comfy.

[@LowEndLobster]

I enjoyed it a lot

[@chriswenkle2635]

Rooting around on Reverb is my Kryptonite. This bass sounded pretty darn good for looking like a prop from Star Wars. I guess the looks are more of a love/hate thing. Nevertheless, I agree that the ergonomics had some thought behind the design. Some of the imports out there look like they came off a toy manufacturing assembly line. Looking forward to the full review Lobster! Cheers.

[@marcoesposito8753]

Shovel bass? I dig it

[@thefool2007]

Trying to adjust to the aesthetics. I’m sure that could be a minor thing to overcome as long as the package is solid. The neck pickup was not to bassy and the bridge pickup not too thin. The combo tone is Jazz Bass like but polite. This makes the sound kind of neutral and would probably benefit from outboard preamp and/or effects. Love the ergo neck. No strap needed to sit is a huge plus. All access neck. How does it strap? Will it balance to keep a good neck angle? If that were to dive- it’d be trouble in paradise.

[@Rick_Petrone]

Hi Mr. Lobster! this type of bass seems to be very comfortable to play. But... Double ball's Strings are very rare to find. I hope there can be an adaptation system for common strings.

[@LowEndLobster]

Good news Ricardo, this does not require those strings. I detail the string retention system in the upcoming full review. Spoiler, it's excellent!

[@Rick_Petrone]

@@LowEndLobster Im so excited tô watch!

[@bobt5778]

Reminds me of the mythical Gibson Moderne guitar.

[@LowEndLobster]

Never seen those before! Very weird design indeed haha

[@KPJohnson]

Very cool. Has a bit of a Klein vibe to it.

[@EddieG1888]

Out of the box it sounds very mid-scooped, that tone came into its own when slapped, but it lacked those mids noticeably during the finger playing. Might sound really good played with a pick though.

[@jdmarino]

I like the aesthetics. I prefer a darker tone, however.

[@kirtfulcher6288]

Liked it. Now can they make a Mikro-sized travel version? That thing would be under 32" total...

[@mojo6524]

that looks amazing. is this short-scale as well as headless?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Mojo! It's full scale, though a short scale model is in the works from what they tell me

[@mallexandre69]

Small Bass great tones for slap

[@revlewisrees9880]

Awesome sounding bass - and weird enough to appeal to me!! Doesn’t it have an extension piece to achieve a good standing playing angle?

[@MegaBassfunk]

Yes it does! I have a bootlegger ACE bass equipped with the strap extender and consider it a necessity With the extender installed, the bass hangs comfortably with a comfortable, familiar reach to the first position notes.

[@BootLeggerGuitar]

Yes it is Orr-rigino

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you again!

[@toddstropicals]

Uh yeah not to bad!!!

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Todd :)

[@HapyLLIuTeJIb]

THank you for the video :) The neck pickup seems to me neither bassy (despite the placement), nor punchy. The bridge pickup sounds much more interesting. How was the setup out of the box?

[@MegaBassfunk]

Mine arrived with a straight neck and 1.75 mm action at the 12th fret

[@Metalbass10000]

How is it, n terms of comfort, ergonomics, if played in the classical position?

[@MegaBassfunk]

Thanks for this. I’ve been looking at these for a while now. I’ve been searching for an affordable long scale suitable for both airline travel and professional gigging. (I dont do enough fly out dates to justify the cost a status or even an Ibanez) I tried a steinberger spirit but it was such a pice of trash I returned it. I settled on a traveler for a while but although it was ok. It was weird with the big chunky P bass neck , short scale, and P.I.T.A. Sting change/tuning method. The bootlegger has the neck pickup in a poorly chosen position for me but perhaps that’s the trade off I’d have to make. I had hoped to see this bass with the optional strap extender, which as I see it, is an absolute necessity

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks lhaley! I'll update the full review description to mention the strap extender. I don't wear a strap during my reviews because there's 10000 variables that come with strap balance, including the type of strap, as well as one's torso build.

[@MegaBassfunk]

@@LowEndLobster please call me Les. I feel as if I know you by now

[@MegaBassfunk]

Once again, I am still going to bug you for review of a krappy bass! It would make such a classic review, it just might break the internet!

[@MegaBassfunk]

One more thing....if possible, would you be so kind to show overall physical dimensions of the instrument in an addendum to your review? I’m very interested in the capacity to fit in an airline overhead Greatly appreciated

[@LowEndLobster]

@@MegaBassfunk Aw man, I already edited and uploaded it. Sorry man! Reach out to Bootlegger and they can get you that info :)

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Got my name all over it, looks based on laxer guitar for a fraction of the cost

[@philipmcadam5339]

Well, my initial reaction is to not like it based on the looks. To me it looks like someone has cut some of the wood off of a regular guitar. However, the sound is quite nice and if it feels and plays well what's not to like?

[@juliuspowell341]

Can the fret board be made with 28 frets -30 frets can it be made to a long Scale fret board.

[@Bass.Player]

Not a fan of the sound but it would not take much to change that. Looks like it was made with some thought in mind when it comes to the ergo's... Nice and the prices is?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BP! Indeed, not just the ergonomics but the electronics seem to be thoughtfully configured for possible mods. Price is under $600 direct from Bootlegger. I'll talk about it more in the full review coming in a couple of Sundays :)

[@thebassbuilder]

Not bad but they should have moved the neck pup back and closer got to the bridge pup

[@josephwilliams4477]

Reasonable price plus you get a free hard case for under $ 700 dollars.

[@LowEndLobster]

Indeed!

[@honeyvampyre]

Hey Low End Lobster...nice review on the Ace. I look forward to your follow up. I have a review also kzbin.info/www/bejne/hl6qiJqNrZpric0 A couple of points. I agree about the neck PUP placement and feel like it would benefit to be placed away from the end of the fretboard. I think it would benefit both totally and for technique reasons, however, the bass sounds pretty darn good like it is. When standing and playing, I use a chest bow to draw in the neck towards my body a bit for comfortability, although some players may make the adjustment as is. The bass balances very well with the chest bow for me also. The ability to tighten down and capture the string ends is a plus, no double ball strings necessary, however you must be careful doing this as you can overtighten and cut the string. We will be including extra set of screws in the future with the basses also as a backup in case you lose one on a gig replacing a string. They are small and we try and think of situations that can occur. This is a working player's bass as well as just a cool travel bass. I find it extremely useful in travels and recording situations...it records well! We are also working on a 30" short scale version which I think will be cool. There is also a gig bag available for these which makes it even more compact.

[@BootLeggerGuitar]

Thank you Roger

[@LowEndLobster]

Thank you! I'll check out your video :)

[@gingataff]

This in a PJ

[@jc3drums916]

Nice bass, but aesthetically, I just can't get into it. I don't like that body shape, and they should redesign the "head" like other headless basses so it can be hung. I'd make the lower wing less pointy at one end and less bulky at the other, and maybe increase the size of the upper wing slightly, to make the body look more balanced. Being able to rest the bass on my leg is not a selling point for me, as I don't believe that is the ideal position for everyone. I also wonder if having the strap pin at the end of the neck, so far away from the 12th fret, will make the 1st fret too far away. And a bit of a nitpick, but I'm not into the country western vibe, with the spade logo and the diamond fret markers.

[@TheGAMEGod_YT]

Yeeeeeehhaaaaaawwwww

[@klaymeister]

Sounds great stock kinda looks like a broom 😂

[@Bassdriver]

This neck pickup is horribly placed. I mean, what were they thinking when they rammed it against the fingerboard? They've made it much better with the 5 string. Apart from that - cool little bass! I can see what they had in mind with ergonomics. However, I cannot come to terms with that body shape. Make no mistake, I love headless basses but... welll, I guess I've got a bit more conservative taste - for me, the perfect headless bass design is the Status S-2.

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks BD! I address this in the upcoming full review. One thing that actually really helps with playability and slapping is the angle which you hold this bass when sitting down. Because of how it sits, it's actually quite slappable as you're thumping and plucking a little behind the neck pickup. It's very interesting, I had the same thought as you as well.... I also would absolutely snag a Status XD (well another one... an actual carbon fiber one ;P)

[@BootLeggerGuitar]

Thank you all for the cool interesting comments. We are a small Los Angeles guitar company blessed with many a bass playin friend.

[@MegaBassfunk]

The Status S-2 is arguably one of the finest instruments you can buy, but we are talking apples and oranges here. This bass is $600 . When the price is taken into consideration, this thing is quite a value

[@mallexandre69]

Funny Bass !! IS like you so Funny ! Cat show Man !love felinos hahahahaha

[@kevinlynch2248]

I wasn't a headless fan before watching this video and I'm still not one. If I were to buy a headless bass, which I'm not going to, it would be a Status KingBass. That Bootlegger sounds light to me, and what I mean by that is that there is a hollow sounding quality to the tone, which makes it seem like it lacks depth. I know that when the body of the bass is void of a lot of wood, like that one is, the end result is a light bass with a light tone. I will wait until you do your full review before I comment on the tone further. What is the scale length of the bass?

[@LowEndLobster]

Thanks Kevin! 34" scale here.

[@mperk1896]

Great.....now I have G.A.S.

[@LowEndLobster]

Oops ;P

[@wszystkojedno696]

Well, this is literally an oar 😀

[@LowEndLobster]

The technical term is "Tone Paddle" ;P

[@misterbreakit2006]

@@LowEndLobster judging by his Nick, wszystkojedno is Polish. In Polish slang they refer to electric guitars and basses as "wioslo" meaning oar or paddle. Equivalent to our 'axe'. Cheers from America's Hat!

[@Bassdriver]

@@misterbreakit2006 it seems Lobster has more Polish fans, dzień dobry :D

[@misterbreakit2006]

@@Bassdriver Siema! But I'm on this side of the pond.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

@@LowEndLobster You need to mod this w some Aquillars!!

[@mikegordon7040]

Anyone else as sad as me for losing another contest? Cry emoji