Absinthe 5 String Bass Long Scale Matte

The Bootlegger Absinthe Short Scale 4-string bass is a cool instrument right out of the box. Next to the Absinthe Long Scale 5-string, it looks small, but don’t be fooled. This is a 30" scale, two-octave neck, that is extremely comfortable. Right out of the box, you can tell the build quality. The Honey finish is amazing, and the hardware is solid.

The bass sports two active EMG X series jazz pickups, and the slightly slanted pickup placement offers a solid tone in any pickup blend. The controls are vol, vol, tone, and very familiar to bassists. One 9-volt battery supplies the current and is in its own battery compartment on the back of the body for easy access.

This is a headless bass, and all the locking mechanisms are solid. Bootlegger has done a good job in its design. The tuners are at the bridge, which are individual mechanisms instead of a solid plate bridge. This is to prevent sympathetic vibrations and to produce a solid fundamental note.

The setup out of the box was very good, and the intonation was set very close. I did a few tweaks to the action of the G string (because I've got to), checked the truss rod, and she was ready to go. Sound-wise, the bass produces a variety of pleasing bass tones and plays with ease. The short scale was comfortable, and I got used to it quickly. I've never owned a short scale before, but this bass is a lot of fun!

The bass comes with a nice hardshell, plush-lined case, and all the Allen wrenches you will need for any adjustments.

This bass would travel extremely well and is pretty compact. The body shape is an eye-catcher for sure!

Roger Kohrs

Bootlegger Guitar