Collection: Bass Guitars
Buy the best bass guitars online at Chicago Music Exchange. Our extensive collection includes new, used, and vintage models from top brands, perfect for bass guitar players of all levels. Whether you're seeking a classic vintage sound or a modern tone, you'll find the right bass for sale here. We carry a variety of models to suit every style, from rock and jazz to funk and metal. Shop now and elevate your music with a high-quality bass guitar from our curated selection.
Chicago Music Exchange serves as a central hub for all bassists alike, housing an extensive collection of new, used, and vintage bass guitars. Our inventory is curated to represent the tonal pillars of the instrument—from the foundational "thump" of the Fender Precision Bass, the mid-range growl of the Jazz Bass, all the way to the idiosyncratic punch of the Rickenbacker 4003 or the active authority of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay.
Beyond the gear, our bass department is defined by a team of specialists who understand the nuances of string tension, pickup voicing, and setup geometry. Every instrument, whether it is a boutique 5-string, a vintage 4-string, or an entry-level model, undergoes a professional evaluation and setup. At CME, we don’t just stock instruments; we provide the expertise to help you find a bass that anchors your sound with precision.
Players choose Chicago Music Exchange because we offer:
- One of the deepest bass inventories in the U.S.
- Hard-to-find boutique and vintage models
- Professional setup on every instrument
- Exclusive CME spec runs
- Detailed photography of the exact bass you’ll receive
- Fast shipping and industry-leading service
From classic rock and soul to funk, gospel, metal, indie, and modern pop, CME stocks bass guitars that cover every tone and tuning.
No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s the best bass out there; or a Fender bass, or even you don’t mind it to be a used, CME is exactly where you should be.
FAQ – Bass Guitars
Q: What’s the best bass guitar for beginners?
A: The best beginner bass should be comfortable, reliable, and affordable. Brands like Squier and Sire are popular choices because they offer strong build quality and excellent value. Many models are inspired by classics like the Fender Precision Bass and Fender Jazz Bass, giving beginners versatile tones and familiar designs used across countless musical styles.
Q: What’s the difference between a Precision Bass and a Jazz Bass?
A: The Fender Precision Bass typically produces a punchy, mid-forward tone thanks to its split-coil pickup, making it ideal for rock and classic styles. The Fender Jazz Bass uses two single-coil pickups, offering clearer highs, tighter lows, and a more articulate sound. Jazz Basses also usually feature slimmer necks, which many players find faster and more comfortable.
Q: How do I choose between a 4-string or 5-string bass?
A: A 4-string bass is the traditional standard and works well for most genres, making it the most common choice for beginners. A 5-string adds a low B string, expanding the instrument’s range for deeper notes used in genres like gospel, metal, and modern R&B. Many modern extended-range players gravitate toward builders like Dingwall for their clarity and powerful low-end response.
Q: What’s the difference between active and passive basses?
A: Active basses include an onboard preamp powered by a battery, allowing players to boost or shape frequencies directly on the instrument. This results in higher output and more tonal flexibility. Passive basses rely on traditional pickups and simpler controls, producing a warmer, more vintage-style tone. Classic passive designs like the Fender Precision Bass remain widely loved for their punch and simplicity.
Q: Does CME carry vintage bass guitars?
A: Yes. Chicago Music Exchange regularly offers vintage bass guitars from several decades of production. Players can often find instruments from the 1960s and 1970s made by Fender and Gibson, along with rare and obscure models. These instruments appeal to collectors, recording musicians, and players seeking authentic vintage tone and craftsmanship.
Q: Are short-scale basses good?
A: Yes. Short-scale basses (typically) have a 30-inch scale length, creating a looser feel and slightly warmer, punchier tone compared to standard basses. They’re often easier to play for beginners, guitarists switching to bass, or players with smaller hands. Many indie, retro, and alternative musicians prefer short-scale instruments from brands like Fender and Gibson.
Q: Does CME professionally set up bass guitars?
A: Yes. Every bass purchased from Chicago Music Exchange receives a professional inspection and setup before shipping. Experienced technicians adjust neck relief, action, and intonation to ensure the instrument plays comfortably and performs properly. This process helps ensure that each bass arrives ready for practice, recording, or live performance.
Q: Can I find boutique bass brands at CME?
A: Yes. Chicago Music Exchange carries a variety of boutique bass builders known for craftsmanship and distinctive tone. Brands often include Nash Guitars, Lakland, Dingwall, Sandberg, and Warwick, offering professional-grade instruments for serious players seeking unique feel and performance.
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4-String vs 5-String Bass
When asking "is a 5-string bass worth it?", it really comes down to your musical landscape. The 4-string remains the industry standard for its comfortable neck width and its legacy in traditional rock, blues, and soul. However, for modern gospel, metal, and session work, the 5-string is often a requirement. Beyond just having the extra low "B" string for extended range, a 5-string allows you to play lower notes in higher positions on the neck, reducing the need for constant left-hand shifting and providing a more consistent tonal "weight" across your scales.
Active vs Passive Bass Guitars
The Active vs. Passive debate centers on how much control you want at your fingertips. Passive basses are beloved for their organic, "vintage" warmth; they interact naturally with your amp and provide a classic, rounded character. Active basses, equipped with an onboard preamp powered by 9V batteries, offer much higher output and powerful EQ controls (Treble, Mids, Bass). This makes them a favorite for slap players and modern producers who need a "hi-fi" sound that can cut through a dense mix with crystal-clear highs and massive, controlled lows.
Short-Scale & Vintage-Style Basses
Short-scale basses—like the Fender Mustang or the Gibson SG Bass—are seeing a massive resurgence in indie and alternative circles. With a 30” scale length compared to the standard 34”, the string tension is lower, resulting in a "slinkier" feel and a rounder, more focused low-end thump. They are incredibly easy to play for those with smaller hands or for guitarists transitioning to bass, but they also offer a unique, "fat" sonic footprint that sits perfectly in a mix without getting in the way of the guitars.
Boutique & High-End Bass Guitars
For the player seeking the absolute pinnacle of performance, Chicago Music Exchange carries an elite roster of boutique bass brands. Instruments from Lakland, Sandberg, and Nash offer refined takes on classic silhouettes with superior hardware and "broken-in" feel. Meanwhile, brands like Dingwall and MTD push the boundaries of the instrument with multi-scale (fanned-fret) designs and exotic tonewoods. These high-end builds are characterized by "dead-spot" free necks, surgical-grade electronics, and a level of resonance that only hand-selected materials can provide.
Buy Bass Guitars Online
Chicago Music Exchange makes purchasing a bass online as transparent as possible. We treat our digital showroom exactly like our physical floor in Chicago. Every listing features high-resolution, actual-instrument photography so you can see the specific grain of the wood and the exact finish of the bass you're buying. Before shipping, our specialists perform a professional setup tailored to your needs, ensuring the intonation and action are dialed in. From vintage 4-string "thumpers" to modern 6-string boutique builds, we ship worldwide with the care of a local shop.
4-String Bass Guitars
This is where it all begins. With just four strings and the right hands, bass becomes the backbone of the band—the groove, the weight, the feel. For generations, players have turned to this tried-and-true design for its simplicity, balance, and unmistakable tone.
At Chicago Music Exchange, our selection of short-scale and standard models spans from studio staples to stage-ready workhorses. You’ll find beloved classics like the Fender Precision and Jazz, modern icons from Ibanez, and handcrafted builds from boutique brands that blend tradition with innovation.
Ideal for beginners and professionals alike, these instruments are approachable, versatile, and easier to navigate than extended-range alternatives. If you’re just getting started, you’ll appreciate their lighter weight and accessible neck profiles. For seasoned players, they offer a direct, expressive response that sits perfectly in the mix.
We carry a wide range of options across price points—from budget-friendly choices to collectible vintage pieces. Whether you're searching for a first instrument, a tour companion, or a lifelong favorite, there's something here to match your tone, style, and playing needs.
Need guidance? We’re here for everything from setting up your bass to choosing between a maple or rosewood neck, understanding string types, or comparing pickup configurations. If you're unsure whether to go with four or five strings, we can help you find what feels—and sounds—right!
Every bass we sell is backed by our hands-on experience and commitment to helping musicians play their best. Explore our full collection online, read reviews, or stop by the shop and plug in. We’ll help you get where you’re going, and make sure you sound great along the way!
5-String Bass Guitars
For players who need more depth, more versatility, and more control, the 5-string bass offers exactly that—without asking you to compromise what you love about the instrument. With a low B string adding extra range, it opens up new creative territory for modern styles, heavier genres, and players who simply want more from their instrument.
At Chicago Music Exchange, our curated collection of 5-string models includes trusted names like Fender, Ibanez, Music Man, Spector, and Warwick, as well as custom and boutique options for those seeking something beyond the usual. From stage-ready workhorses to studio-perfect builds, each one is chosen for tone, feel, and lasting quality.
Ideal for bassists working in gospel, metal, fusion, or pop—and equally at home in R&B, jazz, and experimental styles—the added string gives you access to deeper notes without needing to shift positions or detune. It also adds more flexibility for alternate tunings and modern production techniques.
Our selection ranges from lightweight, affordable models perfect for practice or touring, to high-end, multi-scale basses built for precision and power. Whether you’re upgrading from four strings or diving straight into extended range, we can help you choose the right neck profile, pickup configuration, and tonewood combination for your playing style.
Explore active and passive electronics, compare scale lengths, and discover how a fifth string can unlock a whole new dimension in your sound. Each instrument comes professionally inspected and ready to play, with expert guidance available every step of the way.
Bass Amps
A great bass amp doesn’t just amplify your tone—it defines it. It shapes the low end of a mix, grounds the rhythm section, and brings weight and presence to the stage or studio. At Chicago Music Exchange, we curate a broad selection of bass amplifiers to serve players at every level, offering the tools to build, refine, and evolve your sound.
From compact portable bass amps ideal for rehearsal and practice, to high-powered combo amps and modular rigs built for the road, our collection covers the full range of modern bass amplification. Whether you prefer the unmistakable punch of a solid-state circuit or the warmth and bloom of tubes, the options here are designed to meet the needs of working musicians, weekend warriors, and tone chasers alike.
Each amp offers something distinct: onboard EQ shaping, compression, and effects loops to help carve your place in the mix; DI outputs and headphone jacks for silent practice and seamless studio integration; and intuitive controls that respond musically across genres. Players exploring new gear will find trusted bass amp brands like Ampeg, Fender, Aguilar, Orange, Markbass, and more—makers known for consistency, tone, and innovation.
For those just starting out, we offer a range of affordable bass amps and models designed for beginners—amps that prioritize clarity and ease of use without cutting corners. Meanwhile, used and vintage options deliver high-quality tone at accessible price points, with the unique character only time can provide.
And when it comes to care, CME is here long after your purchase. Our team offers expert insight on bass amp maintenance, setup, repairs, and everything in between—ensuring your gear continues to perform at its peak.
This is where your tone begins: not just with your fingers or your instrument, but with the amp that brings it all to life. Discover our full selection of bass guitar amps and find the sound that holds it all together.