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.

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!

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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.

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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.

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