Gear article
Gear4music Chicago 5-String Left-Handed Bass and Amp Pack
The Chicago Left-Handed 5-String Bass Pack is a comprehensive entry-level bundle featuring a solid paulownia electric bass guitar in a transparent red finish and a 15W practice amplifier. Designed for left-handed players, the instrument is engineered for ergonomic playability and a warm, rounded tonal response suitable for rehearsal and practice environments.

Overview
The Gear4music Chicago 5-String Left-Handed Bass Pack serves as an all-in-one solution for musicians requiring a fifth string for extended low-end range. The package is anchored by a transparent red bass guitar constructed with a paulownia body, a tonewood noted for being significantly lighter than traditional ash or alder while maintaining structural integrity. By including a 15W amplifier and a suite of essential accessories, the pack aims to provide immediate functionality for home practice and small-scale band rehearsals.
Design and Ergonomics
A primary feature of the Chicago bass is its ergonomic body shaping. The lightweight nature of the paulownia wood reduces physical strain during long playing sessions, which is particularly beneficial for students and gigging musicians. The left-handed orientation ensures that controls and hardware are correctly positioned for southpaw players, avoiding the common pitfalls of inverted right-handed models. The 5-string configuration adds a low B string, expanding the instrument's melodic and harmonic capabilities.

Electronics and Sound
The instrument is designed to produce a warm, rounded tone with notable sustain. The solid body construction allows for a resonant base sound that can be shaped through the bass's onboard controls or via the external 15W amplifier. This sonic profile makes it versatile enough for various genres, allowing the player to develop a 'trademark sound' through experimentation with the amplifier's settings. The inclusion of the 15W Bass Amplifier ensures the player has sufficient volume for personal practice and small acoustic-style rehearsals.
Included Accessories
To facilitate a 'plug-and-play' experience, the bundle includes several peripheral items:
- 15W Bass Amplifier: A dedicated unit for low-frequency reproduction.
- Guitar Lead: A standard cable to connect the instrument to the amp.
- Gig Bag: A protective soft case for transport and storage.
- Strap: To enable playing while standing.
- Spare Strings: A replacement set to ensure longevity of use.
Comparison to Alternatives
While brands like D'Addario, Ernie Ball, and Thomastik focus on high-end strings for various instruments, Gear4music positions the Chicago pack as a hardware-focused entry point. Unlike individual string sets like the Ernie Ball Regular Slinky M-Steel or the D'Addario Zyex Violin strings, this pack offers a complete mechanical and electronic ecosystem. For left-handed players, this bundle offers a specific ergonomic advantage over standard right-handed 5-string models that are more prevalent in the market.
Related gear
£11.40 ($14)Larsen Strings
Larsen Violin E String Gold Plated Ball/Loop End Heavy
£15.40 ($20)Daddario
DAddario Helicore Violin D String 1/4 Size Medium
£19.00 ($24)Thomastik
Thomastik Spirocore Viola G String Chrome Wound 4/4 Size Light
£14.15 ($18)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball 2921 Regular Slinky M-Steel Set 10-46
£14.99 ($19)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball 3826 Tim Henson Signture Slinky Nickel Guitar Strings Set 9.5-46
£13.60 ($17)Daddario
DAddario Zyex Violin Aluminum D String 4/4 Size Medium
£7.99 ($10)Dunlop
Dunlop Ukulele Concert Pro-4 String Set
£34.60 ($44)Larsen Strings
Larsen Cello D String 1/8 Size Medium
Frequently asked questions
- What body wood is used in the Chicago 5-String Bass?
- The body is constructed from solid paulownia. This material is chosen for its lightweight properties and its ability to produce a warm, rounded tone with good sustain.
- Is this bass guitar suitable for right-handed players?
- No, this specific model is designed for left-handed players. The body shape and controls are mirrored to suit a left-handed playing position.
- What is the wattage of the included amplifier?
- The pack includes a 15-watt bass amplifier. This power level is ideal for home practice and small rehearsals.
- What finish does the guitar have?
- The guitar features a transparent red finish. This allows the natural grain of the paulownia wood to remain visible through the red tint.
- Does the pack include a cable to connect the bass to the amp?
- Yes, a guitar lead is included in the bundle. This allows the user to connect the instrument to the 15W amplifier immediately.
- What accessories are included for transporting the bass?
- The bundle includes a dedicated bass guitar bag. This gig bag provides basic protection against dust and light scratches during transit.
- Are spare strings provided in the box?
- Yes, the package comes with a set of spare bass guitar strings. This ensures that the player has replacements available should a string break.
- Can this bass be used for professional gigs?
- The manufacturer describes the instrument as having a professional tone and being proficient for gig and band rehearsals. However, the 15W amp is best suited for smaller settings.
- How many strings does this bass have?
- This is a 5-string bass guitar. The fifth string is typically a low B, which extends the lower range of the instrument compared to a standard 4-string bass.
- What is the primary benefit of the paulownia body?
- The main benefit is its lightweight and ergonomic feel. It provides maximum playability by reducing the overall weight the player must support.
- Is a strap included in the package?
- Yes, a guitar strap is one of the bundled accessories. It allows the player to support the bass comfortably while standing.
- Who is the target audience for this pack?
- It is ideal for left-handed beginners or intermediate players looking for an affordable 5-string setup. The inclusion of all necessary accessories makes it a convenient 'starter' bundle.
