What is the primary body material of the Chicago Select 5-string?

The guitar is constructed with a basswood body. This choice provides a full-bodied sound with an articulate mid-range while keeping the instrument's weight manageable.

What benefit does a roasted maple neck provide?

Roasted maple undergoes a heat treatment process that increases tuning stability by removing moisture. It also contributes to a more rounded and resonant sound compared to untreated maple.

What is the pickup configuration on this bass?

It uses a hybrid configuration consisting of a split humbucker and an open-coil pickup. This setup allows for a wide variety of tones suitable for different genres.

Is the neck profile comfortable for beginners?

Yes, the neck features a 'C' shape profile. This design is intended to offer comfort for extended playing periods, even with the wider neck required for 5 strings.

What type of bridge system does the Chicago Select use?

It features a single saddle bridge system. This allows for individual string adjustments, which is essential for achieving an articulate and precise setup.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific Gear4Music model comes in a 'Purple Burst' finish. This provides a high-end aesthetic appeal for the instrument.

Is this bass suitable for playing lead lines?

Yes, the manufacturer highlights the single saddle bridge and articulate mid-range as ideal for lead lines. These features help maintain note clarity.

How does the 5th string affect the sound?

The 5th string (typically a low B) adds weight and depth to the tone. The basswood body is specifically designed to support this lower frequency range without losing definition.

Is an amplifier included with this product?

This specific listing is for the 'Bass Guitar + Amp Pack,' which includes an amplifier. It is designed as a complete starter solution for new players.

How does the price compare to the Yamaha TRBX series?

The Chicago Select is generally more affordable, priced around £210. Yamaha's TRBX505 and TRBX605FM models are higher-end alternatives with more advanced features and higher price points.

Can I adjust the action on this guitar?

Yes, the single saddle bridge is highly adjustable. This allows the player to set their preferred string height and intonation without compromise.

Which musical styles is this bass best suited for?

Due to its versatile pickup configuration and full-bodied tone, it is suitable for a broad range of styles. This includes everything from heavy rock and power chords to articulate jazz lines.

Gear article

Gear4Music Chicago Select 5-String Bass Guitar + Amp Pack Purple Burst

The Chicago Select is a versatile 5-string bass guitar featuring a basswood body, a roasted maple neck, and a hybrid pickup configuration. It is designed to provide an articulate, full-bodied sound suitable for a variety of genres, often bundled as a comprehensive starter package including an amplifier.

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Overview and Design

The Chicago Select 5-String Bass Guitar by Gear4Music is engineered to offer an accessible entry point into extended-range bass playing. The instrument is constructed with a basswood body, a wood known for being lightweight yet capable of projecting a full-bodied sound with a clear mid-range. This specific model features a 'Purple Burst' finish, providing a striking aesthetic intended to appeal to modern performers.

A standout feature for an instrument at this price point is the inclusion of a roasted maple neck and fretboard. The roasting process removes moisture from the wood, which typically improves tuning stability and contributes to a more rounded, resonant tonal character.

Playability and Hardware

Ergonomics are central to the Chicago Select design. The neck utilizes a 'C' shape profile, intended to provide comfort for players during long practice sessions or performances. This shape is particularly beneficial on 5-string instruments where the neck width is naturally greater than that of a standard 4-string bass.

The hardware includes a single saddle bridge system. This configuration allows for precise adjustment of each string's intonation and action, supporting a highly-adjustable setup. This bridge design is cited as beneficial for maintaining clarity during articulate lead lines and when playing power chords.

Electronics and Sound Character

The Chicago Select features a hybrid pickup layout, combining a split humbucker with an open-coil pickup. This configuration allows for a broad tonal palette, ranging from deep, thick lows to punchy, articulate highs. The basswood body complements this by adding 'weight' to the tone, ensuring that the low B-string remains defined rather than muddy.

Because of its versatile electronics, the instrument is suitable for a wide range of musical styles, including rock, metal, jazz, and pop. The split humbucker provides the classic 'P' style thump, while the open coil adds the bite and clarity associated with 'J' style pickups.

Market Position and Comparisons

Retailing at approximately £210, the Chicago Select represents the budget-friendly tier of the 5-string market. It competes with several established models from other manufacturers, though it often undercuts them on price when sold as part of a complete amplifier pack.

Yamaha TRBX605FM / TRBX505: These offer more premium finishes and active electronics but at a higher cost.
Yamaha BB 235 / BB 735A: Known for their heritage and build quality, though the entry-level BB 235 lacks the roasted maple neck found on the Chicago Select.
Cort C5 Plus OVMH: Features a more boutique aesthetic with mahogany/maple construction but sits in a different price bracket.
Schecter Model-T 5 Exotic: A significantly more expensive instrument with premium woods like Ziricote, targeted at professional users.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of the Chicago Select 5-string?: The guitar is constructed with a basswood body. This choice provides a full-bodied sound with an articulate mid-range while keeping the instrument's weight manageable.
What benefit does a roasted maple neck provide?: Roasted maple undergoes a heat treatment process that increases tuning stability by removing moisture. It also contributes to a more rounded and resonant sound compared to untreated maple.
What is the pickup configuration on this bass?: It uses a hybrid configuration consisting of a split humbucker and an open-coil pickup. This setup allows for a wide variety of tones suitable for different genres.
Is the neck profile comfortable for beginners?: Yes, the neck features a 'C' shape profile. This design is intended to offer comfort for extended playing periods, even with the wider neck required for 5 strings.
What type of bridge system does the Chicago Select use?: It features a single saddle bridge system. This allows for individual string adjustments, which is essential for achieving an articulate and precise setup.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific Gear4Music model comes in a 'Purple Burst' finish. This provides a high-end aesthetic appeal for the instrument.
Is this bass suitable for playing lead lines?: Yes, the manufacturer highlights the single saddle bridge and articulate mid-range as ideal for lead lines. These features help maintain note clarity.
How does the 5th string affect the sound?: The 5th string (typically a low B) adds weight and depth to the tone. The basswood body is specifically designed to support this lower frequency range without losing definition.
Is an amplifier included with this product?: This specific listing is for the 'Bass Guitar + Amp Pack,' which includes an amplifier. It is designed as a complete starter solution for new players.
How does the price compare to the Yamaha TRBX series?: The Chicago Select is generally more affordable, priced around £210. Yamaha's TRBX505 and TRBX605FM models are higher-end alternatives with more advanced features and higher price points.
Can I adjust the action on this guitar?: Yes, the single saddle bridge is highly adjustable. This allows the player to set their preferred string height and intonation without compromise.
Which musical styles is this bass best suited for?: Due to its versatile pickup configuration and full-bodied tone, it is suitable for a broad range of styles. This includes everything from heavy rock and power chords to articulate jazz lines.