That's a tough question Tom. There are as many opinions as there are basses. In addition, the sound and feel you are after will make a big difference in your choice.

For example a Fender P-Bass sounds quite different from a Fender Jazz. A Rickenbacker will be completely different sounding from both Fenders. And so on and on....

Also each bass will feel different. To use the previous example a P-Bass has a thicker rounder neck than a Jazz. Both Fenders have necks that increase in width toward the bridge while the Ric is almost the same width along it's length.

You really have to get out and try as many as you can looking for the bass that fits your needs the best. Sorry I can't answer any more definately than that.

You should go to guitar shops and check out what's available. Figure out what's feels good and sounds good to you.

You can also check out harmony-central.com for some user review info....

Hi Tom..
First off,welcome to ActiveBass
:)

Now...with regards to your question.
It's been done a zillion and one times...big surprise eh ??? *grins*
Take a search in the FretBuzz...there's LOADS of info in there.

Opinions don't really mean a hill of beans...everyone has their own preferences and what works well for me might SUCK for you.
The only opinion that matters is YOURS
You try out a bunch of different basses and then you make up your own mind.

What would SUCK for me is that you go out and buy an expensive bass SOLELY bassed on what I say...only to find out that that particular model feels like crap to you.

You can't go wrong with any "name brand" bass...there's even some good playing/sounding no-name brands out there,if you can get lucky to score one.

Best of luck on your quest,Tom and again...welcome to the AB family
:)
Peace Ed

Couldn't agree with Ed any more. I just recently got a Schecter Stiletto Elite-5 I love the way it feel and sounds with the neck through design and the EMG-HZ's. While I was looking around for basses I tried a 1500 dollar Warwick (dont remember the model) and I hated it could not stand the way it felt in my hands. But just to sum it up like everyone else get what sounds good and feels good to you.

Mike

A few years back,I remember trying out a beautiful Cort Curbow...
Played well in the sitting position,but...for me...when standing with it,it was a CONSTANT battle with it and its pain-in-the-arse neck diving !!!
I'd just rather not fight with a bass onstage...got enuff to think about up there
:)
Peace Ed

I have heard that about warwicks also. I was in a seated position while playing it. My Schecter has a slight neck dive to it, but not anything annoying to me. I will hopefully soon be ordeing a strap from Steve Walter. Think that might solve my neck dive prob. since it is very slight and I play with a nylon strap.

Mike

That should alleviate the problem.
Leather is way "stickier" than nylon...
Should work out good for you.
Congrats on the Schecter ... lol ...almost wrote down Spector)
I tried a Schecter(unsure of the model)a couple of weeks ago at a music store and loved the way it played...seemed a bit heavy to me...maybe I'm just a weak -ass after playing Cold Ethyl for so long...she's light as a feather
:P
Peace Ed

Yeah, my Schecter(would love a Spector) is pretty heavy also. That is why the guy that I bought it from sold it. He had back problems and it would hurt his back after a couple of hours playing it. But a small trade off that I am willing to sacrafice, Great action and sound > weight.
Mike

I hear ya.
So it wasn't just the model I tried out then?
They are know for being a lil on the heavy side ?
:)
Peace Ed

Not sure the Stilletto is the only schecter i have played