Hi Dan, hope you notice this amongst the big graphics.

I just bought my first bass and settled on an Ibanez SDgr SRX400 after trying all the Fenders, Yamahas etc. So my first tip is to get to a local shop and at least heft a few basses for weight and body fit. The Ibanez shape looks clunky but I found it more ergonomic (for me) than the much more shapely P-bass types. Once I plugged in I was amazed at what the tone switch does. Despite the naff knob it's active and does some kinda EQ hoodoo that adds bigtime punch.

Look around online you may find similar models reduced, look for the keywords 'Phat EQ'.