What should I get?
OK, a little more background.
I have been studying with two guitar teachers for a while. With one I focus on flamenco and with the other I do the usual theory/blues/jazz/rock thing. My flamenco teacher is also a bass player extraordinaire. I've come to the conclusion that without hardcore dedication to becoming a flamenco player, I'm not going to improve much beyond my current level--flamenco is all about flamenco technique. I'd rather work on something that would make me more "well-rounded" musically, and bass seems to fit in with that goal. It will help with intervals, arpeggios, rhythm...basically everything I have trouble with.
Eventually I would love to be able to play an upright--I have to admit that there is some rockabilly in my blood that seems to have survived any attempts to beat it out via prog-metal or Beethoven.
My preferences are something wood-looking (e.g. stained or natural finish) and either a smallish solid body or a hollow body. I seem to have a thing for f-holes. The Fender shapes don't appeal to me at all. I also have biggish hands (10" from pinky tip to thumb tip) so scale length isn't an issue.
Here's the catch: since this is my first, I don't want to spend ridiculous money only to decide it's not for me. So I'm thinking $500 as an upper limit.
Anything I should avoid?
PS: I already have several funky/cool hats, so I'm set for that.
