Beginner's Bass and amp?
 

So I've randomly decided that I want to learn bass and am pretty confident that I'll get along okay considering I play a plethora of other instruments.

Problem is that I don't know much about what kind of bass to buy and was wondering what people would suggest as a good beginner's bass? I'm also looking to buy a bass amp but am not TOO concerned with getting a good one because if I'm desperate to play on a good amp I can borrow friends'.

If anyone knows much about what pricing is like that would also be incredibly helpful as I don't have a lot of money at all so am trying to get the cheapest deal I can.

Anyway, thanks! :)

Squire Jazz or Precision. Either one of those two are solid as hell for your money, it's up to you which one you want. Of course you could go Fender but expect the cash value to rise.

Unfortunately I'm not too experienced in the field of amplifiers. However I've found that the mini bass amps suck. I currently use a Gallien krueger and I'm very satisfied with it.

Hey gunnels, thanks for the tip. Others have suggested those to me as well. So you think steer clear of mini bass amps?

Atleast the ones I've used before (can't recall the name). They generally have terrible tone.
Besides the most satisfying part of playing bass is feeling that vibration is can give out. :D

ultimately it doesn't really matter what kind of bass you get to start with so long as it meets a few specific criteria.

1 - straight neck
2 - stays in tune
3 - looks cool

those are really the only things that matter, especially in the beginner range ($200-$300). it's not like you're going to pick a diamond out of a bucket of broken glass at that level.

as for the amps - minis suck all around. they're passable if you just need something to project sound without worrying about noise complaints but that's about it. you can always try your luck at your local pawn shop / second hand store for cheap amplifiers. never know what you'll find in those places.