| my advice
Hi, I have owned all the following:
a 5 string Ergo
a 6-string Ergo
a Clevinger solid acoustic concerto
a BSX 4 stringer
a Carruthers SUB1
a Schwestka 4 string
a fixed-neck 4 string Eminence (the keeper)
Here's what I can tell you; don't go cheap, I tried several times without too much luck. Each did one thing well, but over all the Eminence is the best bass of the lot by far (at least for me). If at all possible, buy used, and try the bass out in a real playing context, that will tell you a lot.
You will have to try strings, I have found that buying used strings off Tbass is cheaper than buying them new. Once you find some you like, then you can spring for a new set. Also, the stand is a big part of the equation, you HAVE to be able to rely on it, and it has to feel comfortable. One bass I have not tried is the NSD WAV. The thing I like about that bass is that there are thousands of them out there, hence a lot of people can and have worked on them. Also, the builder is highly-reputable....that is a huge benefit. Read all of these mega threads about any bass you are thinking about buying- you'll be aware of problems others are having.
Good Luck! | 
