Spent most of yesterday driving guitar salesmen crazy! I tried every bass in my price range a couple of times each. I had the poor guy that I finally bought from playing them for me to figure out what sound I liked best. I decided on a Dean Vendetta. Dont know why but that one felt best in my hands and I liked the sound. It didnt hurt that the trans red finish on it was beautiful. Had my first lesson this morning and I guess it went well. I was the only student over 14 in the whole store! Thanks for the encouragement and help and get ready for a flood of questions.