Having owned a Ric in the past and now playing a BB1024 i've found the Yamaha a much more comfortable bass to play. The sustain is similar on both basses.
Early '80s BC Rich Mockingbird with Dimarzio pups. I sat in for a local groups' bass player and used his Mockingbird. Superb feel and setup on that bass. It played like butter.
The Ibanez AGB200 is a good semi hollow shortscale that's built like a tank - decent price for what you get.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AGB200VLS/ :bassist: