Advice on bringing my 30 y.o. Cort Headless 4-string back up to A-1 shape.

Admins...If this thread fits better in another part of the forum, please feel free to move it there...thank you.
Hi all...nice place ya got here!

With the exception of my "training bass" (a Fender Jazz copy of some kind), the only bass I have ever played is a Cort Headless 4-string like the images I have found here below. It's never been modified nor has it ever had need for repair (including now). It's just old and I want to spruce it up so I can keep playing it. I cannot afford a "real" Steinberger so making this one as good as it can be is the only option I have (I think).

I play casually with church-related praise teams and might try to form a cover band if time permits. The types of music run the lines of Casting Crowns, Petra, Newsboys up to Stryper, Skillet and melodic/hair metal. I am especially a fan of Billy Sheehan and Rudy Sarzo. (I share this info so you can have an idea of the sound I'm seeking in general).

Here are my questions for you to consider:

• If you were picking this up new from the factory, what changes or adjustments would you be looking at? In other words, what is typically "bad" about these things (frets, action, etc.)? What do I need to do in order to get that punchy, rock-oriented sound out of it?

• Who would YOU turn to in order to have the bass refinished? I might stay original black or I might try something new like the wood finish shown or even something more "youthful" LOL.

• Where on Earth do I find a case that is actually designed for this thing? The one it came with is a wreck and gig bags are just not what I want.

• Finally, I hear tons of talk of "Drop-D" tuning? First, what is this for? In other words, why would I want to learn how to play Drop-D - what's the goal musically? Second, can this be added to my bass if I want it?

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Reminder: These pictures are not of my instrument - didn't have a good one handy at the moment.

 

Thank you so much for your advice. I added a couple of clarifications to my posting for future readers based on your response (didn't want you to think I was being snarky - just thought it was a good idea).

Thanks again.

 

Thanks for the case recommendation and the additional color comment.