basses to consider

[wrench45us]

34 inch scale
passive pickups (P, J, P/J Humbuckers doesn't matter)
5 strings

if any bias, a narrower neck than 'standard'
i.e. more J neck than P neck

price range > $600 <= $1000

new or used

what should I look at and try out?

 

[mmbongo]

Brubaker Brute
G&L L2500
Carvin SB5000

 

[nukes_da_bass]

Schecter diamond P5

 

[Nobody]

Yamaha BB425

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/yamaha-bb425x-5-string-electric-bass-guitar

 

[garp]

New: Fender Standard Jazz V (MIM)
Used: Fender Jazz V (MIA)

I know, I know...not terribly exotic, but they fit the specs.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

You should look at and try out anything you can get your hands on. Even stuff you think looks like garbage, pick it up and try it.

I never cared for Stingrays but I acquired one in a trade and now I love it. Still don't care for the looks, especially their 5ers though.

 

[wrench45us]

schecter is 35 inch scale

I have thought about checkimg out a Fender jazz V

The Yamaha and Brubaker -- do you suppose I could find a music store with both.
I can't even find a store to try a Brubaker.

 

[RitchieBlue]

I honestly prefer Yamaha, for the 5-stringers