Is the squier VB more for Jazz stuff or can it still be uses to rock with a heavy bass line?
You can play any style of music with any bass.
Found this bass local. What do you guys think its worth. Its like new apparently but around 10 year old? Whats the silver washer bit up near the top in the photo. Is this normal?
Yes, that's common, it's called a string tree. It prevents the strings from attaching to the farther tuning pegs at too much of an angle on instruments that don't have an angled headstock.
That bass is a Squier Affinity. It ought to go for somewhere around $100. It's a pretty standard run-of-the-mill beginner bass from Squier.
Overall, my advice would be to go to decide on a budget, go to a local shop, and try out all the basses they have in your budget. Ask to plug them in and ideally see if the store will let you put a strap on them. Think about...
1) Look. Do you LIKE this bass? It may sound superficial, but honestly you'll be more motivated to practice if you think your instrument is cool.
2) Feel. Is it comfortable? How does the neck feel? How heavy is it, how does it balance on a strap? Every bass is a little different, and every player is a little different. Some like fat and chunky necks, some like slim "fast" necks. Some want their bass as light as possible, others want to feel a little heft to it.
3) Sound. You probably won't have your fantasy tone right off when you're beginning, but at least make sure it sounds to you like a bass should. Again, every bass is a little different - some are a little thumpier and others are a little zingier, etc.
Good luck and have fun!
