I second this, but in particular a Sire 5-string M-7, because that allows for a lot of versatility which OP is seeking. Or if a fiver is just not OP's thing, then a M7 four-string. I like the V7 4 and 5 a lot too, but for sheer versatility: M7.
- The 5-string obviously would allow you to cover more ground sonically and opens up some genres, such as some R&B, gospel, modern country, a lot of modern rock, etc.
- The 35" scale on the M7 five string helps give it a very nice, very solid B string, and I hardly notice the difference in scale on it at all
- The two pickups are individually selectable for single/parallel/series which gives you a lot of tone options.
- It's a pretty fast, comfortable neck, fairly thin front-to-back, satin finish, so no stickiness.
- It is a 12" radius on the fret board so it's flatter than a typical Fender-style bass which is usually 7.25", which makes it easy to get around and opens up other techniques; such as more chordal stuff if you want, and although I don't do it much myself, the flatter board would be good for tapping and hammering.
- It also has a string spacing adjustment at the bridge, which is flexibility you don't get with most basses.
- The pre-amp is really good (same pre-amp as the Sire V7 which gets great press) and allows for a lot of versatility and fine tuning with its sweepable mid and a tone control that works both in active and passive mode, for more fine tuning.
- 8.5 pounds for mine, and I haven't heard of one over 9; so you'd have the versatility of not needing shoulder and back treatment and can spend those funds on pedals and beer instead.
New, the M7 five string goes for $750 (alder body) or $850 (ash body) new. Mine's the alder (so is bholder's which is fretless) while jlepre has an ash one now (he bought the one just sold on TB classifieds) in case you have any questions for him about the ash body (which has a different set of finishes than the alder).
I also have a Sire V7 4 and a V7 5 but for versatility, M7 surpasses them both.
