Help me choose my first bass.

[gt96g]

a thunderbird is probably the wrong way to go, they are an ergonomic nightmare, the have terrible neck dive due to the unconventional shape big head stock and no upper horn. also the bridges are notoriously crappy on those things, also don't knock bolt-ons until you've tried em, you'll get a lot more punch out of them, and based on what some people have already said I would consider an Ibanez, perhaps a BTB. something like this
and I believe they are neck thru.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/ibanez-btb-1000-a-875521/

Just a note, not my bass or sale just picked it for reference

 

[mb94952]

Since you stated your budget is $400, and you want all the features I like out of my USA Peavey Cirrus (that costs more than $400 ) I suggest

A) Either save a few hundred more and get a Peavey Cirrus USA

or

B) Since it's your first bass, get a Peavey Cirrus BXP (overseas model. ) It is in your price range and blows the competition away.

 

[JlbassPlayer]

go on eBay i got my first bass for 50 dollars off ebay it was brand less and i just defretted it a few weeks ago i dont get why you care about neck through either bolt ons are fine

 

[mooreon131]

I'd go with the ibanez jumpstart package. The amp that it comes with it pretty bad, but you will not find a better made, more comfortable bass at that pricepoint. Soundwise, it's around squier level, which, while not great, certainy is not as bad as a lot of other budget basses. it was my first bass, and I have no regrets. It's stll my beater, or my "My t-40 is broken/too damn heavy tonight" bass.