I've been playing bass for 5 years now...

You won't be able to play in Metallica with a $700 rig but you should be able to get a decent head of steam going. Start doing a little research and go play some amps if you can. If not, start reading and listening to Youtube clips. Better than nothing.

 

I've played crappy equipment for many years (Vox combo, Fender combo, Acoustic combo, Fender 4x10 cab with Ampeg B25B head and Acoustic 220 head) and all of it sounded inferior to my new rig. I recently bought the 1001RB and Neo 212 (also tried the Neo 410 for 2 gigs). I realize this would go over your budget, but I have fallen in love with the 1001RB. I have used it alone with the Neo212 and the Neo410 plus stacked and alone with my Fender 410 and it sounds great through any cabinet or combination I have tried. Plus the built-in direct out is nice for the band PA. I recently dusted off an old Laney guitar cabinet in my closet that has 2 x12 Celestion's (which I bought used for $50) to leave at rehearsal (it's really heavy) and the 1001RB makes it sound awesome. I would recommend buying the 1001RB with your budget money and then find any cheap used cabinet on Craigslist until I could afford a Neo (I bought my Fender 410 cab Used at a music store for $200). I bought my "open box" 1001RB for $500 at GC. Hope this helps.

 

Where are you located? Craigslist is normally the place to go---if we can look through the craigslist listings in your area we can give you an idea of what is available/a good deal now.

EDIT: I found a post where you were looking for a luthier in Portland.

 

This Eden Combo looks nice...never played it.

Or you could match one of these heads:
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3877809768.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3912141244.html (1001 RB!)

With one of these cabs:
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3896128535.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3906982851.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/msg/3912917294.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3905611773.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3912020001.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/msg/3862558709.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3910952419.html

Or check out some of these people who have combos/stacks for sale:
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/msg/3906948756.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/msd/3868480111.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/msg/3912080663.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/yam/msg/3910119876.html
(Edit: this one isn't a great setup---I would avoid behringer stuff, but some people disagree.)

 

I don't know a ton about amps, but if I was you I'd look to get a used Avatar 4ohm 4X10 cabinet, paired with a used GK head; maybe even old school, like a 400RB.

Probably run you around $500 - $600, total.

Do a little reading to figure out the difference between 4ohm and 8ohm, that's something you'll want to know. Basically, if you want to run one cab, make sure it is 4ohms. Want to run two cabs, make sure they are both 8ohms.

Want light weight? Go with NEO speakers.

Buy a speaker cable to connect the head to the cabinet. Don't use an instrument cable.

 

I would check those links out...then go back and search the amps/cabs section for comments about them. It really depends on what you need. If you are not playing out very much, one of those combos will do just fine. (I've played at my church with a full band and no PA support using a 25 watt Fender practice amp---we try to keep it really quiet there though.) If you have lots of room and an SUV, one of those 810s can make you feel like a man.

If you're band is loud, you'll need more volume...If you are going to demand a super-scooped tone (which it doesn't sound like you will since you love mids) you'll need even more watts to be heard.

That 1001 RB for $430 would be all the amp you'ld need. And for 3 something you could pair it with an ampeg 810 and just call it a day.

 

I could hook RT up with 700 worth of rig that would get him by but I have some clue what he wants to sound like.

 

youll do fine my friend.

 

I am in the Seattle area. I envy your used gear market. Way better than Seattle's. Cooler stuff, better prices.

 

I know a number of guys who gig with Hartke 4x10 cabinets. Quite inexpensive. Get as many watts as you can afford. That 1001RB is a good head. Keep your eye out. A used one would be around 300 or so.