Stupid Newbie question(s) (I have read the FAQ)

Greetings,

1st time posting here, found your site through google.

I have decided to purchase an electric bass. Initially I have assigned an upper limit on the bass itself of 200$ US. Amp, wires, etc. I realize are extra.

Unfortunately I am a little (okay, a lot) fuzzy on what I want. I am an 80s metalhead, but at the same time I am looking for a very clean sound, i.e. less Cliff Burton's "Pulling Teeth", and more of Primus or perhaps Rush (these are the only two examples I can come up with at the time that may give you a better picture of what I want, I listen to some *really obscure* metal)

I initially wanted a BC Rich Warlock (Blackie Lawless of W.A.S.P. fame uses one) but the price range is more than I want to pursure, in case I happen to suck royally at this I'd hate to drop a grand (or more) on a bass.

I have been to three (so far) local music stores and their attitudes ranged from cool to downright indifferent.

Asking what I want yielded whatever they seemed to have in stock (one place was strictly an Ibanez dealer, so that's what was recommended...you get the picture I'm sure) as opposed to what I was looking for. Who knows, perhaps they were correct in the first place, but the attitudes sure didn't make the sale.

In any case, I'm not in a massive rush (heck, I've been thinking about a bass for decades) to buy and get started, so the more knowledge I can collect, the better off I am going to be.

I was surprised to find many of the basses (and guitars) I have looked into were made in 3rd world countries, some even from hostile nations. Is it too much to ask for an american made bass or is this just the Way Of The World?

Last question, decades ago I was into a band that used a fretless bass. The sounds they made were quite unreal. I again presume a fretless would be for experienced only? Prices I have seen for them range from 150$ US to 3000$+ US. So it is hard to determine.

A little about me, this may prove of value, or it may only prove I'm an idiot:

I want a cool looking bass (ala the BC Rich Warlock) because, let's face the truth here, if I get something cool looking, I'll be more inclined to stick with learning. My time is precious to me and frumpy looking bass won't hold my desire much.

Right, enough with the stupid questions, if I haven't totally bored you yet, and you wish to offer guiding words, I am much appreciated.

Cheers!
AttackDonut

 

For the words and advice.

In regards to the bands I choose, they were the only two I could think of that other people may have heard of.

If perhaps you could mention a band (or two) that uses a very clean bass sound, I'll check them out and report back if that's the sound I am looking for.

I had noticed the ibanez's had thick necks. I have extremely long and thin fingers, so it may not be an issue, but I'll do a re-comparision shop and double check, now that I know what to look for.

I know about the prices on the Warlocks, I just am not sure if I can devote that much spare cash to one right now, all my hobbies are hideously expensive (reef tanks, monitor lizards, restoring italian sports cars) or time consuming (model kit building, novel writing), though every time I see a warlock my resolve gets a little weaker.

A Note for Mr. Tyler:

Can you expound on fretless vs. fretted for a begginer? I am encouraged by your words.

Cheers!
AttackDonut