The first bass that I learned on was a 'Montaya' that I borrowed from my step-father when I was about 13. Looked like this, only newer (I found this pic on the internets):
I bashed on that thing for a few months until he asked for it back. He didn't play... He just wanted it back. Big bummer. However, later that year, at Christmas, there was a trapezoid-shaped case under the tree at my mom's house, containing a bass that I could call my own:
Again, not a pic of the actual bass, but it was identical to this. Made in Japan (back when 'Made in Japan' really
meant something - as Alex Lifeson would say). Mine had no name on the headstock, so I never knew what it was until I found this picture. This one says 'Global' on the HS.
I had a lot of fun with this bass. It sounded and played like crap, but I didn't know it. I thought it looked cool as hell and fell in love with it the second I opened the case. I took my first lessons with this bass... Formed my first band with this bass... Hid weed under the bridge cover on this bass... I loved this bass until I didn't love it anymore (and the mudbucker crapped out). Traded it in for a Yamaha BB300. But if I were to come across one of these again, I'd smile and keep on going.