bass guitar help >:)

Ok so for christmas I am going to get a bass guitar. I am in the $500-$600 range (can be pushed a bit). I would like to ask from people who know what good reliable guitar companies are and possibly what bass guitars you have. Currently I have an electric Fender Stratocaster and I love it, but I now would like a bass guitar. I am pretty good at playing so that factor shouldn't make a difference. But if anyone knows of any reasonably priced bass guitars feel free to post. Also feel free to post on any amps that you think would accompany this type of bass guitar as well.

"Try out all the instruments at and below your price range. You may find the perfect instrument well below what you expected to spend. The music comes from you, not from the bass. Find an instrument that's going to allow you to get your sound."
~Victor Wooten

Ibanez. I know a few people that own them and a couple band members that are all very satisfied with them. With your price range i'm sure you'll find one you like. The cheapest models kind of suck though, obviously. I'm also getting a (ibanez) bass for christmas... small world eh? lol.

I second the Ibanez. I have a SoundGear and absolutely LOVE it. Two active pickups, killer neck, beautiful, light and can sound like anything from a P bass to a Rick. My twice-as-heavy Washburn hasn't been off the wall since I got it. This thing compares favorably to the Warwick I used for a while in every regard other than sustain.

The model I have is a GSR200 - paid a bit over $200 for it, as I recall. Korean made.

I -LOVE- esp. I have been wanting a LTD F-254 bass (I think it is around 700$) but since I've been playing more guitar these days I got a new guitar instead :P. I don't know what kind of music you're into, but if it's even remotely fast 'n heavy, go with esp!

Im into a lot of different types of music. Mostly ranging from things as heavy to Metallica to James Blunt to the beatles. Most songs I play (or try to play) are songs that have appealing guitar in them to me.

Third the Ibanez.

Even though I'm more guitar, I know that Ibanez is the way to go with bass. And once you progress you can branch off to others, but you'll like Ibanez.

Or you definitely won't hate it. :P

And I also second the try lots.