I have returned!
So it was absolutely the right decision to go to the local store.
The store has two shops - one here in Cologne and one in Bochum. In Bochum there are more basses but any model that’s available in one is attainable in the other given some wait time.
I talked to the bass guy in the shop and you all seem to be right. The thing is not that I like the EQ. I still don’t in all cases though I theoretically see the appeal of adjusting EQ on the bass itself. It is not (yet) for me.
That said it seems I limit myself too much regarding choices especially in the price range I am looking.
I told him that I want a regular scale 4 string bass around a 400 euro budget (easy to go up) and he said the only thing currently in the shop was a Cort Action GB47JJ. He let me play it and after a while I asked for something to compare it to and he found an ESP Ltd. B-204SM. That was also good but I liked the Cort better.
Then he left and I didn’t notice. I just kept playing. So after a while I looked around and decided to try some out randomly. Starting with a Squier for 250 and once I had it in my hands I immediately felt what the guy in the shop was saying: he currently doesn’t have a Squier for the price range I’m looking for in the shop.
I liked the look and all and the sound was okay but it just didn’t feel as good.
Same for the cheaper active only Cort. That I couldn’t try it because the battery was empty was as much as a no go as the wonky feeling control knobs on it.
The Cort he gave me at first was still the option feeling best. Did not like the 2 band EQ. I feel like if there’s an EQ I want it 3 Band. Might again just be lack of experience.
He said that he would visit the other shop in Bochum this weekend and will return with more models in my price range so I plan on returning.