You beat me to it… my next question/ response was to perhaps consider a very economical entry level component just to get my feet wet.
Warning: pessimist hat on… with a cheap guitar I will not have wasted currency if things do not work out.
Respectfully,
Frank W.A. Beard
There are plenty of inexpensive, not “cheap,” basses that are fine players that can carry you through the course, and beyond, at little cash cost.
Squier, Sire, Yamaha, etc., etc., etc. are all available to you online from Sweetwater, Thomann, Guitar Center, Pitbull Audio, and many, many more: literally tons of vendors, with tons of value-priced basses and other gear.
There are many forum members here who can (and have) offer inexpensive bass alternatives. Just ask. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you want to invest in a bass, and learn how to play.
Bottom line: A small cash investment can take you a long way, if you choose. Good luck.
This is a great point.
My favorite short scale is the
Sterling Stingray SS. It’s a great buy and almost beginners’ proof when it comes to electronics upgrade. It has a killer pickup and preamp, 3 rotary switch parallel/ true single coil/ series. Iconic Stingray tone with 22 frets layout.
Squier Mustang Classic Vibe super unique mustang pickup through body strings, Faux roasted maple neck look. Super fun nasally mid forward tone that cuts through the mix. Very comfortable body shape.
If you are up for used gears Yamaha owns the medium scale segment with their cult following Motion Bass models. 32” scale super comfortable to play and great looks.
Another favorite SS that I don’t own is the Sire U5. Well made, features packed bass for the money.
Thanks for everyone’s follow-up responses. Have looked (many times) at the “Which Bass to Buy- Best & Worst Beginner Basses” video. A very good primer to at least point me in a direction.
I got a modest Christmas bonus this year and am budgeting $250~ 300. At least with a figure in mind I can begin to narrow down the possibilities.
I do wish that a music store was closer in proximity to do a real test drive.
Respectfully,
Frank W.A. Beard
Dropping by to post a quick update:
I ended up purchasing, mail order, from one of the better known on-line music stores. They had one of those stupid deals of the day and bought a Squier Affinity Series Limited-Edition PJ Bass 3-Color Sunburst for a little over $200. It seems to get decent marks and comments for a beginner bass.
Got it about 10 days ago and am now starting the journey… going through the tutorials to get familiar with it. Have noodled around on it a bit, but I have been under the weather and not really enthused about anything except chicken soup and advil. I did get a comfortable space set up with a chair and desk with plenty of room for a writing space and laptop.
Looking forward to the next steps when I shake off the crud.
Respectfully,
Frank W.A. Beard
Great!
Just add Vitamin C and vitamin D3! 
Hi! Due to some elbow and wrist injuries I bought a short and a medium scale that I’m happy with and keep playing. However, the choice of such gear is limited and expensive… So I bought a 35” 5 strings Schechter and try to fret around the fifth fret and up must of the time (only if necessary I go down). It works for me… 