I dig cheap. But look at the fender rumble series. The 25 is plenty gutsy for a first practice amp, and the 40 is not much more money for a pretty serious power gain.
You can probably find both used for a decent price, and it would be hard to go wrong with one.
Remember, my two cents is strictly an opinion-no one can tell you what will be right for you. It’s really just a feel thing-and if affordability plays into it, that’s ok. Many of us started on low budget used equipment.
Well it’s another type of strings.
Sorry it’s like asking do you like Coke or Pepsi?
Go on Youtube and look up “Setting Up Your Bass Guitar with John Carruthers.” One of the best set up vids I’ve ever seen and yes, it works great and it’s easy.