Recommendations: Bass Gear

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Ibanez IJXB190 Electric Bass Jumpstart Pack Black Ibanez IJXB190 Electric Bass Jumpstart Pack Black
This bass starter package is a great place to start if you don't have a bass and amp yet. You get everything you need in one shot. Ibanez basses are easy-to-play, sound good, and are pretty consistent in quality. The small practice amp is suitable for learning. You can't play any gigs on this amp though.
Tribute by G&L Tribute L-2000 4-String Bass Blue Burst Maple Fretboard Tribute by G&L Tribute L-2000 4-String Bass Blue Burst Maple Fretboard
This is a great second bass (or a more expensive first bass). I've recommended it to a number of my students and they've all been happy with it. What I like about it is with the electronics on this bass you can access such a wide variety of bass tones. You won't get that without spending several hundred more. You should know it is a bit on the heavy side compared to, for example, an Ibanez.
Peavey MAX 126 Bass Practice Combo Peavey MAX 126 Bass Practice Combo
You're not going to get the world's best bass tone from any practice amp or much volume so you may as well go for as cheap as you can find. This Peavey practice amp is decent and has some good features like inputs for a CD player so you can play along to real music.
Ashdown Electric Blue 15-180 Bass Combo Amp Ashdown Electric Blue 15-180 Bass Combo Amp
This is a good amp for rehearsing with other musicians and small gigs (think coffee shop gigs). To play with others you need a lot of power (watts). For the money this amp gives you some decent power and tone. You'll still want a higher wattage amp if you will play with a loud drummer.
Ashdown MAG C210T-300 Combo Bass Amp Ashdown MAG C210T-300 Combo Bass Amp
This amp is going to give you more power to play in louder settings. For the money, it's a good combination of power and tone. You still may be wanting more watts. You never want to use an amp at full power. You can damage the amp or get a poor tone.
Neotech Super Bass Strap Black Neotech Super Bass Strap Black
You should use a strap to support your bass at all times. Get a good, comfortable one like this one.