Try the popular brands like Fender and Ibanez. And also, try getting thicker gauge of strings for your bass, if you want a good fat thump sound. And when your finger tips hurts from playing, try scotch-taping your fingers.
For my first bass i brought a Kramer Beretta from Music yo!, i can't recommend these basses enough for about $189 you get a bass with neck through body which in my opion the best, it sounds and plays great.
So i would highly recommend you get one of these.
hi michael here..hmm,to recomend. i`ll been playing with WARWICK basses now for a coupple off years,fantastik instruments.but expensive.....i reasently got sponsored by EAGLE basses,and i think they really rocks man..not to cheep,not to expencive,but great sound and a great feel in the bass. go to www.eagleinstruments.nu,there you will find some stuff... i use a 6 string AB BASS VI, and one 5 string AB BASS V.good luckm.n.d-t.