Best Bass Guitar Sets for Intermediate 2026
Alright, so you're past the beginner bass - great! Now you're looking for a set that'll actually help you level up your playing, not just feel like you're dragging a boat anchor around. Intermediate players need a bass that can handle a wider range of gigs, from smoky blues clubs to tighter rock bands, and a setup that lets you dial in a usable sound without needing a degree in electronics. Let's break down some solid options that won't break the bank but won't insult your ears either.
Last updated: April 11, 2026
⚡ The best bass guitar sets in 2026 are Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Seri Bundle (top pick), Harley Benton MM-84A SB Deluxe Series Bundle for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Set 1 for pros — selected from 15 options across 2 brands, priced $295–$367, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
#1
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Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Seri Bundle
Budget-Conscious
Gift Purchase
Complete Setup
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton JB-75MN is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It nails that classic P-Bass vibe with a surprisingly good feel and solid construction – a great option for players wanting vintage tones and playability without the premium price tag. It’s perfect for rock, blues, and classic country where a warm, punchy low-end is key.
PROS
- • American ash body delivers a resonant, punchy low-end tone.
- • Roswell pickups provide surprisingly articulate and vintage-voiced tones.
- • Canadian Hard Rock Maple neck offers a comfortable 'D' profile feel.
- • Solid hardware like Sung Il bridge and HB machine heads enhance tuning stability.
CONS
- • Ash body may make it slightly heavier than some players prefer.
- • Rosewood fretboard can be prone to drying out if not properly cared for.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to basses with active electronics.
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3.8/5
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Art. 351698
$351
#2
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3.8/5
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8/10
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10/10
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9/10
Harley Benton MM-84A SB Deluxe Series Bundle
Budget-Conscious
Beginners
First Bass Guitar
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton bundle is a fantastic entry point for players wanting that classic MM-style bass tone. The combination of the active preamp and coil-split offers some tonal flexibility, and the included amp is a surprisingly capable practice companion. It's a real steal for beginners or anyone needing a solid, affordable bass and amp setup.
PROS
- • Roswell pickups offer surprising clarity and aggressive growl.
- • Bolt-on neck provides snappy response and easy adjustability.
- • Flamed maple top adds visual appeal and subtle resonance.
- • HB-20B amp delivers decent volume and surprisingly warm tones.
CONS
- • Poplar body can feel a bit lifeless compared to mahogany or ash.
- • Coil split functionality is more of a novelty than a core feature.
- • DLX hardware, while improved, might still show wear over time.
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Art. 540431
$325
#3
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3.8/5
AudioFu Score
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8/10
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10/10
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9/10
Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Set 1
Beginners
Budget-Conscious
Gift Purchase
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton B-550 set is a solid entry point for players wanting a 5-string with a modern edge. The long scale and humbucker pickups give it a punchy, assertive voice that's great for rock, metal, and heavier genres. It's a fantastic value for the aspiring bassist who wants a complete setup without a premium-priced investment.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Bolt-on neck offers a snappy, responsive feel, common in modern basses
- • Humbucker pickups deliver a thick, aggressive low-end for rock/metal
- • HB-40B combo amp provides a decent starting point for practice and small gigs
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction can lack the warmth of a set-neck design
- • Active/passive switch might not offer a dramatic tonal shift, a bit gimmicky
- • Die-cast tuners are functional but not high-end; potential for future upgrades
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3.8/5
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Art. 341946
$362
#4
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3.8/5
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Harley Benton B-450LH BK Progressive Bundle
Complete Setup
First Bass Guitar
Budget-Conscious
Key Feature:
This left-handed Harley Benton is a serious contender for beginners or players seeking a versatile, budget-friendly bass. The long scale and active preamp offer a surprisingly powerful and modern tone, while the included amp gets you playing right out of the box. It’s a fantastic value for the money, especially for rock, metal, and modern styles.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a warm, resonant low-end foundation.
- • Active preamp provides significant output and tonal shaping versatility.
- • Long scale (864mm) offers tighter, more defined low frequencies.
- • Die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning and reliable performance.
CONS
- • Black walnut fretboard might feel a bit harder than rosewood to some players.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- • HB-40B amp’s 10 in speaker lacks the low-end thump of larger models.
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3.8/5
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8/10
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9/10
Art. 345968
$347
#5
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Harley Benton B-550 QTB Progressive Bundle2
Complete Setup
Budget-Conscious
Beginners
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton B-550 QTB bundle is a surprisingly capable package for the price. The long scale and progressive pickups offer a wider tonal palette than many budget basses, making it great for rock, funk, and even some modern metal. It’s an excellent starting point for beginners or a solid backup for gigging musicians.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Canadian maple neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable, modern D profile.
- • Progressive pickups deliver a versatile range, from growly lows to articulate highs.
- • Die-cast machine heads ensure reliable tuning stability under tension.
CONS
- • High-gloss finish can be a fingerprint magnet and prone to minor cosmetic scratches.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of a set-neck.
- • 40W amp, while adequate for practice, lacks headroom for larger gigs.
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3.8/5
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8/10
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Art. 338435
$347
#6
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3.8/5
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Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Seri Bundle
Starter Package
Gift Purchase
Budget-Conscious
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton JB-75MN is a fantastic entry point into the Jazz Bass world, especially if you're after that classic, slightly scooped tone. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price, and the Roswell pickups punch way above their weight class. It's ideal for players on a budget who want a genuine vintage vibe for rock, blues, and soul music.
PROS
- • American ash body delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone
- • Roswell pickups provide a surprisingly authentic vintage Jazz Bass character
- • Canadian Hard Rock Maple neck offers excellent stability and playability
- • Bolt-on neck construction results in a snappy, articulate response
CONS
- • Finish quality may exhibit minor inconsistencies typical of the price range
- • 305mm radius can feel a bit steep for some players’ preference
- • Limited pickup configuration restricts tonal versatility somewhat
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Art. 351697
$307
#7
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3.8/5
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Harley Benton B-550 QTB Progressive Bundle1
Starter Package
Complete Setup
First Bass Guitar
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton B-550 QTB bundle is a fantastic entry point for beginner and intermediate bassists looking for a versatile 5-string setup. The progressive pickup configuration allows for a surprising amount of tonal flexibility, and the included HB-20B amp provides a decent starting point for practice and small gigs. It's hard to beat the value proposition for the money.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Canadian maple neck offers stability and a comfortable, modern D profile.
- • Progressive pickups deliver a wide range of tones, from growl to clarity.
- • HB-20B amp's TEC circuit emulates tube warmth at an affordable price.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits potential for complex overtones and sustain.
- • High-gloss finish might be prone to fingerprints and requires careful maintenance.
- • Budget hardware, while functional, may not offer the premium feel of higher-end components.
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3.8/5
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Art. 338433
$303
#8
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3.7/5
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Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series Set 2
Budget-Conscious
First Bass Guitar
Starter Package
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR set is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players on a budget who want a versatile 5-string bass. The combo amp is surprisingly decent for practice and small gigs, and the PJ pickups offer a wide range of tones. It's a well-rounded package that delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
PROS
- • Poplar body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Modern C neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of players
- • PJ pickup configuration offers versatility from growl to clarity
- • HB-40B amp’s TEC circuit adds a pleasing warmth and tube-like character
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to neck-through designs
- • Roseacer fretboard may require a little more upkeep to prevent dryness
- • Poplar body, while good, isn't as tonally complex as Alder or Ash
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Art. 324264
$318
#9
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3.7/5
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Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vint. Series Pack
First Bass Guitar
Beginners
Starter Package
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton JB-75MN is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic P-bass tone, feels surprisingly well-built, and the vintage-inspired aesthetics are spot-on. It's perfect for beginners or seasoned players wanting an affordable workhorse for rock, blues, or Motown.
PROS
- • American ash body delivers resonant, balanced tone with good sustain
- • Canadian Hard Rock maple neck offers stability and comfortable, familiar profile
- • Roswell JBA pickups provide authentic P-bass growl with surprising clarity
- • Sung Il bridge with brass saddles enhances sustain and tuning stability
CONS
- • High-gloss finish may feel plasticky to some; a satin option would be preferable
- • Rosewood fretboard is a bit of a missed opportunity for a 'vintage' vibe
- • Neck profile, while comfortable, might be too thin for players with larger hands
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3.7/5
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8/10
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10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 544100
$307
#10
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3.7/5
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Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR Deluxe Series Set 2
First Bass Guitar
Budget-Conscious
Gift Purchase
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR Deluxe set is a surprisingly solid package for the budget-conscious bassist. The PJ pickup configuration gives you a huge range of tones, from classic thump to more articulate growl, and the little HB-40B amp is a great starting point for practicing or small gigs. It’s perfect for beginners or players wanting a versatile, reliable bass and amp combo without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Poplar body offers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Modern 'C' neck profile is comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.
- • PJ pickup configuration delivers versatility – punchy P-bass tones and brighter J-bass articulation.
- • HB-40B amp’s TEC circuit adds warmth and tube-like character to the sound.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits upper fret access compared to set-neck designs.
- • Roseacer fretboard may require a professional leveling/capping for optimal playability.
- • Poplar body, while resonant, isn’t as tonally complex as mahogany or alder.
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3.7/5
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Art. 324258
$296
#11
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Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone Sunburst Set
First Bass Guitar
Starter Package
Gift Purchase
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton fretless set is a seriously impressive offering for the price. The ash body and Roswell pickups give it a surprisingly mature and punchy tone, and the included amp lets you plug in and play immediately. It's a fantastic entry point into the world of fretless bass, especially for players looking for that classic Jaco Pastorius vibe without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • American ash body delivers a resonant, warm tonal foundation
- • Roswell JBA pickups offer a surprisingly authentic JB-style growl
- • Canadian maple neck provides smooth playability and stability
- • The included HB-20B amp is a decent starting point for practice
CONS
- • Fretless bass requires significant adjustment and learning curve
- • Laurel fingerboard may not be as slick or durable as ebony
- • The amp's TEC circuit adds a noticeable, sometimes artificial, coloration
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3.7/5
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Art. 566920
$318
#12
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
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7/10
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Squier Sonic Precision Califor Set
by
Squier
Starter Package
Complete Setup
Beginners
Key Feature:
This Squier Sonic Precision Califor Set is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players wanting a vintage-inspired sound on a budget. The combo amp is surprisingly capable for practice, and the California Blue finish looks sharp. It’s a great option for rock, punk, and garage band players who want a solid, playable bass without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Solid poplar body delivers a surprisingly resonant and punchy low-end.
- • Maple neck and fingerboard offer a snappy feel and quick response.
- • Ceramic split-coil pickup provides a distinctive, modern growl and clarity.
- • Harley Benton HB-20B amp is a decent practice amp with a surprisingly usable TEC circuit.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- • Synthetic bone nut is a cost-saving measure, impacting high-end clarity.
- • Limited tonal versatility; best suited for rock, punk, and similar genres.
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
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7/10
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10/10
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9/10
Art. 579645
$308
#13
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3.7/5
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Specs:
7/10
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Squier Sonic Bronco Arctic Whi Set
by
Squier
Beginners
Budget-Conscious
Starter Package
Key Feature:
This Squier Sonic Bronco set is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players seeking a short-scale bass with a vintage vibe. The amp provides enough power for practice, and the overall package offers a lot of value for the price. It’s ideal for students, hobbyists, or anyone wanting a fun, easy-to-play bass with a unique look.
PROS
- • The short scale (30") makes it incredibly comfortable for smaller hands or beginners.
- • The ceramic single-coil pickup delivers a surprisingly punchy and focused low-end response.
- • The Harley Benton HB-20B amp provides a decent starting point for practice and small gigs.
- • The Arctic White finish and white pickguard give it a clean, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
CONS
- • The poplar body, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of more premium woods like mahogany.
- • The bolt-on neck construction can feel less smooth and integrated compared to set-neck designs.
- • The single-coil pickup can be prone to hum and noise, especially with high gain settings.
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3.7/5
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7/10
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10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 579610
$307
#14
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3.7/5
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7/10
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9/10
Harley Benton MV-4MSB Burgundy Mist Set
Complete Setup
Budget-Conscious
Starter Package
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic P-Bass vibe with a surprising amount of detail and warmth from the custom pickups. It's a fantastic choice for players wanting a vintage-inspired tone and comfortable feel without the premium price tag – perfect for rock, blues, and Motown.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Caramelized maple neck offers a smooth, fast feel and improved high-end response.
- • Custom-wound VJB/VPB pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and warm vintage-inspired sound.
- • Sung Il bridge with brass saddles enhances sustain and adds a touch of vintage character.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the resonance of a set-neck design.
- • Soft 'D' neck profile may not suit players preferring a flatter or more modern feel.
- • Burgundy Mist finish, while striking, may show fingerprints and minor blemishes more readily.
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
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10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 597119
$367
#15
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
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7/10
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10/10
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9/10
Harley Benton MV-4MSB Seafoam Green Set
Budget-Conscious
Starter Package
First Bass Guitar
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton MV-4MSB is a seriously impressive package for the money. The caramelized maple neck feels great, and the custom pickups give it a vintage-inspired tone with a surprising amount of clarity and punch. It's perfect for players wanting a solid, well-built instrument for rock, blues, or Motown without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Caramelized maple neck provides a smooth, fast feel and enhanced brightness.
- • Custom VJB/VPB pickups offer a surprisingly articulate and punchy sound.
- • Sung Il bridge with brass saddles enhances sustain and note clarity.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction might lack the sustain of a set-neck design.
- • Soft 'D' neck profile isn’t ideal for players preferring a flatter profile.
- • 3-ply pickguard feels a little budget-oriented compared to thicker options.
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3.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
7/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 597637
$367
How to Choose the Best Bass Guitar Sets
1
Playability
Neck profile and action are key. An intermediate player should be comfortable playing for hours, so a thin, fast neck or a thick, chunky one - whatever suits your hand - is paramount. Action needs to be low enough for speed, but not so low it's buzzing all over the place.
2
Pickup Voicing
You need versatility. A bright, scooped sound for funk? A warmer, rounder tone for Motown? Cheap sets often have pickups that are just...generic. Look for something with a bit of character, even if it's not perfect.
3
Amp & Cab Simulation
A good set often includes a small practice amp or cab sim. The quality here varies wildly. A muddy, lifeless amp will hold you back more than a slightly underwhelming bass.
4
Hardware Quality
Tuners, bridge, and strap buttons. These are the things that fail first. Cheap hardware means constant tuning headaches and a bass that feels flimsy, which kills your confidence and makes gigging a pain.
5
Overall Construction
It's not just about the wood type, but how it's put together. Check for sloppy fretwork, uneven finish, and overall build quality. These details impact sustain and intonation.
Buying Guide
At this level, you're trading up, so expect some compromises. The cheapest sets will often have decent-sounding pickups in a poorly-built body with budget hardware. It's worth spending a bit more for a bass that feels solid and stays in tune. Don't get swayed by flashy colors or unnecessary features - focus on a well-built instrument with a comfortable neck and versatile pickup voicing. Ultimately, a good bass set should inspire you to play more.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page ranks 15 bass guitar sets from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category.
Position is computed, not curated. Four signals, in order of weight: how completely the manufacturer documents the instrument (number of published specifications), where it sits in the price range, how specific the model designation is — which filters out generic accessories — and whether a product image exists. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. It's how the back of the neck feels in your hand. Some prefer a thin 'C' shape for speed, others a thicker 'D' or 'U' for a more substantial feel. Try before you buy if possible - it's a personal preference.
It's a bonus, not a necessity. A decent cab sim is better than nothing, but don't expect it to replace a real amp. You'll still want to invest in a good audio interface and amp modeling software eventually.
Passive pickups are generally more straightforward and often have a warmer, more vintage tone. Active pickups (requiring a battery) offer more output and often a more aggressive sound. For an intermediate player, passive is usually a safer bet.
Likely the tuners or string gauge. Cheap tuners slip easily, and heavier strings put more stress on them. Upgrading the tuners is a common and relatively inexpensive fix. Also, check the nut slots - they might need adjusting.
Versatility is key! Look for a bass with a balanced pickup voicing (not too bright, not too muddy) and a comfortable neck that allows for both fast slap tones and smooth fingerstyle playing. A good set of strings is also crucial for dialing in different tones.
