The magic answer is: Just buy a bass and learn music.

The following is an example of the notes I commonly get:

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Hi, Im something of a bass novice, ive played guitar for 5 years and purchased a cheap bass to play with some freinds. Id like to buy a new bass but am completely stuck as to which one would be most suited to the music i play. My main influence is punk along with some hard rock and metal, i heard the Ibanez sr range were particuarly well suited to these genre. Ive visited some stores but they can only suggest what they have in stock so i was hoping you might be able to help as an acomplished bass player. Also, are there any scales which in your mind would help me to progress in my playing, given my influences. I seem to be stuck around just major and minor patterns and im struggling to get an interesting sound going. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I read this and thought, his style of music calls for a plank of wood with strings. And he has the common misconception that somehow there is a certain segment of music theory that applies more specifically to his genre of music than to others. The fact is, the same information applies across all tonal music. Practially any theory book and a decent teacher will do. All this stuff about "style" and "influence" is irrelevant. Could you imagine what it would sound like to any music educator worth their salt to hear me say something like, "oh yeah, the mixolydian mode is great for punk music."
Just buy a bass and learn music.
But I was nicer to him in my reply and responded thus:

In my opinion any good solid-body bass works for punk, rock and metal. The Ibanez series you mentioned would fall in that category but so would a lot of other things. Try a lot of basses and pick what feels good and sounds good to you. Ultimately the "right sound" comes much more from your hands than your bass.
You mention "major and minor patterns". Major and minor scales and arpeggios are the backbone of technique regardless of whether your instrument is bass or saxophone or violin or piano. Find a good teacher and take that teacher's recommendation on a good book. The major scale actually breaks up into seven different scales -- the modes. Find a book which explains them and then practice the scales in every combination presented.
You're welcome.

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