I still have my first bass, my Warwick rockbass. I didn't even play it i saw it, liked it and bought it. I had played guitar on and off for years but was never really anygood so i switched to bass which i felt right at home with.
After about 12 months i bought a Status S2 simply because i loved the shape and colour plus im a massive muse fan. It cost me £1300 and after the initial excitment i soon realised i didnt need it, so it got sold.
Now i have my Kubicki which is absolutley stunning and im now in a band so I feel i can now justify an expensive bass.
There is some good advice on here so take heed but If your interested i might sell the rock bass just send me a pm if you want