You should check out a Musicman Sterling - second hand ones can be got for as little as £600. You should consider a lightweight 1x12 cab for (IMHO) the best compromise between portability, volume and low end - adding a second when you are able to get transport gives a real big sound.
Yep, just the master is unaffected. As to cabs, I;m not a fan of TC Cabs which is why I use Bergantino. You ought try a number of cabs from different makers with the head before deciding what to go with.