I'd go for a Fender one if you can find it in budget.
I've been looking at an Ibanez Mikro to try out, myself.
I had an Epi EB0 and it was OK but unremarkable.
I've also got a vintage Japanese something or whatever, which is full-size but short scale (ie. the bridge is further up the body).
A complete flip-around of the idea would be a Kala U-bass.