Hi there..
I recently joined a band as a Bass guitarist, my first time in such a role as I'm a six-stringer ordinarily.
The band have been extremely helpful in supporting my transition and to be honest without that it would probably still something that remained a "nice-to-do" but never actually happen. They have provided access to all equipment thus far, including instrument and amp; a DeArmond Pilot DLX and an Ampeg SVT valve stack.
I thought it best to show willing and get myself an instrument, so I bought myself an Ibanez SR300EB in weathered black.. love it.. slightly shorter scale that the DeArmond and has some great tonal variety.
I expect to buy myself an amp in due course.
This place was recommended to me by a good friend @Bridgehouse
It's a mine of information already..