I bought a bass and 60 watt amp in September after my mate fell out with his bassist pal (he is, of course, a guitarist). Never played anything before, and found it hard to get started (found bass guitar for dummys too complex!). My mrs got me 10 lessons for christmas, which was a great present, as it gave me the impetus I need to get going - at 47 the fingers ain't as quick as they used to be, and 144bpm is proving tough! Still, working hard to get the ace of spades under my belt.... I got a Hutchins bass - not bad to start with, but looking at an Ibanez now for my stumpy fingers.... The amp stopped working after 2 weeks - not from volume, I can assure you (was a Hiwatt), and dude in the shop sold me an older multi-amp, 105w, which sounds much better. Looking forward to getting better, and regretting not starting years ago!
Cheers, Andy