Are you in America/outside UK?
MMs and Corvettes are quality and versatile basses. Watch out for the weight on the Corvette, though.
When it comes to active basses you've got loads of choice. Just pick a price range, new or used and I'm sure a healthy list of basses to try will emerge. Of course a nice jazz is a good place to start as well.
Active is not my forte but MM, Warwick, G&L, jazz deluxe... seem to be the regularly heard names.
Best of luck! Will pop back to see how it goes.