I used to have 10 basses in my possession, all relatively standards (stingray, warwick,...). Then a few years back I moved them on went down to 2 basses, a Dingwall Z3 and Skjold Fretless. Not cheap basses at all, but instruments that I found a connection with that I'd never done so before. Being able to play what was in your head and get it out thorough your hands via the instrument is [cheesey] priceless!
If you can find this on a cheap(er) bass, go for it, unfortunately I seemed to have expensive sounds in my head.
Interestingly, I used to chop/change my old bass collection regularly, not now, I've had the 2 basses for 6 years +