Why would a non bass player buy a bass at all? Oh, hang on, I think I see what you mean, someone new to bass?
The Roscoe Beck sig was a fab instrument in its own right, if the neck hadn’t been so narrow on the 4 string, I’d probably still have mine. Strange really, as the 5 string was particularly wide, compared to something like a ‘Ray5. Still probably the best bass Fender no longer make (although there is a strong case for the Stu Hamm too).