I started with this
Admittedly it was a 57RI but I switched the neck to a 62RI. I've since changed the pickup, addded the ashtrays, changed the nut, replaced the pickguard.... I can't think of another bass I'd like to have started out with. It's played all over the UK, and still goes out live with me now. The thing I'd change is not buying 300 other basses to come back to the original!
(ok, maybe not 300 but my point is there)