Peavey T-40

Finally, we get to the phase switch, which puts the pickups out of phase with each other. However, this phase switch is very important for the T40's t...

Peavey T-40 because I have never found a passive bass with such flexible electronics. I bought it to play Beatles covers and cop a little fake Hofner sound utilizing the out of phase pickup setting but it ended up being my daily driver for both my metal band and my pop rock band. A (very heavy) Swiss army knife of an instrument.

I can second the G&L Tribute L-2000, but more-so the Peavey T-40. The neck pickup position and the unique circuit will allow you to get a wide variety of tones that can respectably mimic a whole bunch of different bass models. Either way, they offer a different character to your Squier PJ.

Fenders are classic and cool but IMO you get the least bang for your buck with them which again does not make them bad, they make great basses. Early Gibson Tobias basses can be had in that range and they were ( obviously not as good as the hand built ones form the 80’s) really solid. Peavey T-40’s , the occasional Pedulla Rapture or musicman can be had there. There’s a lot to explore.