I agree with most folks, who chimed in... SX or Fender. The SX spacing is a bit closer than the Fender, but for me its not that big an issue, I have an SX and like it alot. Just did a bit of setup work myself, and it plays like a Charm. GK amps are also nice.
I'm in NY right now, attending a week long Camp Meeting... the bass player is playing a Squier P-Bass through a Hartke rig, and the tone is killing. I still can't believe the tone he is getting. It's crazy. So I would suggest play alot of basses and decide on what feels most comfortable to you.