Ok, thanks y'all!

I guess Squier isn't a bad brand for a beginner after all. (Not the Walmart Box Bike of the bass world?)

I *need* to learn a new instrument. My brain is melting, I need to switch gears and get myself a new challenge.

Guitar Center has mighty nice cheap starter sets, but I can't find a set with a lefty guitar. I might call them, often a clerk does a much better job finding what I'm looking for than I do flailing at the website.

I have two LMS (local music shop) that I'd like to give my business to, as well. One was trying to talk me out of a lefty bass, but I really don't think I can switch. It's not like I'll ever be out on tour and suddenly need to buy a lefty bass ASAP because some roadie dropped mine as the hoards of shrieking fans threw themselves into him in an attempt to touch my sacred Squier. (so the fact you almost always have to special order lefties is moot)