Recomendations

DaveJames

Solid body, normal size, around the five hundred mark, thanks in advance.

stickyfiddle

In the absence of any stylistic preferences being noted, whatever P Bass you can get for that price. 

I'd be looking for a used Mexican Fender - Vintera or Player aeries (or the older Classic/Standard models)

Winny_Pooh

Sire Marcus Miller P5-4

fretmeister

So many options at that price.

Music style is an important issue. The P bass is the most recorded bass in history but you don't see many in Metal because they get flubby, for example.

Schnozz

A Dean Paramount / Juggernaut - If you can find one, they're the best F-style under £500. I've owned over 100 basses in the past and that would be my recommendation. I haven't seen a Juggernaut in a good 5 years mind, or I'd probably have it here with me.

If you're thinking 5 string then an old Cort A5 will see you right.

Secret_Sam

Ibanez soundgear series if you want something modern

Ibanez roadgear series if you want more traditional

Excellent build quality and ergonomics. Fairly light. Sound great. 

UnclePsychosis

Mexican Fender Precision would be my first choice. 

Funkfingers

stickyfiddle said:

… In the absence of any stylistic preferences being noted …

fretmeister said:

Music style is an important issue.

I spy a pattern developing here. 

Instrument choice does depend to some extent on music genre(s) both in terms of sounds and appearance. e.g. It would be unwise to audition for a C&W job with a Fender Katana Bass.

If noise-free operation is essential, avoid any bass with single coil pickups. (Fortunately, dual coil replacement pickups for Jazz Bass exist, both active and passive.)

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The other stipulation that frequently appears in Discussions such as this one concerns the hand size and/or reach of the OP. 

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Sire, Ibanez Soundgear and Cort A Series have already been mentioned as versatile modern bass guitars. Another is Yamaha. Their RBX and TRBX lines are well constructed. The most affordable models could easily be improved by upgrading their pickups and controls.