Heather Wilde
It really depends on what you're trying to play, but for the most part Ibanez is a really good brand that doesn't usually cost too much. If you can spend a little more money I would suggest a schecter. To get used to the bass clef, just pretend the entire staff got moved down. If you've noticed the G is on the first line instead of on the second line. So just pretend the G is really still on the second line and go from there. Or really starting with any note.

Marlowe
Hey, I've owned two bass guitars, both Peavey. My first was a Milestone III. It was like $159. Had it for a year, got stupid, sold it, regretted it, bought a Peavey Millenium for $179. They're like identical to each other. Jazz style pickups. BEST THING: Thin neck. Very nice if you're learning bass. I still own the Millenium. No tip on the Bass Clef, it's a beast to learn. Still learning..