I also have a 1976 Fender Musicmaster 3/4 Bass
That's a pretty nice bass. You should check out harmonycentral.com for any information on an instrument or amplifier before you buy.
I have a lot of stuff of my own, and access to one of the best collector's instruments and amplifiers, so I am very blessed in that category.
I love repairing instruments and have really learned a lot under a master's tutelage. If you ever had any questions, feel free to ask.
I play a lot of electric guitar tunes on acoustic guitar to strengthen my fingers and speed up my playing. My biggest recommendation is to buy a metronome and play slow...slow...slow. You will be able to play it faster if you learn it slow.
I used to play bass but haven't really played much recently. I just pulled out my Warwick 4 String Thumb bass (bolt-on) and started dabbling again. John Entwistle is one of my musical heroes, and so I have spent a lot of time learning to play like him.
I have spent a lot of time trying to memorize the fretboards of a guitar as opposed to just counting up or down from the key areas...but part of that has been learning scales again. It really does take 3 months to really memorize a scale well, and you can really only get three scales per 3 months (I am talking like D7sus4, etc).
It's worth saying that I don't play with anyone and haven't been in a band since I was much younger (and more delusional). But my best friend is one of the best guitar players I have met (I have consorted with professionals) and we get together and play as often as possible. I will just play bass and let him do what he wants. My chops are nice but his licks melt panties.
Anyways, stuff I am playing...I don't know...whatever I kind of feel like. "The Divided Sky" by Phish is pretty fun, and sounds great on my acoustic rig.
-wtk