So I'm thinking about picking up a bass.

[Scuba_Steve]

After playing guitar for nearly 2 years I've started to listen to music more closely and some of the bass playing makes me think "I want to do that".

So I was wondering a few things really....

1st. I don't want a BEGINNER bass, I was thinking of starting with something more on the intermediate level.

2nd. How many strings should I be looking for? I was thinking either 4 or 5 for the music I'm interested in playing on bass (Pretty much everything except super heavy metal bass).

3rd. How much should I save up (roughly) for a decent amp, and a decent bass?

A couple that I had in mind were....

Fender Standard P OR Jazz Bass
^ I'd probably get one of those if I end up with a 4 stringer.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Bass/Electric?sku=511362
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Bass/Electric?sku=510258
^ 2 of the 5 stringers I was looking at.

Second, the Amp.

I have no clue what makes a good bass amp, so I'll really need your help here.

And last, I'm assuming my guitar experience will help in some way (especially coordination) but how much of a difference will it make? ( I plan on learning to play finger style, not using a pick)

Thanks for any help you can give me

[nopicks4me]

what you need to do is just try stuff out. both of thoes 5 stringers are fine. I cant tell you if you should get a 4 or five string, id say 4. some will say 5.

as for the amp. that really depends on where you play. im guessing since you main instrument is guitar that you dont need anything terribly huge. id say you can go with a Fender Rumble. they hold up and they have a nice sound for the money. you can always go to a better amp, such as ampeg, but not everyone has that kind of money.

Welcome to the bass world. enjoy.

[metal_bassist88]

In my opinion its easier to start on a 4 string coz there are less strings and they are further apart. though if you want the added range then probably best to go right ahead with a 5

[rhinestone04]

I'd say get a 4 string Fender Jazz Bass. I'm not much of a fan of P-Basses in general, but still, the jazz bass is great for slapping and fingerstyle. I've never really seen the use in a 5 (yes, its 5 more notes and it can give you more range on runs and stuff, but if you're really looking for more range, I'd go ahead and bump up to a 6).

Any musical background helps when learning a new instrument. I played piano for 10 years, sax for 3, and clarinet for 5 before endeavoring on bass, and it helped out immensely. The only thing to remember is to push your limits, rid your mind of any preconceived notion that a bass is a simple instrument, and if you want to really get into bass, look into jazz as bass has always played a vital role in this genre of music.