I've been recently looking at learning double bass, with little experience on a stringed instrument, and no experience without frets, (although I already play two other instruments, - a brass + a woodwind.) I am fully aware that I may need to get the feeling for strings without frets by first picking up violin or cello, (probably violin,) before I can get to upright bass, but this isn't a problem, as I'd be very happy to learn any stringed, fretless instrument as well. NOTE; I have, some time ago started to play a little bit of guitar, and have one at home, so I have at least had a little bit of a feeling for fingers holding strings, chords, hands playing different parts etc. It's not much experience, but I feel like it may help a little bit. So, as you can tell, I'm almost a complete novice when it comes to strings, although I am very excited and enthusiastic about the idea of learning. Please help!?

Even I'm excited.

There's no reason to start on a smaller insrtument - go straight for the bass. A lot of people do. Have fun.