I want to get a bass guitar, but I don`t know how to play one. I will learn though! My question is what kind of guitar should I get? I was thinking about an Aria IGB40. The IGB40 features an Alder carved top, maple bolt on neck with rosewood fingerboard, 24 frets, 34" scale, 1 double coil neck and 1 single coil bridge pick up, 2 volume and& 1 tone controls and chrome hardware. Comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Price was $375.00 is now $229.00. I don`t know if that`s a crappy guitar or what really. It sure is pretty though. If anyone can help at all I`d really appreciate it! Thanks. Also.. if it`s better to go for a 4 string or 5 string.. ??

Yeah, okay. First, strat off with a four stringer, that is unless you are serious and want the five stringer. Second, get the bass that you feel comfortable with. It doesn`t matter. A bass is a bass is a bass is a bass. True, the tone quality is different, but it`s best to start out with a cheaper one. Hope this helps and happy playing!

i say do whatever you want, because your just beginning and it wont really matter for like a year

Get something that:

1. Has nice action without buzz
2. Has a straight neck
3. Is comfortable to play (Neck heavy = teh suck)
4. Sounds decent
5. Isn`t too expensive

http://archive.bassplayer.com/gear/howtobuy.shtml <-- Check this out, it`s a pretty good article.

Get Bass Guitar for Dummies. Trust me. I effectively doubled my ability to play in one night by reading it.