Go over to the Double Bass forums
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f44/
This is the bass guitar side and please read the newbie thread links.
Stay away from those cheap ebay uprights. They are usually made from green wood, glued together with industrial adhesives which means they can never be repaired if the have a problem and cost more just to try to set one up to play half decently than the cost of the bass. Many of us refer to such basses as BSOs - Bass Shaped Objects.
If you want to find a useable upright, go to people like
www.nicklloydbasses.com www.kensmithbasses.com www.urbbob.com www.uptonbass.com www.bassesonline.com
and other real bass specialists
These are just a few of the folks who specialize in real double basses. Also count on reserving at least a few hundred dollars for a proper setup. These things are not like bass guitars, where you can buy a cheapie and tweak it a little and have something decent. Everything costs 10X more in the double bass world.
You also may want to look into renting a basss at first or doing a rent to buy thing. Some stores do that and it may be a good option financially.
Peace,
S
