Newbie here.

[GMCBFamily]

Hello to everyone.

Brand new here today. Site looks cool.

I (dad) played lots of instruments when kid - enjoyed guitar and drums most but did not really take seriously. Much older now...........

My mother is concert-level pianist. Little brother is accomplished guitar player and former Taylor Guitars exec.

HISTORY
I have always been a big music fan and enjoy almost all genres. I have been re-discovering the playing of music with my two kids for the past 5 years.

My 13 year-old daughter has been playing violin and piano since 3rd grade - 8th grade now. Advanced orchestra and All-County First Violin again this year.

6 year old son has been playing piano since 2 years old. Found piano book and CD for him when he was 2 (side benefit was that I re-learned sheet music and all about rythym and tempo from it, too :-) Now my son reads sheet music well, plays well, and writes own cute little songs. He has incredible sense of timing and rhythm

My wife has Yamaha Clavonova and plays piano well but not since kids. All classical. :-(

THE GOAL
Family fun time together without spending a bunch of money and creating a lot of distractions. Development of common family goals and interests. Furthering musical interests and accomplishments of kids. We feel that music appreciation and development is healthy for child development.

I have been trying to get wife back on piano. I think this effort would give her a little push.

NOw is the time for me to pickup an instrument and make a quartet out of this - no ambitious plans - just fun together.

THE PLAN
Just got our daughter an electric violin for XMAS to help her explore new dimensions in her violin playing and different genres than mostly classical. She is having fun with it and has been chosen to do a solo piece with her electric in an upcoming orchestral school event. :-)

Also, got our son a 3/4 scale 6 string electric Fender for XMAS. He has started lessons and is doing really well. He is jamming on my daughter's old 3/4 scale first violin also although no formal training yet. Still plays pipano for fun.

ACTIONABLE PLAN
I sense the time is NOW for me to get an instrument! A little bit worried I won't stick it out and will disappoint my whole family.... They all play so well. Fooled around with a couple of different instruments now and I feel comfortable with the electric BASS - 5 string I think. It is easy for me to play the large strings, avoids the complexity of chords, and fits well to my 6-3" 220 lb self.

NEED NELP!
I need quick advice on what to get. I have an opportunity locally on a Washburn ABT at a pawn shop. Is this a really good choice? How about some other make/model options - active vs. passive, pass-thru neck, bolt on vs. laminated necks, acoustic electric vs. solid body, 4 vs 5 vs 6 string??? I have neurology issues due to old injuries - need to keep action easy, spacing reasonable. Want 5th string due to easy of playing some notes using 5th string.

ON A BUDGET
I don't want to spend a lot but I don't want to think I am playing buzzy, distorted junk in 3 to 6 months either..... Good first, sustainable near term-choice.
Thanks in advance from all of us. :-)