Newbie tuning questions

[Snore]

Hey everyone im new to TalkBass and to bass in general so ive got a few questions. My appologies if these are blindingly obvious or just plain stupid :P

Tuning a bass: For someone totally new to bass would it be best to try and learn to tune by ear straight of the bat or would it be best to try and use a bass tuner or tuning application to begin with?

Also, would anyone be able to recommend a reasonable bass tuner and/or tuning app?

Thanks for any help

[Vorago]

I think it's best to tune one of your strings, the D for instance by using a tuner, and tune the rest of the strings to that D by using harmonics.

[CrazyArcher]

+1, but it depends how much you trust your ears. If you don't, proof-check your tuning with an electronic tuner at the end.

[chasfr]

Developing one's ear is a good thing, I guess, but it's not cheating to use a tuner--especially for a beginner. I'd rather be tuned correctly with mechanical assistance than be off a smidge because I did it by ear.

chas