Okay, so it might get a bit long, I just want to share my experience just happened this week.
It can be useful for guys/girls who are considering taking lessons.
I've been playing for a good 2 years now, started out with a teacher from the beginning. I got lucky with him, he's my dad's cousin, he's a very good double bass player and a pretty good (though self taught) bass player and what was even better, I didn't have to pay. I learned the basics and more, reading music, and he took me to be a substitute at the big band he played at (now he doesn't really have time for it, so I'm the bass guy there, and he doesn't have time for me either).
So the deal. I've picked up double bass and I thought it's time to work on my electric bass skills (I haven't had lessons for half a year now). I was told about a bassist in the city, who I've seen several times playing in many bands.
I considered myself pretty good (well at least seeing other bassists in town
)
Well I couldn't even tell what my objectives are at the lesson, he was caught up by even the way I was fretting :P Okay it's not messed up, but I have quite bad 'habits' and I do a lot of unnecessary moves and stuff so I've sent back to scales and arpeggios and Jaco books
And you know what? It's great that I've been told what I didn't want to hear. I have tons of stuff to polish, learn, and improve at, I have someone to tell me what to do, and I have stuff to practise.
He's quite cheap by the way, only 10 bucks per lesson which is great considering I could hardly find anyone at least this good in the area not speaking of the city itself. Also he plays mostly in styles I want to improve in (jazz, funky).
So if you're thinking about going to a teacher, go and find one, this will be the best thing happening in your bass playing career I promise...
Sorry for the long long post...
So, teacher huh? 
