Sorry for the dumb newb question...

[Twospot]

So I am new to bass, I don't even have one yet LOL. However my bday is next sunday an my amazing wife is getting me a Schecter Diamond P Custom that I absolutely fell in love with. Its already on hold for us to go pickup. It was an amazing moment to find an instrument that feels so right.

I was wondering is there anything I can start doing BEFORE I even have the bass to start learning? Any exercises, suggested reading (over and above these forums, which are awesome)?

[Old Joe]

Here's an excellent place to start.

I'm actually using it right now as a refresher.

[dtiii]

Hone in on the bass lines of any music that you listen to and try to hum or sing along with it.

Congrats on starting.

[ksandvik]

Listen to a lot of music you like, especially the bass lines.

[Twospot]

Thanks all!

[Twospot]

Originally Posted by Old Joe

Here's an excellent place to start.

I'm actually using it right now as a refresher.

I do have book one. I like the all in one much better. Pretty sweet price as well!

[fearceol]

Dont neglect technique. Whatever you learn, you will want to play it to the best of your ability, and in the process avoid wrist and hand problems that could arise due to bad technique. Having said that, nothing is written in stone, so find a technique that suits you and is comfortable and safe. Now is the best time to develop good technique before bad habits develop.

A few minutes spent checking out these clips would be time well spent IMO.

Best of luck with it, and welcome to the low end.

Todd Johnson Bass Guitar : Floating thumb technique - YouTube

Developing Safe Left Hand Technique for Bass Guitar - YouTube

Beginner Bass Guitar Lesson: Left Hand Technique - YouTube

[MalcolmAmos]

The book already mentioned is a must have. I like Bass Guitar for Dummies as a starting point you may find a copy in your public library. The graphs and patterns are very good.

Dummies will have all the how to's. How to hold your bass, how to tune it, how to get sound from it, and how to mute some of that sound, things like that. The fundamentals.

Online Bass Lessons at StudyBass.com is well worth your time. The first couple of pages go into detail how we should use our bass.

Some things you will also want.
An electric tuner. $15 - $35
A metronome. Free on the Internet or $15 to $35
A guitar stand. $15 to $20
A music stand. $15
Think about a soft gig bag. You really do not need it now, but, when you start taking lessons you will need some way of lugging that beast around. $35 - $50
An amp. 10 to 15 watts is enough for practicing. $150 -$200. Get one that has an earphone jack, so you can practice and not disturb the family.
A cable from the bass to the amp. $15 - $20.

Lessons. $75 for 4 weekly 30 minute sessions. Best $75 you will ever spend. Couple of months to get started, it need not be a lifetime thing.

Welcome to the bottom end.

[Stumbo]

Ear training.

Also, check out the >500 links below. Should keep you busy for a few days.