Welcome to the DB world. I played electric for 16 years before taking up the 2xbass.
Absolutely the only way to start is with a good teacher. What you already know will help but the approach is generally different - more up and down the neck than across. Start with shorter practice sessions - there are new muscles to build. Learn to use a bow - you can't hide poor intonation while playing arco (it's easier to get by with "close" when playing pizz.) Get a good teacher. There are lots of good method books. I'm using the Progressive Repertoire method by George Vance (get it on the web at Lemur Music, a great resource). Go to
http://www.gollihur.com, absolutely the best links page out there. Subscribe to the 2xbass list and search the archives there (see instructions on Bob Gollihur's page). Check this side of the board and the archives. I have learned a lot from the regular posters here. Study with a good teacher. Make sure your bass is set up properly (I've heard there are good luthiers in the DC area). No need to add to the guaranteed frustration of learning this beast by having a needlessly difficult to play bass.
Have fun with it. Oh, and did I mention get a good teacher?
