Question for intermediate to experienced bass players?

Question:im getting this bass:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/I...

its already shipped and on its way. since its kind of cheap, i want to "deck it out" with really good strings and other stuff like that. can you intermediate or experianced bass players give me some suggestions on what i should do to make my bass even better. (talking low budget, since im only 14) and i have another queation: are bass picks the same as guitar picks or do basses have special picks?? thanks!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: im getting this bass:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/I...

its already shipped and on its way. since its kind of cheap, i want to "deck it out" with really good strings and other stuff like that. can you intermediate or experianced bass players give me some suggestions on what i should do to make my bass even better. (talking low budget, since im only 14) and i have another queation: are bass picks the same as guitar picks or do basses have special picks?? thanks!!

Your link did not show a specific product but I'd be happy to provide some global tips.

1) Get your bass set up by a guitar tech. The set up will greatly effect the way the instrument plays and sounds.

2) Keep good strings on it. I change mine once a month or so. Keeping it in a case and dry post play will extend the life.

3) Practice at least once a day. Always! Even if it's only a few minutes. Slap on your favorite CD and play along. Stop the CD to learn the parts then go on to learn the whole song. ( I play along with Rush allot. What a blast! )

4) Have fun. In my opinion ( A bass player) Bass is the funnest instrument to play.

As for a pick. I don't use one. Many players do but to me a pick on a bass takes some tone quality and control away. Yes you can play faster but that's not every thing. Old school players used felt picks. Try using your fingers. Watch Getty Lee of Rush.

Have fun!
Bassist for the band Local Stranger

www.localstranger.com