Alright, I have never even played the bass guitar before but I am really quite keen to learn to. I'm really desperate for advice from anybody willing to give it.

What type of guitar should I buy? I am willing to pay around $500NZ but not really much more and don't care if its second hand. Should I buy 4 or 5 string bass? I think I'd like to play slap bass, does that require a different type of bass guitar?

i play bass, and no slap does not need a diff. type of guitar, but in my opinion, 4-string is easier, but w/e u feel more comfortable with, and go to guitarcenter.com and look for one u like around tht price range, and if not tht site, i got mine from eBay ha

Go to a lake..... and catch one? Why buy one? Such a waste of money. :/

Get the Gibson Thunderbird!!! =D Bass of my dreams!

4 strings is fine if you're just starting and I'd probably look for a Gibson or a Washburn. You can slap on any bass.

 And you were complaining earlier today about the lack of intelligence in peoples posts.

 *Sigh*

lol a gibson bass gitaar for 500 dollars? Not likely.. Sorry don't really know much about bass.. Though it is more important you get a good amp for the bass guitar. Do you already have a bass amp?

I personally liked this one

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/adc/10100308A~Largemouth-Bass-Fish-Posters.jpg

But i can't give much advice, don't know nothing about bass

 He said he didn't care if it was second hand.

Actually I'm spot on about that, and this further reinforces my position.

You should probably head to the shop though before it closes.  Your sarcasm detector appears to be busted. :/

http://cgi.ebay.nl/Vintage-60s-Gibson-SG-Bass-EB-0-VERY-SPECIAL-NR_W0QQitemZ120232811562QQihZ002QQcategoryZ64402QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m122

http://cgi.ebay.nl/2007-Gibson-Les-Paul-Money-Bass-Blue-MINT_W0QQitemZ350037541068QQihZ022QQcategoryZ64402QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m122

The 2nd one is better.. but they are both Gibsons so extreme quality is ensured