Oooh.. if she's a tall big girl it'd be cool to see her having the string bass on her shoulder

Oh! I'm sorry, the donkey's gonna be a boy :B

The bass here is named Evelyn, and may feature as a "character" perhaps as an omnicient narrator or when I need a voice with an outside perspective.

Hmm, like the "Log Lady" from the old Twin Peaks intro - or a Greek chorus.

*laughs* Okay, read it at 3 am, that's my excuse ;D

An electric bass! Maybe one of those big, stylish Rickenbackers with the neat curves!

How about

upright acoustic that's been chopped/modified into an electric with huge hand-wrapped pickup coils?

MY MIND IS BLOWN

NOW I AM HUNGRY FOR BACON

I APPROVE.

Oh fuck yeah, that would kick ass!

I want to say double bass because holy crap they are so sweet

Buuut an electric one is probably more suitable for the band.

This is a tough decision. I think I'd have to see the character first to decide, really! Right now I'm sort of leaning toward upright bass, since it would be easier to hear without an amplifier, but it'd also be harder to carry around.

Upright acoustic, please.
I think it would better fit their more 'quirky' theme.
Anyone can look like an awesome rocker while playing the electric, but you have to roll hardcore to rock out playing the acoustic.

Oh! I just thought of something! What if he played a Guitarrón mexicano instead of a bass? I dunno, maybe this is a silly idea, I just figured I'd throw it out there.

i mentioned that another character is already using an acoustic guitar, you can certainly claim a point for the exotic suggestion, though.

Yeah, I know, I just figured I'd toss it out there anyway!

I like the electric. And donkeys.

To me, an upright bass makes me think more of a jazz band than a rock band.

I'd go with the electric, unless you really want to subvert expectations.

It will be an upright bass, but instead of wood it will be made of carbon fiber like one of these:

http://www.allthingsstrings.com/art.....rticleid=21723

ACOUSTIC. Nothing better than a band with an upright acoustic carrying the sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om5LtHKMrio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NneErqbermg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWSLJszH70o

Oh, and I think he should mix it up, depending on what song is being played. Although, donkeys being a critter known for carrying travellers' heavy baggage, it might make for interesting imagry him carrying that big bass around.

Upright Acoustic.

Upright acoustic! I love that kind of bass.

Upright Acoustic! I love hearing rock or metal bands combine their sounds with more jazz, or classical instruments. It's a beautiful combination.

Probably too late but electric bass because SO DELICIOUS

There is something attractive about the idea of forcing the character to lug around this large, cumbersome, fragile instrument, possibly while being berated by the others about not updating. Plus I'm also a fan of the spinning and slapping.
'Course this is coming from a guy who spent most of his public schoolings in a school orchestra.

Electric five stringer :V

Nothing says he can't have both. Think Marshall Grant (played with Cash).

Ha, or upright starting out, since he hasn't discovered the pitfalls of carting an upright yet. :D http://www.furious.com/perfect/marshallgrant.html

I'd go for the upright, because there's so many fun things you can do with it, visually. It's like a whole person.

Upright, so he can do bass stands while rockin' out.

Upright Acoustic

FWIW, I prefer the guitar-bass over the upright bass if, for no other reason, it seems more like something that could be easily carried around. I know you're changing things around and that the band has a van, but I see them wandering around trying to get to town and the upright just seems too bulky. Also, as has been pointed out, uprights tend to suggest a different kind of music, more blues or rockabilly. Both are well drawn, though!

You can stick a wheel on the end-pin at the bottom :)

There would be more sentiment in an upright acoustic. Being so large, the movement of playing her would be like a dance. I see this character coming off more blues than the others. Possibly a 20's romantic. A fedora, pinstripe vest, that sort of feel. He's the foundation of the troupe, the phlegmatic, sensible one. He enjoys the flamboyance of those around him, and certainly has his own flare, but he's more buttoned-down than the others. This setup gives you some leeway with build, but over or under weight he'd probably be fit.

If you're going for the techy feel of the chopped upright above, the instrument is even more intimate. It's his creation. Being the technical type, he is still vital to the group, without groupies he'd be setting them up for their initial gigs. Something of a desk nerd slash grease monkey. Glasses, a button up with rolled up sleeves, tools in his pockets. He's not as wild as the others but he's respected. With this profile he'd either be lanky or fat. Certainly malnourished.

Upright acoustic bass with low-C extension and a pickup. Maybe the bassist can put his hat on top of the scroll.