Grammy,
Let's see, why did I learn to play Bass at 19 years of age (a mere 35 years ago)? Was it because I was Inspired by the Muse even then??
Oh, yeah, now I remember. I used to get drunk at parties and I'd always try and play Tequila on somebody else's Bass (somebody else's 'borrowed' bass. Bass player to Harry, 'Can I have my bass back, Man?' Harry to Bass Player, 'hiccup, Arrghh, wanna play it, hiccup'). In fact, I'd get a big blister on my thumb from thumping on the E string. Well, a friend was a great guitar player and told me to get a bass and he'd show me some stuff. I did get a bass and he did show me some stuff. As it happens, I quit drinkin' a short time later, but I've been stuck with the bass thing ever since!!
My point? There are plenty of reasons to want to play bass. Why don't you talk to the kid and see what they are?
It could be anything from,
'my headbangin' crewe needs a bass,' to
'the most beautiful girl in the church choir is starting a band.'
If follows that different circumstances may call for a different kind of bass.....Why don't you see what he's thinkin'? Or not thinkin', as the case may be!! Heck, he may even be interested in....Music!