as for a good student instrument, I used to play on a selmer and it was a decent instrument. I don`t know the exact model but it was probably the least expensive one. For reeds, if you have played clarinet before, just normal vandoren sz. 2 1/2 or 3. If not go w/ sz. 2. For a method book, I used essential elements, but you will go through that quickly. I`m not sure if that make it but, Melodious and Progressive studies is good. I use that for clarinet. Hope this helped. let me know if you need any more Bass Clarinet info.

Uh, for method books and stuff, all clarinet stuff works too. The half step lower on a bass clarinet (low e flat) doesn't really come up too much in music, so basically you can play any clarinet music. And I can tell you now, you should get used to high notes, as you'll be playing them a lot.