My other bass is a recorder - a contrabass recorder to be precise. A different instrument altogether and for a different style of playing but it plays in the bass range - similar pitch range to a cello or bassoon but smaller range, Two octaves above F. I have used it as a bass with our Folk Band though. The U-Bass will be much better suited to that role, though. I also have a regular bass recorder. That is pitched an octave higher, lowest note F below middle C. I use it in the folk band to play harmonies that go below the treble clef As well as playing both in recorder groups.
To answer some questions.
It has the standard strings on. I won't be changing them for a while until I have given the instrument a good workout.
I had some problems with tuning to start with, not being used to such low notes. The shop had it tuned a tone+ higher - presumably to encourage the strings to settle more quickly. I did get it in tune, though. Not got a bass amp yet. The parking near the shop was all taken so I left it till later. It can be played acoustically but is very quiet. I plugged it into my Marshall Micro amp and it did surprisingly well. Obviously not the full on tone of a proper bass amp but enough for practising at home. It is fretted. I didn't trust myself to cope with a fretless one at this stage - maybe for the future. Myrna, I would imagine you will be OK with a fretless one.
