Leeneia is right about plastic basses. They are in tune, have good intonation throughout their range and sound OK. Many people who have wood smaller recorders play plastic bass because of the price of wood basses - think abt twice the price of an equivalent quality tenor. I suggest you go for a plastic bass unless you the money for a wood bass and can get to a shop where you can try them.

As I said earlier, I started with a plastic bass and still play mine.