Hey,

I am a junior at the US Merchant Marine Academy. I used to play bass (electric) through my senior year of high school in the jazz bands and a small rock group with my friends. Once I came to the academy I pretty much stopped altogether. Between going to out to sea, being a plebe (freshman), and small dorm rooms (or barracks as we like to call them) I never got my bass here and have pretty much not played for a little over 2 years now.

I know I could go home right now, put some of my old jazz music on a stand (with notes, not chords) and play it (for the most part...probably forgot what some notes on some frets are). I'm still able to read music as I play trombone in the regimental band here, and there are no school run opportunities to play my bass, other then in my room or with a kid who maybe can play guitar. I'm thinking about trying to make some room in my room and bring my bass back this weekend.

I have two questions. Seeing as how my bass has been packed away for so long would it be a good idea to go get new strings and a tune up? And, how should I go about getting back into it? Just re-playing some of my old jazz music and messing around with songs on my computer that I like? That will probably be the extent of what I can do with it at school, but I was wondering if there were any routines you guys would recommend. Thanks. Davygravy