String Sound Un-amplified

[WoodyC]

Just wondering what causes specific volume/tone differences when playing a string without amplification.

What got me wondering was the two basses I've played recently. One was a Jazz Copy about 2 years old nad not used that much (borrowed from a friend) and the other is my new SX SB301 that arrived last friday. The jazz makes quite a deep and loud sound, whereas the SX has a much lighter and quieter sound to it. Is it mainly the type/quality of string that affects it's unamplified sound or is it due to multiple factors?

Just wondering really....

Thanks

Michael

[DemoEtc]

You have to factor in the type of wood of the body, how thick the wood is, dryness of the wood, the mass of the slab of wood it was made out of, how much was routed out for the pickups and controls, the actual finish of the body (thick or thin coating), and the wood/finish of the neck itself.

The type/density of the bridge too.

Similar to an acoustic instrument, though less important because of the pickups. The actual physical, unamplified tone of the instrument does affect the amplified tone though; things like sustain, woodiness, wolftones, etc.

Best

[Booneman]

You're onto something! If I play a bass and it doesn't sound good with no amp I don't even bother plugging it in.