Growl? Sustain?

[Chrix]

Ok. I must admit. I've got a bad case of just-played-someone-else's-bass-itis. My friend has an older German bass (he thinks it's a Pollman, but isn't quite sure). Anyhoo, his bass has a great growl on the low end and the low E string, especially, sustains for days, which really helps with the tone that that instrument can get. He uses the same strings that I use (Obligatos), so I know that isn't the answer, so what are some things that can be done to the instrument to get that kind of sound? Any information is greatly appreciated.

[hdiddy]

I'd just search the setup forums for the term "growl" and "setup". There's plenty o dat stuff to go around.

But I think it's also a combination of bass & strings - not just setup alone. Spiro mittels seems to growl like mad. My Animas ain't no slouch either.