Double Bass More rumble?

[Robert Murphy]

I play a plywood bass with Weich strings behind two talented female singers with guitar and mandolin. My role is tasteful pizz backup and rhythm. At the end of certain phrases I can grab a handful of open E or A and let the bass rumble for a whole tone or two. This works great. Good volume and sustain to my ears but I don't have anything to compare it to. My question is have I stumbled onto a good combination of wood and wire or in your vast experience is there more to be gained with better strings or some other setup?

 

[martinc]

Robert:

How does your bass sound when you play B and B flat on the A string and E flat and E on the D?
Does it still sound big and full?
If it does....don't change a thing.

 

[Robert Murphy]

I just got home from pratice and yes I get good sustain from first position notes so all is well, thanks and now for some vibrato!