Newbie String (?) question...

[Bondtana]

My first bass is a spector performer. I just got my first P-Bass from UPS today. When I picked up and played the P-Bass (unplugged), I noticed the tone sounded way less bassbuttery as opposed to the Spector. In fact, I think it sounded pretty crappy. When I plugged them in, obviously it was a different story.

Just wondering what is making the actual sound when an E-Bass isnt plugged in. Is it the strings or the body, or other stuff? Just curious.

 

[ShowKing]

does it sound like it has a bright zing when played unplugged? if so, then it's because they are new strings

 

[NS2A]

Body, neck, strings, etc. Everything really.

Spectors have a nice "acoustic" sound it seems.

 

[NKUSigEp]

Strings mostly, but everything to some extent.