In my opinion, the strings are an often underrated factor. THE most underrated factor! When over here the "Musicstore" in Cologne got in the 734a, I tested it and was very pleased with its sound.
After some time, I went there to test it again, even brought my old Yami to compare but by that time the strings of the 734 were so done that to this day I could not manage to get the same impression out it. It sounds very bad and I am happy that I played it when strings were new. Writing this- I was in the store yesterday- the 734 could not convince me to buy it because it sounds so "bad" with old strings (for my ears) like any bass does. I like them fresh with as much highs as possible... Out of experience (for my sound) I always tend to say: The best bass effect (pedal) is: putting on new strings!