That could very well be. It's hard to overcome the limitations of the body shape but a combination of better pickup location, the neck mass and ditching the short scale could do it.
And don't forget the double pointy things on each body wing. They must do something for the sound.
The maho-neck-thru (as opposed to the basswood wings) probably contributes to a bit more flesh in sound too, it certainly isn't the usaul combo for body and neck.
"Double pointy things", yes.
They do serve a purpose. Which one you ask? Silly you: If you put the bass into a regular stand with a supporting fork, the bass will "snap in" and can then only be removed with great difficulty unlesss you want the stand to cling to it! This always causes laughs in the rehearsal room. My bad really, as I forgot to order an optional Dean girl with it as those are very good at holding it while you withdraw, limitations of the body etc.
Holding the stand and withdrawing the bass that is.