[Brucebubs]

I'd be interested to see if you find the same tonal difference on a later model Martin 12-string where they changed from their traditional bridge string set up from octaves closest to the saddle and primary strings at the rear to the 'Guild-like' set up with the primary strings closest to the saddle and the octaves at the rear.

I can't help thinking they changed it for a reason and the only thing I can think of is that placing the primary's closer to the saddle gave them a much greater string break angle and possibly more volume and a slightly less 'jangly' or treble dominated balance?