[jonfields45]

One more thought... His 000-21 somewhere in its life had the bridge plate replaced with something similar in size to the rosewood bridge plate era Martins but a bit thicker. His D-18S is factory stock with the over sized rosewood bridge plate. Possible both of these guitars, like my RainSongs, don't put out enough 5th harmonic (open high E and B strings) to trigger his perception of a problem.

I've played both guitars and the 000-21 seems somewhat quiet. The D-18S is big and wonderful sounding (though I guess scalloped and small bridge plated it might be even better).

And for what it's worth, in addition to not remarking on the lower string height at the nut, he did not note any tone difference with the Tusq nut (compared to the older bone one).