I have the same issue w/ my Breedlove, which I understand is typical of cedar tops. If you're looking for clarity over "mellow", you should at least try a Rainsong. The clarity and note separation struck me immediately. Loud and effortless (maybe too much so for some players.) I played a carbon composite guitar this weekend, and I was very, very impressed. I tried one of this manufacturer : CA guitars, their website seems to be down now, but here's the link to some HC reviews. http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews...raditional/10/1 I am sure my next accoustic will be a carbon composite.