...I bought a Martin MC 16, which has quite a small , narrow body, but still has good volume and bass, so I guess I'm a convert now !!!

bubblyrat, Martin M's are wider across the lower bout than Martin dreadnoughts. 16 inches as opposed 15 5/8", I think. I agree they're much more comfortable to play - I have two of them, and no more dreads - but that's because they're thinner, back to front.

Peter.