Thank you for ALL your suggestions. I think I would try The Cuckoo first, that sounds like a suggestion I'd like.
I didn't realize that Buckets of Rain is a dropped D (that means regular tuning just with bass E tuned to D, correct?)

I will go to U Tube and try some other suggestions here. I HAVE noticed the resonance, esp. b/c my second guitar is little and doesn't have a big sound- really opened it up in DADGAD.

I may also try DADF#AD as I noticed the chord postions in DADGAD seem to require stretching my fingers a little further they seem to want to go. :-)
thanks GANG I knew I could count on you!!!

Still wondering about Rockport Sunday tho, anyone know about it?