I think Ray is spot on about the two companies overly bright sound.

I would lean towards the open backs from either company and then have it set up specifically to frail. I would lean towards a Fiber Skin head set up just a little bit loose.

Tite Means Brite!

I would also make or buy and use a slightly chunky bridge. The bridge and the head would give you a fatter sound than the thin bite of a Bluegrass set up. This would be a more folky sound whether frailed or picked.

This is how my Ode is usually set up and I like the sound just fine.

Don