"Thumping a D-45" to me would be akin to slapping a lady around. I think not. But I am a fairly delicate player and never get to aggressive with an instrument. I figure if the instrument's got TONE, you just have to tickle it to bring it out. But that's me, and there are different strokes for different folks. A live situation gets your adrenaline going and sure, there is a tendancy to pick harder. I try and resist and let the p.a. do the work.