I play in a group that plays a retirement home and if you want a Gibson that competes in loudness it's the AJ, next would be a J- 35 because of the forward shifted braces, then maybe a Dove, last would probably be a J-45.
I agree about the saddle and nut, pins a different issue. I've replaced a set of bone pins with ebony pins and I noticed a difference that made the guitar less tinny ( best word I can use to describe the sound) on my rosewood guitars. When it comes to strings I usually go by phospher bronze for hogs and 80/20's for rosewood, but each guitar is different so applications may change.
I know what your saying. When I worked in the Fire Dept. we had a large tiled bathroom, myself and another guy who played harmonica use to jam in there , it was great, we called it the bathroom sessions.