Tom,
One thing that can't be denied is that a true acoustic tone is virtually impossible on stage unless you are able to just mic it. You can come close, and what is referred to as "Nashville acoustic" sound is pretty easy to get. Doesn't really sound acoustic, though.

I would say just plugged it in and go with it. I always find that no matter how concerned I am with my own tone, most people don't even notice or care.

Funny thing...I was watching old HeeHaw episodes, yesterday and there was Roy Clark picking the heck out of a Bluegrass tune on a Les Paul through a Fender amp. Sounded Great!!

Like Brent I, too, saw Sam Broussard playing his Bourgeois Vintage D at Balfa Camp. If you check Dana Bourgeois' website pantheonguitars.com, and select the "Bourgois Players" link found of the left on that Home page, you can drill down to see a picture of Sam and his Vintage D along with James Leva playing a Bourgeois mahogany D...I think this was for James Leva's CD " 'Til I Know" released in 2005.

Dale