Hi Dennis , Welcome to UTGF,
I've had too many 900s to remember them all.
But I've had 1st genneration 912s, 914s and the 910s, 97-2000s
I currently have 4 second generation 900s the one with forward shift x bracing tops all Engelmann topped
I sold my DMSM 914 which was a 3rd generation ( CV ) bracing body
Here's a short take
The 1st gen. were nice sounding but lacked warmpth ,deepth and volume.
The 2nd gen , were now louder with more punch, and presents
The current CV braced tops as of 2010 now have a very warm and organic tone, less of the sparkle of the two prior gens.
That DMSM was the best sounding x14 I had very held and played.
My current 2004 L7s (Brazilians) are just fine and have gotten better with age.
The 2006 914ce Ltd. (Coco/Engelmann) Is a excellent combo love it too.
Again in short the early one wer just less in sound all around.
But the necks of the non NT guitar were thinner feeling. If you like that.
Off the subject, but just for metion. My Fall 2008 GAce -C is a 900 with adirondack CV braced Sitka top with Coco. This one is the biggest sounding, and on top of my list .