Thanks to all above for the suggestions, much obliged.
I'll try dropping down to D first and using the capo more.
Meanwhile, I'll look for some lighter gauge strings.
I really am impressed with the tone of this 12 stringer. I feel the rosewood gives it a deeper and less jangly sound overall.
Just what I was looking for.
I myself was on a search to tone down the jangle on my F65ce, same body outline (albeit cutaway); 3"deep and arched back
maple body.
Finally hit on using GHS silk and steel lights tuned a full step down.
You might be quite pleasantly surprised at how s&s or even s&b sound even at standard pitch.
Intonation does get a little touchy when tuned down to D standard but it might be less of an issue with a 12...or maybe not.
I can transpose pretty easily if necessary, because I can't abide using capos.
For a more in depth explanation of my hypotheses and the results, see my thread here, with a cell-phone vid of the F65ce and feedback from folks who've heard previous clips on it.
Posts numbers 5, 8 and 10 in particular may be of interest.
Again, some of the ideas are hypothetical on my part but it seems to have worked and may give you ideas of your own.
The general principle of the difference in total set tension differences between silk-wound and bronze wrapped strings and how it might affect the top applies equally to 12's and 6's, and the easier playability of he silk types is an added bonus for me at least:
http://www.letstalkguild.com/ltg/showthread.php?199255-Al-s-Farewell-Tour
There was also a similar thread dedicated to 12-strings specifically and another member asked a similar question yesterday so I guess I'll go try to dig that one up too for both of ya, stay tuned.
Oh, in fact, here it is now:
http://www.letstalkguild.com/ltg/showthread.php?199016-12-string-string-guage/page2
Mixed in with our usual digressions are some good solid suggestions for 12-ers specifically.