% of amber glands is kind of a personal thing, I personally chop mine at about 5-10% amber, sounds like you want more of the couch lock.

About what % of glands are amber? Also, when you cure your bud it will taste better.

The taste of your bud has more to do with the drying and curing methods than it does chopping them a few days early. Is the smell there? If not, you likely dried them too quickly.