Although using a noter is the only way I know how to play, @strumelia 's statement about the noter being an extension of the soul hits home.  When I came to mountain dulcimer, in those early months/years, I could count the number of people actively played noter style (and encouraging others to do so) on two hands.  "An extension of the soul" has got me thinking.  

@randy-adams , you & Strumelia were a couple of those people and I'm grateful to you both!     

Yes, and such things make each player sound unique as well. Sometimes I think the noter is a direct extension of the soul.

Could be right Lisa. It's these sounds and subtleties makes layers of tone and sound and rhythm available to a noter player. 

Wow that's some wonderful zinging going on there Randy! Love the tone, what a lovely thing!

A thought- I think maybe the 'harmonic tones' your are hearing may be coming from when you half-lift your noter, especially when you are playing closer to the nut, in the low parts. After all if you think about it, that's almost identical to the technique used to purposely create harmonic notes. It could be that your other dulcimers don't let those harmonic tones tones ring clear as much, even though you may play them the same way.

Lots of good noise comes outa this Betsy. : ) 

At first I had doubts about volume but I can make the melody string pierce with ebony noter vs steel staple.

There is some sort of harmonic background ringing going on at times and spaces and sounds like sopranos a choir.

There's lots more to discover and understand, this dulcimer has a deeper personality. 

This gonna be fun!

Thank you for putting your skills out there Dan

And what an elegant dulcimer that is.

Yes I too remember reading that about the hearts pointing to Heaven somewhere long ago. Nice thought!

Randy, you deserve to be playing on a sweet new dulcimer that is working smoothly and not giving you any trouble- especially now coming into the dark of winter soon!  I'm really excited for you! 🤗

Thanks for the clarification, @greg-gunner!  

The inverted hearts are characteristic of Hicks dulcimers.  Edd Presnell learned dulcimer making from his father-in-law, Ben Hicks.  Edd changed the basic shape of his dulcimers over the years,  but he retained specific features like the inverted heart soundholes and the extended toe style tailpiece.  He said the hearts pointed the way to heaven.

The hearts are, really, not upside down.  I think it's the way Edd Presnell did them-- pointing toward God or heaven maybe.  

Changing seasons here Nebraska and my fav dulcimer last few years is not doing so well; frets not level, frets have grooves, tuning pegs polished don't feel good. Needs maintenance lots. I'd rather be playing the dulcimer!

So this #7-19 looks like it might be capable of helping me get to dulcimer nirvana, or somewhere close to that is ok: )

💟 Lisa

Randy- omg no I was not angling for clams at all! (and is that a mixed metaphor? angling/clams?)
No, I was genuinely curious to know if this dulcimer was for you, especially since I know you also build dulcimers.
Like, did you ask for certain things/preferences about it?- the type of wood maybe, or the size? Poplar's gotta be nice.

Alright Lisa I  would actually like to pay the percentage on this transaction when and if it takes place in the near future. 

And I'll tell you why.... I've been mooching daily entertainment for as long as yeah I think twice I've sent in a pittance and now there's a patron badge on my page which I totally don't deserve but I'll feel better about it if I pay this vig. : )

Just look at them drones over there all lined up minding their own bidness. 

Lisa

Are you angling for the fotmd juice on this transaction? If there is a transaction? : )

It sure is a nice looking dulcimer though huh?

Is this dulcimer going to you, Randy?

I've never particularly liked the hearts but they're growing on me. What does upside-down mean?

Pretty thing-- I like the upside down hearts a lot.  

This dulcimer here just might occupy quite a bit of my time in the near future. : )