I did a few different searches and knew what I wasn't looking for (McNally, Merlin, etc.) in the way of a strum stick.
EDIT: Funny, until seeing your reply to me, I hadn't seen the photo with the stamp on the headstock-- I missed a few of the photos.
There are elements of an eBay instrument which remind me of your instrument, @boingercat:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Strumstick-Handmade/174043907074?hash=item2885d34402:g:nTYAAOSwcJVdj~Ot
*Note the mention of maker's initials at the tuners.
@david-messenger There are elements which make me wonder whether the dulcimer was put together from a kit. The hearts look very uniform (as though many were cut just alike) and the ply top and fretboard look basic.
Curious. I wish I had a clue as to who was the maker, David. What jumps to mind, though, is the maker had some sort of banjo tail piece in mind when they they did the tail on the mountain dulcimer.
Wow, @paulinphoenix, such a neat story! It sounds as though you have a wonderful collection of instruments with memories to match.
@david-messenger That metal piece surely is distinctive-- thanks for the photo! I can't help but wonder whether under this metal piece is where the original string anchors were located and the metal piece was added after the original string anchors failed some way.
@david-messenger The tail on your instrument looks really distinctive. If we could have a better look at it, perhaps someone can help make a positive ID on who was the maker?
I buy metal loop or ball end strings, depending on the design of the tail of the dulcimer. Just get an appropriate gauge and you're good to go!
Some have experimented with gut/nylon strings with mixed results.
What a great interview with Paul! It is hard to imagine he could not have Dulcimer Acquisition Disorder given the genetics on his father's side. haha (Paul's dad has had a musical influence on me though I'll never be able to do half of what John Henry does!)
Thanks for sharing the interview-- a delight to see!
I enjoyed your video, Ariane! I don't know how to play from written arrangement so can't offer any meaningful feedback on it though I am sure it is good.
Thanks for this interview-- I had familiarity with neither Tony nor his music! Also, Tony mentions Kim Lowings and I know she has been a member here at FOTMD though am not sure whether she still has a page here or not. The Appalachian dulcimer is alive and well far from the Appalachians! :)
I look forward to seeing what you decide to do with the fingerboard! Perhaps tied frets with Nylagut strings? Fretless is darn cool, too.
Doggone cool, John! I'd play it like a fretless. :)
What a wonderful idea, Ariane! Mark & I look forward to participating. <3
PS- Some of the very best tunes are the simple ones. I'm not a "technical" player so simple tunes work well for me.
Kendra is a great player-- of both mountain and hammered dulcimers! I really enjoyed the interview and photos. She is a great source of information because it is part of her heritage.
@don-grundy Hey, a bench counts!
Such an awful day. . . May we always strive to bring peace on Earth with goodwill to all.
If life allows, it'd be fun to go to Chillicothe and try to find any early instrument(s) Chet Hines built. (I have deep family roots in Ross County, Ohio.)
Haha! Molly, I used to say of one of our dogs how she was spoiled-- just smell her.
@molly-mccurdy Those pups look like they're living the good life! :) Great pics!
@john-c-knopf I'm not one bit surprised the buyer loves it. 
@dulcinina & @marg Your time making music with friends sounds wonderful!
@dedicated-dad I knew what you meant and second @Dusty-Turtle on joining the 4 Equidistant Strings group. We're happy to have you here at FOTMD!
It seemed to me the OP was referring to the strings closest to the body as "upper strings" of the equidistant strings because he clearly asked whether they were played together as if they were close together (as some melody strings are doubled).
@gulfcoastgal What a pretty cat! She got the size Small genes. :)
@dulcinina Dusty sure is cute and is lucky to have her new family!
Hey, @lisavb & @ken-hulme So good y'all were able to be out to celebrate the music holiday! :)
@hugssandi I was unable to play the video here yet I saw it from fb-- yay, girls! The photos and vids from your day were a delight to see.
Thanks, @Strumelia! My highest aspiration as a player is to be a good porch player.
I've enjoyed all the postings of PMOTPD!
Great hearing from Butch by way of your interview! It's been too long since I've seen him 'live'.
@hugssandi What a happy late-August Christmas! I loved seeing the photos and reading your summary of the day, a time to cherish, I imagine. <3
That matching possum board looks so good-- nicely done, John! The new owner is, indeed, fortunate.
David, I enjoyed your video! How cool your neighbor came to get in on the fun, too.
Nice picture, Ken L!
Kevin & Steven-- I like insect accompaniment! :)
Oh, cool, @dedicated-dad! The mahogany looked lovely in the photo. Enjoy!
@ballad-gal I learned of it in 2016 on Facebook. it's a great holiday!
Have a great PMOTPD, friends!
Yay, @dedicated-dad! Good sleuthing. Chet Hines was an Ohio maker. :)
What a cool instrument! I'm throwing out a guess-- Bill Davis?
Thanks, @redmando! I'm enjoying your interviews.
@jill-geary Yes, noter on the patio-- perfect!
I love seeing y'all's responses!
