Anyone with Deering dulcimer info?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Let me answer your question, but first help you with some terminology. What you are asking is "does the 'depth' of the sides not the 'thickness' influence the sound."] Both will influence the sound of the dulcimer. Stiffer sides generally help with projection of the sound. The thickness of the sides is usually between 1/8 th and 1/10 th of an inch and helps create the stiffness. Depth can vary as you've noticed. Deeper sides tend to emphasize the bass sounds, but other factors come in to play. The vibrating string length (VSL), the types of wood used, the strength of the glue joints, the type of strings, how you play it, etc. all influence sound. Notice how different the dulcimer sounds when you play close to the bridge, over the strum hollow, over the fret board.
I hope this answer was simple enough, but still gives you some other information to expand your knowledge of the dulcimer.
Enjoy your dulcimer journey. Play well. Be safe.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
updated by @ken-longfield: 01/18/21 08:36:13PM