I really like the idea of the "possum box" doubling as a case for your dulcimer and accessories.  May give that a try myself.

My Bag Lady double bag is falling apart after only a dozen years of serious wear and tear.   I needed a carry mechanism to fly with a dulcimer to North Carolina from Florida, stowing the dulcimer in the overhead compartment.  And I love the idea of multi-tasking devices.  A "possum box" seemed like the obvious solution.

Making a box is a great idea, Ken.  I'm surprised all possom boards aren't boxes.  

The only problem with rubber feet or felt covered feet/risers is that they do deaden the sound somewhat.  Wood-to-wood contact is best whether on a table or the risers of a possum board.  I once used little wooden 'buttons' from a craft shop for feet, stuck on with the thin double sided tape.  Worked perfectly.

Ken!  Great box, dulcimer, and pool!!!  I really do appreciate the visual~thank you.  

CD!!!!  It's great to "see" you, and great minds!  I had that same idea and am so blessed to see it tried successfully already!  :)  ~I will proceed~

Here's my "Possum Box" with my Uncle Ed Thomas replica.  The box is built from 1/4" thick poplar boards from Home Despot, and instead of hinges, the top (seen my my right foot long with straps and a pick bag) is held on with a pair of 1" web straps.  I can use the top itself as a possum board, but I found that the upside down box gives me even more volume.

The Thomas replica has three feet on its bottom, so I don't need any 'riser' strips to free up the back to vibrate.  The next box I build will be for my Virginia Hogfiddle by Bobby Ratliff, which does not have feet.  For that box I'll add two riser strips full width across the outside bottom of the box spaced to properly support the dulcimer.

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Thank you, Dusty Turtle!  Ken, I like that idea.  I actually have some ideas of ways I could do it myself...  Y'all are so amazingly filled with knowledge!  ~I have missed my dulcimer peeps~  I so appreciate your sharing with me!

Yep, a pre-made shelf from Home Despot would do the trick.  Might be a bit heavy, but so what.  IMHO the advantage of a "plank" with a couple riser strips is that it will fit a wide variety of instruments.

If you're going to have a dulcimer built, Sandi, I would have the builder add short little feet to it, like many of the old dulcimers had, so that any hard surface becomes a second back.

Sandi, as you can see from this discussion, a board on the bottom of your dulcimer doesn't have to have the tight fit of a possom board. Check out Peter Tommerup who just uses a wooden shelf .

Thank you, Ken!  ~I am currently dreaming of a custom, but think possum board = the way to go~  I would love to see a pic of your carry box!

Tessie, I love your set-up!  That camp table = genius and got me thinking about our tv tray...  Thank you for allowing us to take over conversation!

Sandi -- Yes!  If you know what you want and are having a custom instrument built, a double back can be a wonderful thing.  The advantage of a Possum board is that it will work with any dulcimer, not just that one special instrument.  As long as the board holds the dulcimer up 1/4" or so, so that the back can vibrate; and, if you need it, has a way to hold the instrument in place, then you're good to go.  

I recently built a wooden carry box for my Thomas replica which John Knopf built for me.  I take of the top, remove the dulcimer and the noter/pick bag, flip the case over, and use the back of the box as my possum board.  LOTS of extra volume, and I don't need a separate board.

I'll be building wooden boxes for my other two traditional dulcimers soon!

Ken, do you prefer a possum board or double back?

I am very pleased with this modification of a folding camping table, and conventional music stand.  

Ken, did you do that on purpose?  Rascal!

Easy to make a possum board, Sandi...  1/2" thick x 6" wide poplar "craft board" from Lowes/Home Despot

What a great idea!  I am currently searching out possum boards or making a contraption out of a TV tray.  I'll let you know how it goes....