Let’s Discuss Volume

I am mostly addressing the builders here. Maybe I should have posted this over at the Builder’s Group Page. If so, pardon me. I’m still learning how to negotiate this forum.

I am approaching the end of my “design” stage, which has changed several times in the last couple years. I was originally going to build a baritone MD, but decided recently to only make the sound box 2” deep. It will be 4 strings with the double melody. 

Coming from an acoustic guitar background, I want to be able to hear the dulcimer well. Also, I have a booming voice, and I don’t want to lose the music.

Tradition doesn’t mean much to me, or at least it doesn’t on this build.

How do you folks get the optimum volume out of your instruments (without plugging in of course)?

My top is Sitka spruce, the bottom, fretboard, sides are black walnut, and the end blocks will be mahogany. 

My plan right now is to hollow the fretboard, but then glue a piece of ebony over that, which is where the frets will be installed. The planned VSL is 25 and 3/4”. I do not intend to use a floating bridge, but rather a standard string-through bridge, and bone for the nut and saddle. The tuners will be geared.

Again, what features do you use to optimize the volume without compromising tone?

JL