Bridge To End Pins Distance: How Critical?

Does the distance between the bridge and the end pins matter that much?

This story probably sounds familiar, but I was building what I thought was my 1st dulcimer. Then, way back in a corner, under some other wood, I found a discarded carcass of my actual first attempt. It consisted of a tail block with two sides glued to it. So what I thought was my first dulcimer, has actually become my 2nd, and I have resumed work on my original build (the new #1). Long story short, I have two builds going on simultaneously.

The problem is that I didn’t have plans/design for the original build, so I’m kind of winging it as I go, which in a way seems more fun, because I can change things as I go.

The sides are slightly over 3”, so I was shooting for a 28” VSL, and I’m going to be cutting it close.

JL