String physics question

Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is outside of the VSL.

I have one that has a 23" vsl, with about 8" of additional string length between the saddle and the anchors on the tailpiece. It occurred to me that that is 1/3 of the total VSL. Does this mean that the strings are applying 33% more tension to the body than they would be if they terminated at the saddle? I don't really know much about the physics, but I think that if more tension is applied to the box, that makes a clearer louder sound? Thanks for any information. It's always highly appreciated

Nate