Plagiarism first dulcimer

I've spent a lot of time online lately learning about dulcimers and was most impressed by Bob Stephen's website and dulcimers.  A short exchange with Bob was interesting and educational.  It was nice to "meet" a luthier willing to share information and experience.  Wish Bob was closer so I could meet him in person.

I'm still learning and have gone down the acoustics rabbit hole which is way over my head.

My first dulcimer will be sort of modern looking much like Bob's.  VSL will be 25" which is different than what I had planned on originally.   Wood will be black walnut, Port Orford Cedar, Patagonian rosewood or hickory and ebony or Richlite.  Nut and saddle will be bone.

There are still design considerations I am trying to figure out.   The first being the bracing and structure.   The fingerboard will not connect to the soundboard save at one place near the nut.  The fingerboard will be supported by an internal structure similar to Bob's though all wood, not metal (if I can help it).   I am thinking of x bracing near the sound hole but not sure about the rest of the bracing. X-bracing may have carbon fiber or hardwood reinforcement.  Sides will be braced to help with rigidity. 

The bridge in the rendering is a no go, and I will have to play with the design a bit.  I haven't decided what the peg head will be but know it won't be a scroll type. The fingerboard in the rendering has been left long until I determine what peg head to use.