Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a stringed musical instrument (e.g., a zither) that comprises a body; a plurality of laterally spaced apart tensioned strings connected to said body; axially spaced apart string supports below the strings, said strings contacting the string supports and having span regions spanning between the string supports; and a presser for each string, each presser in contact with the span region of its string, and each presser being movable laterally to displace the span region of its string and increase the tension in its string, and being movable laterally away from the span region of its string for releasing its string and lessening the tension in its string.

Abstract: A hammered dulcimer with a bridge having arrays of holes overlapping at the high tone strings, while providing a beam to an increasing extent as the tones deepen. The bridge is more flexible at the higher tones. The bridges, treble and bass, are supported by members beneath the top that include a metal rod having line contact with the top, and that include a wooden strip that is dished to receive the rod with surface contact. The braces have small pads secured to the top for a minor part of their extent. The braces and side rails at the string blocks are provided with cooperating wedge surfaces that convert the horizontal force vector of string tension into a downward vector exerted against the string block that will offset the upward vector of string tension on the string block; such upward force vector is also resisted by a screw at each corner of the frame that extends downwardly and inwardly through the string block into the front and rear braces.

Abstract: A santur which having two continuous, two-story bridges extending along the length of either side wall of the santur, two continuous, two-story clicks extending along the side walls of the santur and levers and clicks for simple, fast tuning of the santur and for enabling the santur to play half and quarter notes.

Abstract: A dulcimer constructed primarily of wood, wherein the traditional heavy internal wood bracing structure, which is parallel to, and resists the compressive force of, the tuned strings and is connected to the back panel, is replaced by light metallic bracing, of tubular or other suitably engineered cross-section, which is also parallel to, and resists the compressive force of, the tuned strings, but is not in contact with the back panel.

Abstract: A lapboard for an Appalachian dulcimer or like instrument holds the instrument in position on a person's lap and out of contact with the lap to enhance the tone level and quality of the instrument. Spring-loaded flap members of the lapboard contact the person's legs to prevent movement of the lapboard and of the instrument while the instrument is being played.