Please don't 'pity' those of us who don't play chords on the dulcimer. We are using it as a modal instrument, as designed to create a different kind of harmonic effect. By all means treat it as a three string guitar with missing frets - that's fun too!

May I suggest a drawback to using grippy cloths to keep it still, which I have done too? A significant part of the sound of the instrument comes from the vibration of the under board, and a grippy cloth damps it more.

I sometimes play it on a surface than can transmit some additional resonance, even a table - or try a drum!

I have just bought a 'Notebook Caddy', which is designed as a minimal computer table for a notebook computer. It looks more like a super cantilevered music stand on castors, with a board top that can adjust to any angle or height, and can slide in to hold a dulcimer in the natural playing position just above your sitting thighs, but secure and giving extra resonance. Great music stand too!

Chris