only trouble with the mountain dulcimer/ lap harps etc etc whilst great to play and easy to pick up ( I am in love with them) without some sort of amp they are mostly lost outside unless it is a clear still day and you havent got a bunch of other insruments and clogs/bells rattling about through if you make a stand/additional sound board back for them the sound does carry better - not easy to play standing up without a stand either! - strum stick instead?

if you want a great 'noise maker' get a buffalo drum and that will keep a good beat - even my deaf kids respond to that!