There's s musical gypsy scene in one of the James Bond films too. perhaps we need a 'hammered dulcimers in movies' thread... :-)

"It might be reasonable to assume that the 3-string coursing might give a "richer" tone - if you can manage the tuning. Adding another course doesn't, alone, make an instrument much "louder;" but might permit some difference in note sustain."

With my triple course beastie, there's a couple of tuning tricks I discovered.

1) the individual bridges are very touchy within to a very small amount if not placed correctly. A slight tap with the tuning adjuster can move them minute fractions of an inch. Also if the fret is not at right angles to the strings - the strings of the triple course don't seem to want to tune just right either. If placed exactly right, those 'split' strings stay in tune longer and easier - almost 'permanently' - in string terms! :) and the tone and sustain is much better.

2) tuning the triple courses just right - once you can get two right on, the third wants to 'pull in' anyway - but when you get all 3 spot on - the sustain is noticeably longer, and the tone louder and sweeter. they also seem to want to stay 'on' tune longer too.

3) no ply in my beastie as far as I can tell - all solid sheets of wood mate - much better!