It could be that your noter has an effect, too. I've been making these out of Delrin with a hardwood handle, and all the dulcimer players I've given them to seem to like them. The Delrin is self-lubricating and quite slick, but even though it's not hard enough to damage your strings or frets it doesn't get grooves worn in it like wooden noters do. It's non-hydroscopic, too, which is important if you play underwater. If you'd like one, drop me an e-mail at corvos@localline.com The Bailiff's Hollow Technical Center is one of the world's largest research facilities for dulcimer noters and hammers: "We don't make dulcimers; we make dulcimers sound better."