Hey, Murray, it's better than duck tape, ass keys, and omelette enemas! (nobody is ever gonna understand any of this)

No, really, Murray, for some reason, a noter stick is the traditional way to play a lap/Appalacian (double pointy thing) instead of fingers. For one thing, the melody strings are a very small gauge which can slice your fingers open (ask me!) They are like a 5th string on a banjo---un wound wire and very thin. It's difficult to slide your fingers on strings that thin and the "whistle" sound is considered the "dulcimer" sound.