Don't know about the 3 string, Murray, but Gary Gallier (among others) plays a real mean 4 string, and the only difference is the addition of another melody string pitched exactly the same. No, he does not use a noter.

kat, you might try McSpadden dulcimers, they ship a case with their dulcimers, and have two grades--hard hard heavy and a lighter, cheaper cardboard thing.

My noters are oak and walnut. The walnut slides better, but the oak does not groove as badly. L.V. might be kinda cool to try.