All of my standard instruments have:
Higher and oversized frets. This makes it easier to sound the note clearly even when your finger is not as close to the fret as it should be. It makes vibrato, hammer on's, pull off's, and string bending easier.
A 25 1/2 inch string length that makes chords easier to reach.
A Select EMG humbucker magnetic pickup is standard. This type of pickup helps cancel out possible hum from florescent lights, motors, etc. Other brands of pickups and multiple pickups are also available.
A hanging loop. I believe that all dulcimers should be able to hang on the wall. Not only are they handy when you want to play, but it starts more conversations with visitors that way.
Strap buttons are standard. With a strap, the dulcimer stays on your lap and, with some of my designs, you can stand up and hang it over your shoulder and play it like a guitar or on your lap like a standard dulcimer. It�s handy for an instructor to show chord patterns to a class while standing.
Gounded strings and shielded controls to reduce the chance of picking up hum.
Quality enclosed geared tuners.
6 � and 13 � frets unless otherwise specified. 1 � and 8 � frets also available at no extra charge.
Notches for 3 and 4 equidistant strings standard. (No double melody string needed)
Position dots of mother of pearl or abalone depending on a light or dark colored fretboard.
A stainless steel two-way truss rod in the neck to help fight mother nature and time.
If you will be comparing price, and who doesn't, you need to compare my instruments with a dulcimer with a built in pickup, quality geared tuners, and with the same features and quality of construction.