would fanned-fret spacing benefit a dulcimer or small guitar

[Bob Hammond]

Theoretically, fanned-fret spacing offers some advantages for instruments with regard to string lengths.

Is that so? At the least, it would add visual interest.

[Kerry Werry]

I've only made one fanned-fret instrument so take this for what it is worth.. The longer scale on the bass makes for better string tension and more even tension across the strings.. On guitars and the like I think it is a bit better ergonomic layout as well.. No idea how it would be ergonomically on a dulcimer.. all the ones I've made have been regular frets, I'm thinking it would be of less use..

Kerry

[robert schuler]

I primarily build dulcimers and call myself a hardcore traditionalist. Fan frets look cool on guitars but not very functional on an instrument often played on one melody string with a noter stick. I guess you would need a fanned noter to play the thing. Build one, the worst that can happen is you waste $2.00 fret wire... Bob

[Clay Schaeffer]

One of the advantages of fan frets is to allow the bass strings to be longer in relation to their thickness, less "stiff", and give more in tune upper partials. Dulcimer strings tend to be long in relation to their thickness so less value to fanning the frets.
There may be advantages to fanning the frets that are not readily apparent , and could be discovered by building one, so why not ?

[Dave Weir]

I made this fanned fret lap steel a while back. I play left handed with the bass string away from me. So I got the advantage of a longer base string and a more comfortable wrist position. Works great for me, and no one tries to borrow it.

[Jason Rodgers]

How 'bout that! You're one of those southpaws who learned to do a workaround on a righty instrument. So, with the fanned frets, you can just pivot the elbow of your bar hand to follow the splay of the frets, huh? Cool!