Maple, Acer pseudoplatanus, also comes with a type of grain figuring which is called "Quilting". This amazing grain appears to jump out of and back into the wood. I've actually had people touch it and then pull back quickly when they realized that the board really is flat. The 3D illusion really can be that strong.
Here are a few pictures of the same piece of wood being turned in the light. Notice how the grain shimmers and moves.
It's quite difficult to get boards that show this kind of intense quilting throughout the entire board. I would love to build your next dulcimer with this amazing wood. If you're interested then I'll find a board and send you some pictures of it. If it meets both of our approvals then I'll quote you a final price before you make the commitment for your instrument.
But just imagine what the backs and sides of an instrument like this would look like!