Being a player of both mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer, I must say, they are related in name only. Now the mountain dulcimer is a wonderful instrument. But the hammered is, by far, my favorite. As for it being as easy to play as typing with two fingers. Yes, to play a simple basic melody, it is that easy. But there is so much more potential... Listen to CDs by Russell Cook, John McCutcheon, Maggie Sansone and others. I've taken lessons on it for 5 years, but have SO much more to learn. Just playing it can transport one to another plane..... I can forget the rest of the world exists. Between the two, I would highly promote the hammered dulcimer.