Mudlark- I'd like to add that Blue Lion Folks (Bob and Janita Baker) also make a Jean Ritchie dulcimer; a top-of-the-line Walnut & Spruce, and a less expensive Cherrywood model. All are diatonic, but you can ask to have a 6 1/2 fret added. Anyone can see photos and read details about these dulcimers on www.jeanritchie.com   Just click on "Dulcimers."

Lovely thread- for me of course!Thanks for all the good things said herein about my dulcimer book.      Jean