Anyone consider coating a cheap case with the snow goo that you use to patch roofs? It's thick, and more importantly, WHITE. Hammered dulcimers aren't terribly portable. I'm either going to a session, or on holiday before mine goes for a walk. Took up mando, for chords, and it IS portable, and goes to work with me each day. As for concern to take your instrument to someones house..there is alot less concern at night, when it is cool, if it is to be left languishing in the car. However, since all of our friends are musicians, it's not an issue for us.