Is it worth noting that only the last two posts are less than 10 years old?

Having some experience with kits and scratch DIY instrument fun-n-games, I think my approach would be to study up on how people play the instrument of interest, and then see what I could invent that sounds purty when I do that to it.

But I've been the subject of (flattering??) observations that I "don't always think quite like reg'lar people," so that might not be the best approach for others.

I'm pretty sure I've got all the essential hardware for a small h-dulcimer, but I've been savin' up for about 15 years since I picked up the pins to be able to buy enough decent wood to get started on it.

A free plan doesn't come close to meaning a free (or even cheap) instrument. And without all the right "headbone" work, all you're likely to get is something that sounds like a cheap kit (if that good) - - and lots of glue under yer fingernails.

John