Wyo -

I've put together two mountain dulcimers from kits we got from Cripple Creek. The kits had good components, but I found that results were better if you ignore the instructions that come with them. Assembly is pretty obvious, and no really special tools are needed.

If you have a particular instrument in mind, a kit can be a good way to get the parts. While I've made "scratch" instruments with better acoustics, I've found I can't afford good wood at my local suppliers - and you get fairly decent parts in the kits.

(We'd a showed 'em to ya if ya hadn't weaseled out of makin' Winfield last year.)

John