Thanks so much for the advice. Sounds like I can't go wrong with the Jean Ritchie book. I'll let you know how I get on with the Mountain Dulcimer. I'm looking on line to order one in the next couple of days and it seems there are lots of good possibilities. Prices range from under $100 to almost $400. Anyone have any recommendations or advice on ordering one? Are there great differences in playability/sound? I've considered ordering a kit and making my own but I am decidedly not handy at woodworking so that might be a bad idea!