How I am gettin' on? After getting flat in order (much redecoration) and starting a new job, I finally have some time to attend to my new toy. Her name is Somerset.

I find that sliding and walking up and down the frets to make tunes on the melody strings is fairly easy. I don't much like the noters (pity because the man who made the dulcimer, made and sent the noters to me no charge). But the produce a tinny sound. Maybe I am not using them correctly.

Strumming is another matter. My left brain/right hand say this is wrong, you are not holding the "guitar" correctly. I am trying to convince both that we are not playing a guitar. More practice needed.

I have ordered a DVD that teaches beginner mountain dulcimer. Looking forward to this, as just now have big enough TV to see what the instructor is doing.

Wish there was a mountain dulcimer player in Essex UK to take some basic instruction from.

My goal, is to be able to play chords left hand and pick with right hand by early next May, before the Rochester Sweeps and sing around sessions.