Interestingly in China the hammer dulcimer is known as Yang Chin or Yan Qin which means - foreign zither instrument! But it's true what Ron says - the hammer dulcimer is about as international as the Jew's Harp, which the Chinese also have in various forms, but of especial interest is the Ho-Ho, or Kou-Xiang, consisting three to six tuned instruments in one. As with most things he turns his hand to, Nadishana's is one the finest expondents of this instrument - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjZKDqcKLyg. He also sells them... Not for beardies though, insane or otherwise!