a lot of people have made dulcimers. i've played odd ball home made ones that were great. if you have the chance to look around it's worth it. mcspaddens are always reliable. however i have been pleasantly surprised by the home mjade ones over and over.

the apple creek ones made in eastern europe are also great for a cheap price. locally i got one for $90 with a soft case. i sold it to a friend who wanted to start aa i bought a handmade off ebay. i liked the koa back and sides and the good looking cedar top.it was also six string, a sound i prefer, althought the old four string style is worth playing and listening to.it also had friction pegs which makes it ren faire friendly as well as modern. i play some early instruments so i am not afraid of pegs. it sounds wonderfull--a real steal at $200 including shipping.

i friend m, jay witvche, makes humels , and i might get him to make one some day. his bass humel is great but he is the top wire strung harp maker in the world so his stuff isn't cheap.

my advice is get an apple creek or the best odd ball you can find and play for a while. then you'll have a good idea what sound you want to make for little money. then buy an expensive beauty.