It is my undrstanding that a 'church dulcimer' is usually larger in size than what we think of as a regular lap dulcimer. I was told the purpose of it was more volume so it could be better heard by the congregation. I built mine from some scrap woods I had laying around. The fretboard and tuning head are oak and the body itself is made of thin paneling. They are a lot of fun...I would recommend one to anyone.