I'd chimed in on this one earlier because my experience with RUS has not been pleasant. And I agree with Mike and Sandy that perhaps it's more in the "using" that fouls it up. I think the real problem is that I HATE dogma! We want things so ordered and precise. Have you run into a Dylan "purist" who is irate because Dylan has changed a song? Often several times...and they're mad!!! What is that??? I build hammered dulcimers and I frankly hate going to these "purist" festivals. Some people love the way mine sound, some don't. That's ok. But I'm driven nuts {short trip} by the one's who say, "Yes, but traditionally...blah,blah,blah." Same's true in guitars. I got a D-28, sounds pretty good. Also have a 15 year old Takemine that sounds better. But I need to show up with the Martin certain places or there's hell to pay. One of the great traditions of dulcimer building states, "To be non-traditional is the tradition." Amen. catspaw49