Linda, another option might be—if you can spare the money, that is—to buy another basic model dulcimer that is already equipped with machine heads and not change the pegs on the Homer Ledford one at all. That way, you'll be able to tune easily for the time being and then you can "graduate" to the Ledford one after you've had time to get used to or replace the existing friction pegs with new friction pegs that work better. By the way, does the dulcimer you have include the 6-1/2 fret? A very useful thing, the 6-1/2 fret!

cheers,

Aux