re: Does anyone on this board play a mountain dulcimer?

Hammered dulcimers stand upright and notes are played by striking the strings with a mallet. Mountain dulcimer are played on your lap by picking and strumming. Mountain dulcimers are the only stringed instrument ever invented in America. Invented about 1800 by the Scots and Irish. I play a Mcspadden dulcimer. I recommend this brand.
Dulcimer playing is more common than you think. For song samples go to mountaindulcimer.ning.com. Go to friends of mountain dulcimer, click videos, go to page 5, The Rights of Man by Jessica is my favorite. I don't read music but you can play by following a tab that shows you where to fret your finger. Example; [ everythingdulcimer.com]. It's a great hobby for anyone and especially after you retire. Don't wait till your 61 before you start playing like I did.