Thanks for the great info on plum wood. It shouldn't "go all squirrely" when cut but I guess you never really know.
Right now I have to get new tires for my bandsaw, they decided to give out as soon as I started cutting one of the larger branches of this plum, ebay is a great place for stuff like that.
When I get it cut up the only thing I would ask for is the postage and a picture when you are finished.
Ultimately, I'm going to be making the Dulcimer for one of my daughters and either the "Merlin" type or a Ukulele for her twin sister. I've made Ukulele's before but it would be