first off, thanks for starting a new ED.
how I started, is a looong story, that includes me seeing people play this odd, trapezoid. the sound made me want to do it.
I built an instrument, then borrowed an instrument, and finally had Rick Thum build me one about 15 years ago.
My wife plays MD and she and I play at the senior assisted living centers in the area. In addition to the dulcimers, we play guitar, banjo, ukekele, mandolin and we both sing