A Hammered Dulcimer Builder's Do-It-Yourself Guidebook ...

I did it.:
I think that if you follow the directions of this book you also should be able to build a very nice dulcimer. Prior woodworking skills, careful measurements and dedication are good things to have also. The book includes some templates to mark drilling the many holes the project entails. The book is about building one hammered dulcimer, one size, one design, one plan. Without the book I would not have attempted this project. He could have spent more time on how to apply finish ie lacquer. Other than that it seemed very thorough. I would be surprised if there is another book out there that walks a person through step by step and includes diagrams, templates and charts along with references to source materials. There is also his very good web site that can be helpful. If you don't have some good woodworking skills and equipment including a table saw and drill press you might try a kit instead.

Not for Woodworkers - Not for Dulcimer Builders:
The author attempts to describe how to build a dulcimer verbally. This is most frustrating. There are many pictures, most about 3/4 inch square, of poor quality and with little of the needed detail. Believe it or not there is not one picture of the completed project. I wonder why? I am in the process of building this dulcimer but have had to make my own prints as I go. What small sketches there are in the book are poorly made. It is obvious that the author does not have even a beginner's knowledge of drafting. A few prints would have sufficed. I have little confidence that this project is going to turn out well. The author advertises a "Builders Support Website" which will have updates for the book - It doesn't exist. Also his email address is disconnected. This book should also be off the shelves.