Mountain dulcimer recommendations?

[lizzzi]

Any Mustachians play the mountain dulcimer? Any recommendations for manufacturers you like? I probably want a four string, and am guessing I'll thumb it and use a noter (would love to find a goose feather, lol)...but have not even tried one yet. I just can't get myself off of Youtube just mesmerized watching the videos of people playing dulcimers...can't wait to get one and start playing. (I already play harp, piano, guitar, a little penny whistle...lots of Irish stuff...I understand when they talk about modes and all that, the different tunings, etc. ...and I will tune it with the same Korg tuner and pickup that I use for my harp.)  Any thoughts? I have not found one locally yet to be able to try.

[snappytom]

Check out everythingdulcimer.com for an overwhelming amount of information.

I have a Warren May dulcimer which is far too nice for me to play regularly as I am a hack.  Picked it up off Craigslist for a great price.
Have been meaning to get one that is more of an everyday, pass around the party type instrument.  Stay away from the offshore manufactured ones as they can be pretty bad. 
I have my eye on a Sweet Woods Instruments student model .... http://www.sweetwoodsinstruments.com/dulcimers.php   
Made in the USA and great quality for under $150. 

[lizzzi]

I've been on Everything Dulcimer quite a bit, but thought maybe a Mustachian would have some good, specific tips. Which you do, Tom. So thank you. I had not heard of either Sweet Woods or Warren May.