Hi Joanne,  I do build a tenor psaltery that is tuned to the key of D.  The notes are all along one edge and it works great playing along with a dulcimer, or using dulcimer tab.  You can see and hear them on my website at http://www.ringingstrings.com/D-Tenor.html  

The problem with this type of psaltery is, if you ever want to move on to playing in different keys.  This one will limit you in that sense.  I sort of intended the D Tenor to be an easy second instrument for someone to learn, that is already playing the dulcimer.  As I state on my website, it is probably not the best choice for an "all around" psaltery.  The chromatic model works best for that.  It's just a personal choice that you will need to make.  The chromatic model does require playing notes along each side, depending on the key.  The process to learn this is not difficult, it just takes time and practice.  I don't know of many instruments that don't require time and practice to learn to play and become proficient at them.  The bowed psaltery has one advantage of being a very simple instrument to learn, much like playing a piano using one finger.  Don't shy away from a chromatic model just because you think it might be hard to learn.

If you have more questions send them to my e-mail address - psalteryman@gmail.com

Boring???? It's like carrying your own personal cathedral with you. You can play it anywhere, in any setting, and it sounds awesome, even played by a beginner. It literally stops people in their tracks as they cluster around to see/hear a terrific instrument with rich, almost haunting tones . I love the continued ringing of the strings as you play successive ones. It makes for the most nuanced layers of sound.  So, yes, definitely do mail order one for yourself. Greg and Tish are wonderful people, very down to earth, very very knowledgeable about all kinds of instruments. They are a pleasure to work with. They're in West Virginia, which is Eastern time zone. www.westmaninstruments.com Check the website and call or e-mail them. That's a great start.

Some things you don't want to buy sight unseen. Similarly, you wouldn't want to buy a musical instrument "sound unheard." You'd want it in your hands so you could listen to its particular tones before purchase. BUT...if I had no choice, I would mail order one without hesitation, especially if it's from an experienced luthier. Tish and Greg Westman make amazing instruments, and reasonably priced, I think. I've got one of theirs. It was custom built so, actually, I too bought it "unheard," since of course the first time I heard it was after I'd commissioned it to be built. I absolutely love it. Check out www.Westmaninstruments.com

Welcome. Do get a psaltery as soon as you're able. It's a most wonderful instrument. Having played the dulcimer, you will find the bowed psaltery fabulously easy to pick up.