New Instrument, Can't Figure It Out, Need Help

[RovingGale]

Heyo folks So I just acquired a sweet little ¿dulcimer? ¿strumstick? thing via barter, but when turning to the internet for help with learning how to play the dang thing, I'm kinda stuck - I can't even figure out what the dang thing is commonly called, despite it having information written directly on it. Does anyone recognize this thing? I've googled a bunch of different ways and literally the only thing that turns up is an old etsy for-sale post selling what looks exactly like my instrument, except less worn, with no further info. If anyone could help me out with any further resources, I'd super appreciate it. (Picture totally stolen from the etsy listing, 'cause it's the exact same instrument and I didn't see a reason to take a new picture.)

 

[Deleted member 125]

well what you got there is a old hillbilly saw. its basically a banjo/saw hybrid played from the lap. that groove in the middle is for fitting it on yer lap legs at a relaxed open position. its hard to explain exactly why but its basically a guitar/banjo/fiddle that sits in yer lap instead of being played upright like a guitar. but same basic twangy sound as a banjo/fiddle.

 

[Tude]

And it's dam cool looking too. Hope you figure it out from what @cantcureherpes posted.

 

[RovingGale]

Brilliant! Thanks, @cantcureherpes - that pointed me exactly where I needed to go. ^.^

 

[Haasi Kuwa]

It's a mountain dulcimer
It's a Lap instrument
here's a youtube video


here's it's tuning DAD

 

[Tude]

It has a very cool sound!

 

[RovingGale]

@Haasi Kuwa I didn't think it was a dulcimer because it's not hollow - the body is solid except for a small cutout on the back, and every picture and video of dulcimers I've seen shows them with a hollow chamber instead of a solid body. Thanks for the youtube links, though! I'll watch 'em when I can!