Definition of little dulcimer or dulcette...

Hi. Just joined Little Dulcimers. I also belong to Dulcimar Making, and Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge, because they are both appropriate, considering I am going to begin building my first Dulcimer as soon as I've collected enough recycled materials to begin.

I would like to know the definition of what exactly is a little dulcimer or dulcette? I am guessing that it has to do with the length of the fret board. Also, does a little dulcimer have less than 18 frets?

I'm thinking my dulcimer just might fall into the little dulcimer catigory.

I'm new to the world of dulcimers, but I'm learning...

David Ladd