Well it arrived today. I'm really impressed! Looks beautiful, finish is superb, plays like butter and sounds wonderful! I'm very pleased. I'll work on something and post it soon.

Thanks ! I actually don't have it yet Chuck. Stan finished it the other day and sent me these pictures. He shipped it yesterday so it may be a bit before I get it as it's coming from Canada. Terry, to answer your question, yes, the melody string(s) is away from you, the opposite of the MD. It's actuallystrung Dd-aa-dd with the octave bass close to you. It is designed to be played like a mandolin or guitar. Here's the link to Stan's website:

http://www.bigleafmandolins.com/bigleafmandolins/index.html

Hey I love the looks of that baby. Am I correct in saying that the bass strings are in on you, not away from you, just the opposite from a dulcimer? In DAd, same chords as dulcimer but chorded like a guitar (left hand under fretboart)? I guess one could play it on your lap, but seems kind of awkward for this style.

Real nice Scott, real nice indeed.

Really nice there, Scott.