This is an instrument I've wanted to try for years, but it was hard to find a mountain dulcimer that was low enough in price that I was willing to go in on it as a hobbyist. With this, it's been so worth it!
This dulcimer has a bright lovely sound, the finish is clean, the strings stay in tune and the chords stay in tune all the way to the upper frets - which surprised me for such a low price. This feels and sounds like a good instrument. But more importantly, it's all I need to have some fun!
If you were serious about learning the dulcimer, I feel pretty confident in saying this would be perfectly decent to begin your lessons.... like with any instrument, if you decide later you've grown out of it and want better quality, you can always upgrade once you're ready.