Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, preferably an electric guitar, is made with separate neck and body portions. The neck and body portions are connected together via screws, bolts or the like that are preferably located underneath a cover plate on the front side of the instrument. The cover plate is most preferably a sound pick-up that is located within a pick-up cavity. The instrument includes no other visible securing members, such that separate neck and body portions can be connected together while maintaining a one-piece aesthetic quality of the instrument.