Abstract: An end block for the structural integrity of a body of the stringed instrument is a substantially hollow block having an open face on a body side of the end block, a receiving member projecting inwards from an end wall of the end block, and a plurality of bracing members reinforcing the receiving member to the end wall. The end block provides a larger hollow, a stronger attachment, a lighter instrument and improved sound quality. The end block is a single piece of rigid molded material. Various features on the end block key with corresponding features located in the body of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument including a soundbox. The soundbox has a back, a side adjoining the back to define a hollow interior, a soundboard covering the hollow interior, and a soundboard support structure including a plurality of kerfing members for securing the soundboard on the side opposite the back to cover the hollow interior and a plurality of bracing members for reinforcing the soundboard. The soundboard support structure includes a plurality of adjoining members selected from the group consisting of the plurality of kerfing members and the plurality of bracing members. The plurality of adjoining members are integrally formed as a single piece of polyurethane containing a plurality of half inch glass fibres.