Abstract: An accentuator plate is mounted in an opening provided for that purpose in the top surface of the hollow body of a vibrating soundboard type of stringed musical instrument. The accentuator plate has an outward, generally convex contour, and it has an inside generally concave contour to provide the accentuator plate with a thin, dome-shaped geometry. The accentuator plate is preferably located adjacent the lowest note string and substantially behind the bridge of the musical instrument. The accentuator plate comprises at least five percent and not more than thirty percent of the total surface area of the top surface of the instrument's body.