Abstract: A sound producing instrument is shown having a plurality of vibrating strings supported over an elongated aluminum sounding board. The strings are solid wires of brass, bronze or steel that are tensioned to produce a range of vibrations within the audible sound range. The strings may be manipulated along their lengths in various ways to control the mode of vibration of each of the respective strings. An electronic means such as a crystal or magnetic microphone is provided adjacent to the sounding board to pick up the vibrations resulting from activating the vibratory motion of the strings, and amplifying means are used to reproduce the sounds developed by the instrument. In one embodiment, the microphone may be caused to move during the pickup by a remote controller, so as to provide different sound effects. A special cylinder is provided for creating special sound effects when used to agitate the strings.