Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, e.g. a bow instrument or an electric guitar, is disclosed comprising a substantially rigid body and a plurality of strings attached at one end to a tailpiece. A flexible soundboard of acoustic material bears through one edge against the instrument body and through an opposite edge against the tailpiece. The soundboard freely extends between the one edge and the opposite edge and the tailpiece is fulcrumed on the instrument body. Upon tensioning the strings the soundboard is arched between the instrument body and the tailpiece. Preferably, the soundboard is of arcuate shape with its convex side facing the strings.