Abstract: The invention comprises modification of a classical stringed instrument wherein an elevating block is used to make the string angle between the rearward portion of the strings with respect to the bridge of the instrument to be nearly the same as the angle between strings and bridge on the forward side of the bridge so that the bridge bisects the total included string angle. An associated modification of the position of the sound post from the classical position, which is to the rear of the right bridge foot, to a position just beneath the right bridge foot, is believed to enhance the efficiency of the sympathetic action of the back of the instrument with respect to the action of the belly of the instrument. The combination produces a much wider dynamic volume range and improved sensitivity and brillance with respect to that of an un-modified (classic) configuration.