Abstract: A string cutting and clamping apparatus for a stringed instrument which includes an axial bore in the string winding shaft and a screw threaded cutting and clamping stem mounted therein. The wall of the shaft is provided with aligned openings adjacent the bottom of the bore for reception of a string to be cut and clamped. The stem is advanced by turning in the bore and the bottom edge surface of the stem severs the string by shearing action against the inner edge of one of the openings. Continued advancing of the stem clamps the severed end of the string against the flat bottom surface of the bore. The bottom surface of the bore is spaced a distance below the cutting edge of the opening so that the string is completely severed as the stem passes the cutting edge of the opening.