Abstract: A musical instrument includes a neck, a body, a playing surface covering the body, a plurality of strings, and a connective element. The connective element varies the distance of the plurality of strings from the playing surface of the instrument. The connective element includes a set screw and a receiving unit having an inclined surface. The set screw contacts the inclined surface on the receiving unit and adjustably fastens the receiving unit to the body and the neck. along a radiused neck surface and a radiused body surface. The connective element may be attached to a removable interface between the neck and the body. The musical instrument may be completely disassembled for transport.

Abstract: A stringed instrument construction including a neck attached to an annular housing and having its acoustic components such as soundboard and rim mounted concentrically in the housing. Rather than having multiple tensioning hooks and brackets to tighten around the perimeter of the soundboard as in a banjo, this instrument employs an annular threaded connection between the acoustic components and the housing. A gear and pinion aparatus is used to facilitate turning the inner threaded portion within the external housing. There is no need for coordinator rods therefore the acoustic components can resonate more freely, providing better sound. The neck is connected to the housing at a radiused interface which enables ample adjustment of the neck's angle. The neck features a track mounted self adjusting capo, and an optional track mounted single string capo.