Abstract: An acoustic guitar having a single sound hole placed on the perimeter of the sound board for enhancing its sound generating characteristics and a novel sound board design.

Abstract: Soundboards for stringed musical instruments comprising radially/circumferentially anisotropic sheets. The soundboards may be constructed of wooden wedges arranged so that the wood grain radiates from the focal point of the sheet. The soundboards preferably have at least a partially rounded periphery. Stringed instruments containing the novel soundboards are disclosed wherein the strings are coupled to the soundboards through a bridge located near the focal point of the soundboard.