Distributed load soundboard system

A soundboard apparatus for a stringed musical instrument, the apparatus comprising:

• a soundboard having first and second side surfaces;
• a bridge coupled to the first side surface of the soundboard for securing a plurality of strings to the soundboard;
• and
• at least two catenary braces coupled to the second side surface of the soundboard to strengthen the soundboard, the catenary braces being configured to intersect at a hub located below the bridge to strengthen the soundboard adjacent the bridge.

An adjustable locking apparatus for securing a neck to a body of a stringed musical instrument, the apparatus comprising:

• a first track member located on the neck;
• a second track member located on the body, the second track member being formed to slidably engage the first track member to align the neck in a selected position relative to the body;
• and
• a fastener for holding the first and second track members in the selected position to secure the neck relative to the body without gluing the first and second track members together when the fastener is tightened, the position of the neck relative to the body being adjustable when the fastener is loosened to permit the first track member to slide relative to the second track member.