Tension top guitar

A sounding board system for a string instrument comprising:

• a face member having a top side;
• bottom side;
• neck end and opposing bottom end;
• a bottom member having a top side;
• bottom side;
• neck end and opposing bottom end;
• a side member of predetermined height interposed between the face member and bottom member so as to comprise a soundbox;
• a first and second mounting block contained within the soundbox, the first mounting block proximate to a soundbox neck end, the second mounting block proximate to a soundbox bottom end, each mounting block fixed only to the face member bottom side;
• a fulcrum block intimately fitted between the first and second mounting blocks, out of contact with the face member bottom side such that the first and second mounting blocks pivot around the fulcrum block when a tension force is applied to the first and second mounting blocks, the tension force producing tension to the face member;
• and
• at least one adjustable member having a first end attached to the first mounting block and a second end attached to the second mounting block for varying the distance between a bottom edge of the first mounting block and a bottom edge of the second mounting block, thereby providing the tension force.

A method of applying tension to a soundboard comprising:

• affixing a first mounting block to a soundboard bottom member;
• inserting a fulcrum block between the, first and second mounting blocks such that at least one of the blocks is rotatable affixing a second mounting block proximate to but not attached the guitar bottom sidewall about the fulcrum block upon application of a first tensioning force;
• and
• applying the first tensioning force such that a second tensioning force is transmitted to the soundboard.