A string instrument including a body; a headstock; a neck extending between the body and the headstock; a plurality of tuning mechanisms retained by the headstock and each having a stem with a tuning end and a connection end; and a plurality of connectors each connecting a different pair of covers. Also included are a plurality of strings each having one end connected to the body and an opposite end connected to a different connection end; and a cover covering each connection end and shaped and arranged to prevent physical access to the opposite end connected thereto.