A string instrument comprising a neck extension primary member, having a
neck extension securement end and a tuning assembly support head end, an
extension top and a length extending between the ends, is disclosed. The
neck extension primary member defines a neck extension cutaway volume
configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck extension cutaway volume
extends to be open at the neck extension securement end and open at the
top of the neck extension primary member. A neck base primary member has
a neck base securement end, a base top and an opposite end. The neck base
primary member is made to define a neck base cutaway volume configured to
receive a hinge butt. The neck base cutaway volume extends to be open at
the neck base securement end and open at the top of the neck base primary
member. A hinge has a first hinge butt positioned in the neck extension
cutaway volume and a second hinge butt positioned in the neck base
cutaway volume. A neck fretboard portion is secured over the open top of
the neck extension cutaway volume and bears against the first hinge butt.
A base cover is secured over the open top of the neck base cutaway volume
and bears against the second hinge butt. A string instrument main body is
secured to the neck base primary member.