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When designing your instrument, whether you're making an existing instrument type or going for one of your own making, keep in mind the basics of how a string instrument works. All string instruments produce sound through vibrations of a string that resonates with the body of the instrument, which then transfers the sound into the air.
Regardless of how the instrument is played, bowed, struck or plucked, the method of producing the sound remains the same. As a DIY instrument maker, this means you don't have to settle for a single playing method in your design, all stringed instruments can be played using any of the three playing methods as long as the strings are accessible to the method at hand. -
The body of your instrument is what affects the resonance of the instrument. It's what provides the quality of sound you can produce. Wood bodies are most common for string instruments, though you can experiment with various body materials, as long as you find one that creates a sympathetic vibration with the strings.
Most string instruments contain a neck to extend the strings along. The neck is primarily a way to give you extended note playing ability for each string. The longer the neck, the more notes you can create using each string. You can choose to forgo a neck, opting instead for each string to play a single-tuned note that can be altered slightly in pitch using a pedal. This method is used quite successfully for instruments like the harpsichord or the piano. Your strings should be made of a material capable of sustaining a tuned note, such as steel or gut.
Your instrument will require a method of connecting the strings to the body. Pegs are most commonly used; they can be turned in place to tighten or loosen strings changing the tension of the string for tuning purposes.
Finally, you'll need a method for playing the instrument. A bow, hammers or pick are common implements used in playing string instruments. - Assemble your instrument according to a set of plans or upon a design you've created. You can find plans for nearly any stringed instrument in existence, most with detailed instructions and measurements, hopefully resulting in a quality instrument. Or you can create your own instrument, experimenting with the sound principles of string instruments until you've created something new to the world of music.
