A stringed musical instrument employs springs and/or one or more hanging masses to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring and/or mass is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring and/or mass is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts due to environmental factors or passage of time.