I used the smallest guitar tuners I could find, but there are 12 of ’em and they do throw off the balance of the instrument, the body being so light. The case is maybe overkill…it is plywood all around. A cavity for the gourd-back was formed with the spray-foam “Great Stuff” and at Joann’s Fabrics I found a liner that is somewhat thistle-like. The instrument is flanked by two compartments which store strings and original unused parts.