This paper is a presentation of the first application of the techniques of vibration analysis by hologram interferometry to the study of stringed instrument resonances. The instrument studied was the treble viol, which was a convenient size for a hologram system and allowed approximate simulation of the actual instrument by the clamped top plate. After study of an instrument of classical proportions by hologram interferometry, a new instrument was designed that was longer, wider, and flatter. Holographic study of the top plate of this new instrument verified that it should function well on a finished instrument since its resonance frequencies suited the instrument range. The rest of the instrument was built and tested holographically after assembly to confirm the previous simulation. The instrument was completed and played with very good results, i.e., more volume, easier playing, and more agreeable tone than the classically designed treble viol. The primary experimental difficulty encountered was the swelling of the wooden plates with humidity which adversely affected real‐time interferometry, and the steps taken to overcome this were only partially successful.