The secret to the stability of the instrument, which is what I think you are talking about, is that a single piece should constitute both the neck AND the extension of that neck THROUH THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE PANJO. Then, it can be anchored in place by inserting stabilizing screws into the end of the wood that runs through the instrument. The "panjo" I put together from a bedpan I actually brought home from the hospital is plastic. It can be viewed at my photo website--with Pete Seeger playing it in Cathy Fink's kitchen.

http://rudegnu.com/art_thieme.html

Art