| The JS10th "Chrome Boy" with luthite body | 
|
Luthite is a synthetic material which is used in the construction of bodies or necks for electric guitars and basses. It is used by Ibanez for the Ergodyne series as well as for one Joe Satriani series model, the JS10th. The material was developed and patented by the Westheimer Corporation, which is associated with Korean manufacturer Cort Guitars (Cor-Tek).
Luthite is composed of an unsaturated compound polyurethane resin and an inorganic filler material which are combined with a hardener to create a material that has a specific gravity which is similar to that of wood. In addition to being less expensive and more consistent than wood, luthite can be molded into shapes that would be difficult to mill from solid wood.[1]
Luthite is designed to simulate wood in terms of sound, weight, feel and appearance. The name comes from the French root luth (meaning lute), similarly to the term luthier (one who builds or repairs stringed instruments). While luthite bodies are generally molded into their end shape, luthite is designed to be machinable in a similar way and with the same or similar tools as are used to shape wood bodies. It is also designed to be able to be finished in a wide variety of colors and finishes, like wood.[1]
Resoncast is another man-made material that Ibanez has employed to create guitar bodies.
Sources[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Luthite patent; U.S. Patent & Trademark Office; May 18, 1999; archived from the original July 2016.