Luthite is a lightweight synthetic material developed by the Westheimer Corporation (a United States-based importer of Cort Guitars) for the construction of bass guitar and electric guitar bodies. The 1996 patent application credits Jack L. Westheimer as the sole inventor. The term refers both to the composite material and to its forming process. Luthite is very similar in purpose to the later Vibracell used in the all-plastic Switch Music instruments. Luthite was employed in Ibanez Ergodyne series electric guitars (EDR/EXR) and basses (EDA/EDB/EDC), and Cort Curbow series basses.