Abstract: A laminate with improved substrate shape resemblance and moisture resistance may include a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may be structured in various orders, or layups. Each layer of the plurality of layers may have a specific thickness, weight/areal density, and/or other features, such as orientation, relative to one or more of the other layers.

Abstract: An aesthetically-enhanced structure is formed by fusing a translucent layer with an aesthetic-enhancing layer. The translucent layer includes natural fibers impregnated by a thermoplastic. The translucent layer or the aesthetic-enhancing layer provide one or more aesthetic properties visible through the translucent layer, for example, a pattern, a color, a texture, a pigment, a dye, a design, an image or a relief.

Abstract: An aesthetically-enhanced structure is formed by fusing a translucent layer with an aesthetic-enhancing layer. The translucent layer includes natural fibers impregnated by a thermoplastic. The translucent layer or the aesthetic-enhancing layer provide one or more aesthetic properties visible through the translucent layer, for example, a pattern, a color, a texture, a pigment, a dye, a design, an image or a relief.

Abstract: An aesthetically-enhanced structure is formed by fusing a translucent layer with an aesthetic-enhancing layer. The translucent layer includes natural fibers impregnated by a thermoplastic. The translucent layer or the aesthetic-enhancing layer provide one or more aesthetic properties visible through the translucent layer, for example, a pattern, a color, a texture, a pigment, a dye, a design, an image or a relief.

Abstract: Methods for making light and stiff panels and structures using natural fiber composites. Bio-based industrial fiber such as flax, cellulose, hemp, bamboo, and jute combined with a core material such as foam, aramid honeycomb, carbon fiber or balsa wood, and a resin, serves as a replacement to traditional tone wood. In some embodiments, the bio-based composite has no core material but simply layers of fabric with resin. Hence, in its various forms, bio-composite can effectively replace natural wood currently used.

Abstract: Method for making light and stiff panels and structures using natural fiber composites. An improved composite material utilized in musical instruments. Bio-based industrial fiber such as flax, cellulose, hemp, bamboo, and jute combined with a core material such as foam, aramid honeycomb, carbon fiber or balsa wood, and a resin, serves as a replacement to traditional tone wood. In another embodiment, the bio-based composite has no core material but simply layers of fabric with resin. Another embodiment finds layers of the woven bio-composite as the core between outside layers of carbon fiber or aramid. In the case of a string instrument, bio-composites can be used to make a substantially hollow unitary body, neck and head as well as soundboard. Another usage is for the bracing material of the soundboard. In fact in its various forms, bio-composite can effectively replace all the old growth wood currently used.

Abstract: Method for making light and stiff panels and structures using natural fiber composites. An improved composite material utilized in musical instruments. Bio-based industrial fiber such as flax, cellulose, hemp, bamboo, and jute combined with a core material such as foam, aramid honeycomb, carbon fiber or balsa wood, and a resin, serves as a replacement to traditional tone wood. In another embodiment, the bio-based composite has no core material but simply layers of fabric with resin. Another embodiment finds layers of the woven bio-composite as the core between outside layers of carbon fiber or aramid. In the case of a string instrument, bio-composites can be used to make a substantially hollow unitary body, neck and head as well as soundboard. Another usage is for the bracing material of the soundboard. In fact in its various forms, bio-composite can effectively replace all the old growth wood currently used.

Abstract: Stringed musical instruments, and methods for manufacturing such instruments, are provided that include a unitary shell that includes a head, a neck and a body, a separate sound board adapted to be attached to the unitary shell, wherein the soundboard extends from the head to the body, and a substantially hollow cavity extending through the head, the neck and the body. Exemplary processes include composite manufacturing processes and plastics manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An improved stringed musical instrument includes a unitary shell having a head, a neck and a body. The unitary shell has an asymmetrical waist having a substantially flat side and a substantially concave side. The instrument also includes a soundboard configured to be attached to the unitary shell. The soundboard includes a body portion having a sound hole located substantially adjacent the substantially flat side of the waist of the unitary shell. The union of the unitary shell and the soundboard results in the formation of a substantially hollow cavity in the unitary shell, with the hollow cavity acoustically coupled to the sound hole. In some embodiments, the hollow cavity extends through the head, the neck and the body, with an optional supplemental sound hole positioned at the head. The instrument can be strengthened by one or more reinforcing structures strategically located on the interior surfaces of the body, neck and/or soundboard.

Abstract: An improved stringed musical instrument includes a unitary shell having a head, a neck and a body. The unitary shell has an asymmetrical waist having a substantially flat side and a substantially concave side. The instrument also includes a soundboard configured to be attached to the unitary shell. The soundboard includes a body portion having a sound hole located substantially adjacent the substantially flat side of the waist of the unitary shell. The union of the unitary shell and the soundboard results in the formation of a substantially hollow cavity in the unitary shell, with the hollow cavity acoustically coupled to the sound hole. In some embodiments, the hollow cavity extends through the head, the neck and the body, with an optional supplemental sound hole positioned at the head. The instrument can be strengthened by one or more reinforcing structures strategically located on the interior surfaces of the body, neck and/or soundboard.

Abstract: Stringed musical instruments, and methods for manufacturing such instruments, are provided that include a unitary shell that includes a head, a neck and a body, a separate sound board adapted to be attached to the unitary shell, wherein the soundboard extends from the head to the body, and a substantially hollow cavity extending through the head, the neck and the body. Exemplary processes include composite manufacturing processes and plastics manufacturing processes.