By C.

In continuing our exploration into the vast world of pickups, we’ve only just scratched the surface. While it’s crucial to cover the basic and most common designs, some pickups were born in more modern times with the advancement of new technologies. Lace Sensors would be one of these significant advancements in the world of electric guitar pickups. Renowned for their unique design and exceptional tonal characteristics, Lace Sensors have carved a niche for themselves among musicians seeking versatile, noiseless, and high-quality pickups.

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Conceived in the 1980s by Don Lace Sr., these pickups aimed to address several common issues faced by guitarists using traditional single-coil pickups. Don had been working with Dan Smith at Fender to create a new type of pickup that would combat the interference or ‘hum” that single-coil pickups often produced. While this was previously addressed by Gibson with their humbucker design, Lace tackled this problem in his own way by employing a different design approach altogether, utilizing a patented radiant Field Barrier system to reduce unwanted noise. This breakthrough technology allows the pickups to deliver a cleaner, quieter signal without sacrificing the clarity and punch associated with single-coil pickups. Something like this had never been seen before, since humbuckers had their own unique sound that was unlike a traditional single coil.

The construction of Lace Sensor pickups is unconventional compared to traditional pickups. Rather than using traditional magnetic pole pieces, these pickups utilize a unique configuration with separate sensors, micro windings, field barriers and low-energy particle magnets. This design contributes to their distinct sound profile and eliminates the magnetic pull on the strings, resulting in increased sustain and harmonic response.

One of the standout features of Lace Sensors is their versatility. These pickups come in various configurations catering to different musical styles and preferences. From the classic Gold, Silver, and Blue pickups to specialized models designed for specific tonal enhancements, such as the Red, Emerald, and Purple sensors, there’s a Lace Sensor option for almost any musical genre or playing style.

The Gold Lace Sensor, for instance, delivers a warm and fat vintage tone, reminiscent of classic single-coil pickups but with added punch and a noiseless operation. The Silver Lace Sensor (as seen on this 1995 Fender Stratocaster Plus), offers a brighter, more dynamic sound, ideal for cutting through dense mixes and delivering crisp, articulate tones. On the other hand, the Blue Lace Sensor provides a well-balanced output with a slightly scooped midrange, suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

In addition to their individual characteristics, Lace Sensor pickups are known for their balanced output across the frequency spectrum. This quality makes them a favorite among guitarists who require consistency and clarity in their sound, whether performing intricate fingerstyle passages or unleashing blistering solos.

Over the years, many renowned musicians across genres have embraced Lace Sensor pickups. Artists like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Buddy Guy have all used these pickups in their guitars, showcasing the versatility and reliability of Lace Sensor technology in professional settings. While the noiseless operation does reduce some of the classic single-coil tone (mostly on the high end), it’s a sacrifice many players are willing to make for clear and quiet playing at any volume.

The durability and reliability of Lace Sensors have also garnered praise from guitar enthusiasts worldwide. Their robust construction and consistent performance make them a reliable choice for both touring musicians and studio professionals.

Lace Sensor guitar pickups have certainly carved their place in the realm of electric guitar pickups by offering a harmonious blend of innovative technology, versatile tonal options, and consistent performance. Their ability to deliver noiseless operation, coupled with a wide range of distinct tones, has solidified their reputation as a staple choice for guitarists seeking quality, reliability, and sonic flexibility. If you’re a fan of the traditional single-coil sound, but the 60 cycle hum gets in your way, there’s a Lace Sensor model out there for you!