Plus Series

Lace Sensor pickups, developed by Don Lace Sr. in the early 1980s, revolutionized single-coil guitar technology by significantly reducing 60-cycle hum while maintaining clarity and dynamic response. Using his background in magnetics and solenoid design, Lace created a pickup with metal shielding and multiple magnetic sensing fields that offered a wider tonal range and lower noise. Fender embraced the innovation in 1986, incorporating Lace Sensors into iconic models like the Strat Plus and signature guitars for Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton. The article traces the full history of the Lace family’s work, from their garage startup to their partnership with Fender, and details the unique design elements that made Lace Sensors stand out—such as the Radiant Field Barrier and Micro Matrix Combs. It also explains the technical specs of the different Sensor models (Gold, Silver, Blue, and Red), their evolution over time, and their lasting legacy among vintage guitar enthusiasts and collectors.