Lace "Chrome Domes" Give Helix Extra Sweetness, Power

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The sensual body shape, the 21st century feel, the 20-degree turn in the neck, that wasn't a mistake in someone's woodshop class, but an actual design feature to make the guitar ergonomically correct, all these elements point to the guitar's special nature.

Its pickups are also one-of-a-kind. If the Helix is a "twisted" guitar, then its pickups are downright schizophrenic. How else do you explain the Chrome Domes, which have been praised for both their "sweet, rounded tones," and described as sounding like "a Strat on steroids?"

Jeff Lace, the vice president of engineering for Lace Music Products, says the paradox was accomplished by modifying a pickup already known for its bell-like tone and rich history, the original Gold Sensor.

Lace said the company took the Gold, a long-time favorite of such artists as Eric Clapton, and "slammed and crammed" it with "hotter magnetics," then wrapped the pickup in chrome-plated brass. "We specifically upgraded it, and did some very direct tweaking with the coil," Lace says, "so it has a sweeter, more rounded tone, with a lot more punch."

Although the creation of the Lace Chrome Domes was inspired by the Helix, they can also be installed on other guitars, just as an aftermarket version of the Helix neck can be installed on a regular guitar.

The suggested retail price for the set of three calibrated pickups is $199.90.

Lace Music Products is located at 5561 Engineer Drive, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. The company can be reached at (800) 575-5223 or on the web at www.lacemusic.com.