Lace Cybercaster is reborn – with a little help from Grover Jackson
Grover jackson and Lace collaborate on an oddball guitar
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Even if you didn’t not know the name, you might have seen this guitar shape before. At least on posters. For the new version of the Cybercaster, Lace Music have brought Grover Jackson of Jackson Guitars USA fame on board to help improve the design.
Cybercaster
This electric guitar is mainly known for its shape, retained in the new version. There are a few slight changes, however. The jack, for example, has been repositioned and is now in a Les Paul position instead of on the front like a Stratocaster. The control plate is has more of a Telecaster style, while the PU switch is more Strat than Jazzmaster. The head plate is also in the form changed. The pickups are the in-house classic Alumitone Split Coil Humbucker.
The body is made of ash; the neck and the 21-fret fretboard are made of maple. The scale length is a typically Fender-style 25.5 “. Will the feel and tone be similar. No further details on tuners and other hardware are currently available.
Visually, it reminds me a little of a messed-up Telecaster with the plate under the bridge pick up, yet mixed with hint of Gibson because of the twin Lace Alumitone Split Coil humbucking pickups. Now add a smattering of Prince’s ‘Cloud’ guitar…
The Lace Cybercaster comes in either Olympic White, Raven Black, Torino Red or Butterscotch finishes, nothing too outlandish. That seems a shame, as this design may work well with more vibrant colours – the shape is certainly ‘out there’. I cannot say that I am a fan of the styling, but you may love it.
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- Lace Cybercaster four bolt neck join · Source: Lace
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- Lace Cybercaster rear headstock · Source: Lace
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- Lace Cybercaster with Alumitone Split Humbuckers · Source: Lace
Off balance?
If Grover Jackson is onboard, then it should play well, as he does know a thing or two about making good quality guitars. This model will certainly stand out from the crowd on stage. Personally, I don’t much like the drooping headstock, and the whole look seems off balance (it somehow reminds me of a can opener). I’d have to pass on this, I’m afraid.
The Cybercaster is being made in Indonesia, so it’s built to a budget. Lace may find it hard to sell these given their odd looks, which might put off a lot of players.
RRP – USD 1149
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2 responses to “Lace Cybercaster is reborn – with a little help from Grover Jackson”
I have always loved the looks of the Cybercaster, which I took as a brilliant reinterpretation of the hallowed tele. In particular, I love it in butterscotch, reminiscent of a black-guard tele. I realize that marketing anything that is not a traditional design is difficult these days. Guitar buyers seem to be as stuck in traditional molds, rather like the countless motorcycle riders who must have a Harley, damn the cost or the benefit of newer technology. It is what it is. So, I was pleased to see that Lace has not abandoned this beautiful beast.
A couple of thoughts, however. I own a maple-top cyber caster with gold hardware and rosewood fingerboard. It’s beautiful, comfortable to play sitting or standing, and has the gorgeous-sounding Lace pickups. But I was unable to acquire one of the twisted neck original versions, and I always thought that a terrific innovation, friendly to the wrist of the guitar player while not requiring much of an adjustment (if any), but reducing repetitive motion injury. Also, it had 3-on-a-side tuners, which rendered a more attractive headstock; mine has the “drooping modernesque Fender” with 6 tuners on a single side.
And finally, while acknowledging the economic realities of modern America, I was hoping with this announcement–and the fairly hefty price tag–that these guitars were actually made in the USA, like the original cybercasters. I suppose that was unrealistic of me. But with modern production techniques and no trans-Pacific shipping, I would like to believe we can still produce SOMETHING in this country, aside from quarterly earnings reports and political hot air.
If I could make my LENARD guitars in the U.S. I would. I tried several makers that could not do better than prices at around $1500 plus for my Lenard guitars. Even with small production runs the best I can get is $750. With a marketplace where pro entry guitars are $800 it is unrealistic. I even loose money selling online and dropshipping from the factory.