AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Pickup Frames 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan TS-2s Triple Shot LP Humbucker Mounting Ring Set ($8). Göldo Humbucker Frame 7-String PL17B gives you the most for the money at $3. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 39 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
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All Pickup FramesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Seymour Duncan TS-2s Triple Shot LP Humbucker Mounting Ring Set
Humbucker Mounting Ring N BL · Seymour Duncan
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings6-string
This black ring holds Seymour Duncan neck pickups on guitars with arched tops. It works on both solid and semi-hollow bodies, but you must buy separate screws. It is a simple, budget-friendly way to mount your existing humbuckers without extra parts.
Pros
- Works with standard Seymour Duncan 6-string neck pickups
- Fits solid body and semi-hollow guitars with arched tops
- Made specifically for mounting electric guitar humbuckers
Cons
- Mounting screws are not included in the box
- Does not specify the exact material used for the frame
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Seymour Duncan TS-1s Triple Shot Trembucker Mounting Ring Set
Trembucker Mounting Ring · Seymour Duncan
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings6-string
This ring holds Seymour Duncan pickups in place on solid-body guitars. It works with both regular and active humbuckers, but you must buy screws separately. It is a simple, specific tool for 6-string setups.
Pros
- Fits Seymour Duncan Trembucker pickups perfectly
- Designed for solid-body guitars with Trembucker spacing
- Works with active humbuckers too
Cons
- Screws required separately from the seller
- No height adjustment mentioned in specs
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- Strings6-string
This Framus pickup frame is a budget-friendly solution for those needing a reliable neck position mounting. It’s ideal for guitar techs or DIYers working on older Framus guitars or those looking to replace a worn frame – the gold finish provides a clean look. While it's plastic, it's a solid choice for a basic, functional upgrade.
Pros
- Gold plating offers corrosion resistance and a classic aesthetic.
- Flat design accommodates guitars with a thinner top contour.
- Framus quality ensures a snug and secure pickup mounting.
Cons
- Plastic construction lacks the rigidity of metal frames.
- Gold finish can be prone to wear with frequent adjustments.
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- Strings6-string
This Framus ring is a surprisingly solid budget option for players using wider-spaced humbuckers. It's incredibly lightweight, which is a bonus for tremolo systems, and the chrome finish looks the part. Perfect for modding guitars where you need a replacement ring without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Chrome finish adds a touch of vintage aesthetic appeal
- F-spaced and wide design accommodates hotter humbucker pickups
- Plastic construction keeps the weight incredibly light and manageable
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less robust than metal alternatives
- Chrome plating can be prone to scratches and wear with heavy use
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- Strings7-string
This Göldo frame is a no-frills, ultra-affordable solution if you're already using PL17B pickups in your 7-string. It’s a simple, reliable way to securely mount those pickups, especially for players on a tight budget or those comfortable with DIY guitar modifications. Don't expect fancy features, but it does the job well.
Pros
- Provides stable and secure mounting for PL17B humbuckers.
- Black finish offers a clean, professional aesthetic on 7-string guitars.
- Solid steel construction ensures durability and resists warping under string tension.
Cons
- Limited compatibility – specifically designed for PL17B pickups only.
- Basic design lacks features like adjustable pickup angle or wiring channels.
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- Strings7-string
This Göldo frame is a no-frills solution for 7-string humbucker mounting. It's a great option for players on a tight budget or those needing a simple replacement. If you're building a budget-friendly 7-string or just need a reliable mounting ring, this does the job.
Pros
- Provides secure and stable pickup mounting for 7-string guitars.
- Flat design ensures compatibility with most guitar body contours.
- Black finish offers a clean, understated aesthetic for darker guitars.
Cons
- Material is likely stamped steel, prone to rust if not protected.
- Limited adjustability; height is fixed, restricting fine-tuning.
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This Triple Shot Frame is a brilliant solution for players wanting to experiment with humbucker wiring without body mods. The parallel/serial/split options really open up tonal possibilities – it’s perfect for modern players or those wanting to dial in vintage sounds on a guitar already equipped with a tremolo system. A really clever and practical addition to any guitarist’s toolbox.
Pros
- Eliminates body milling, simplifying installation for players of all skill levels.
- Integrated switching offers genuine flexibility for tonal experimentation – parallel, serial, and split.
- Seymour Duncan quality construction ensures stability and reliable switching action over time.
Cons
- Limited to humbucker pickups; not suitable for single-coil configurations.
- The switching can add a slight complexity for players unfamiliar with coil-splitting.
45AudioFu
Index↓ 18.6%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$66 · Aug 14$54 now$54€48 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Triple Shot Frame is a brilliant solution for single-cut guitars running a bridge humbucker and wanting those flexible coil options. It's a clean, elegant way to add series, parallel, and split coil tones without butchering your guitar. Ideal for players who want versatility and a professional look without a complex wiring job.
Pros
- Solid steel construction ensures exceptional durability and resonance.
- Integrated switching simplifies coil splitting/parallel wiring, eliminating messy mods.
- No-milling design preserves the guitar’s original finish and value.
Cons
- Black finish might not suit all guitar aesthetics or player preferences.
- Limited to bridge humbucker configurations; not versatile for neck pickups.
45AudioFu
Index↓ 15.5%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$65 · Aug 14$55 now$55€49 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings8-string
This EMG frame is a no-nonsense solution for 8-string players needing secure humbucker mounting. It's built solid, keeps your pickups sitting where they should, and the flat design is great for modern, thin guitars. Ideal for metal and progressive players looking for a reliable, budget-friendly mounting option.
Pros
- Precisely sized for 8-string humbuckers, ensuring a snug fit.
- Flat design accommodates lower-profile guitars and tremolo systems.
- Black finish provides a clean, professional aesthetic under the pickguard.
Cons
- Limited to humbucker applications; not suitable for single-coils.
- Thin profile might require careful routing for optimal pickup height.
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This little ring is a lifesaver for players wanting to drop a TV Jones Universal Mount Filter'Tron into a guitar that wasn't originally designed for it. It's a simple, well-executed solution for a common problem – fitting those pickups into guitars with high or low bridges. A must-have for TV Jones enthusiasts and vintage-style tone seekers.
Pros
- Specifically designed for TV Jones Universal Mount pickups, ensuring a perfect fit.
- The 'low' profile accommodates high-bridge guitars, a common issue with vintage designs.
- Plastic construction keeps the weight minimal, crucial for neck pickups.
Cons
- Limited compatibility; strictly for TV Jones Universal Mount pickups only.
- Plastic construction, while lightweight, might feel less premium than metal alternatives.
All 39 pickup frames
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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TV Jones EM2 Gretsch-Style Ring GOTV Jones · 3 finishes42Stable$18€16$18€16Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black BRHarley Benton · 2 finishes41Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame PL1UBGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame PL10KGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
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Göldo HB Mounting Ring Curved Hi BKGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Black NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Black BridgeHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Cream BridgeHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Pickup Ring H/F CRGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
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Göldo HB Mounting Ring Flat Hi BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
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Göldo Humb. Pickup Ring L/C CRGöldo36Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame PL15B BKGöldo36Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
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Göldo Mini Humbucker Frame PL18CGöldo36Stable$7€6$7€6Check ↗
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Höfner H515/RF Bridge PU RingHöfner · 2 finishes36Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
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TV Jones DeArmond Mount ShimsTV Jones35Stable$4€4$4€4Check ↗
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Gretsch Humbucker Frame Bezel SilverGretsch · 2 finishes35Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
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TV Jones EM5 Gretsch-Style Ring SITV Jones35Stable$18€16$18€16Check ↗
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Höfner H512N-FL PU FrameHöfner32Stable$12€11$12€11Check ↗
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PRS Pickup Frame Creme SlantPRS31Stable$28€25$28€25Check ↗
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Harley Benton Humbucker Frame Screw Set B BKHarley Benton · 6 finishes30Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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Gibson PRPR-025Gibson29Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
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PRS SE Pickup Frame Black SlantPRS25↑ 12.7%$10€9$10€9Check ↗
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Harley Benton Parts HU Ring Set CurvedHarley Benton22Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
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Mojotone P90 Dogear Spacer SetMojotone17Stable$13€12$13€12Check ↗
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Allparts Humbucker Ring Set Curved CHAllparts17Stable$26€23$26€23Check ↗
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Lollar Lollar Shim Pack Dogear P90Lollar17Stable$33€29$33€29Check ↗
Pickup Frames by the numbers
Measured across all 61 models we track, not a sample.
Median $7 — half of all pickup frames here cost less.
median of 11 models · 6-string–7-string
How to choose the best pickup frames
Material
Steel is the standard, offering a good balance of rigidity and cost. Brass tends to add a little more warmth and a touch of vintage vibe, but can be heavier and sometimes introduce a slightly muddy low-end if you're not careful. Aluminum is lighter, but often feels a bit 'dead' and doesn't offer the same sonic impact.
Thickness
Thicker frames generally provide more damping, which can be good for taming overly bright pickups or reducing unwanted string noise. However, too thick and you'll choke off some of the high-end articulation and sustain. It's a delicate balance.
Fit and Finish
A sloppy frame will rattle and buzz. Look for frames that sit flush against the pickup and cavity walls - gaps are a recipe for noise. Clean edges are also important; sharp edges can damage the pickup windings over time.
Mounting System
Most frames use small screws to secure them to the pickup. Quality screws are crucial - cheap ones strip easily. Some frames have pre-drilled holes, which is convenient, while others require you to drill your own, offering more customization.
Compatibility
Not all frames fit all guitars. Strat and Tele frames are the most common, but measurements vary. Double-check the dimensions against your guitar's pickup cavity before buying, especially if you have a non-standard instrument.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're chasing that extra bit of clarity and sustain, or maybe you're just tired of your pickups rattling around in the guitar's cavity. Pickup frames - those often-overlooked metal rectangles - can actually make a surprising difference. They're not a magic bullet, but a good frame can tighten up your tone, reduce unwanted resonance, and just generally make your guitar sound more focused. Let's break down what to look for.
Honestly, most guitars should come with a decent pickup frame from the factory. Upgrading is only really worth it if you're chasing a specific tonal goal or your existing frame is damaged or rattling. Don't expect a frame to magically transform a bad pickup into a sonic masterpiece; it's a subtle enhancement, not a miracle worker.
Spending a little more on a well-made, properly fitting frame is always better than struggling with a flimsy, ill-fitting one.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 61 pickup frames from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Will a pickup frame improve the sustain of my guitar?
It can, but it's not a guaranteed thing. A frame reduces resonance and sympathetic vibrations, which can contribute to sustain. But the neck, body wood, and overall build quality are far more important factors.
My Strat sounds really muddy. Will a pickup frame fix it?
Maybe. A brass frame might add a little clarity, but if your tone is muddy, it's likely a pickup voicing or EQ issue. A frame is a band-aid, not a cure.
Can I use any pickup frame on my guitar?
No. Dimensions are key. Measure your pickup cavity carefully before buying. A slightly too-large frame will rattle, and a too-small one won't provide proper support.
Are aftermarket pickup frames necessary?
Not always. Many guitars already have decent frames. They're most useful if you're troubleshooting noise or seeking a subtle tonal tweak.
I'm getting a lot of hum. Could a pickup frame help?
It's possible, but unlikely to be the sole solution. A good frame can reduce microphonic feedback, but grounding issues and poor shielding are more common culprits.
