AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Pickup Frames 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan TS-2s Triple Shot LP Humbucker Mounting Ring Set ($8). Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black BR gives you the most for the money at $2. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 41 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 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
21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings6-string
If you have a Seymour Duncan 6-string neck humbucker and want a black frame for it, this ring is a simple choice for you. It fits solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollow body guitars with arched tops. Just remember that mounting screws are not included, so grab those before you install it.
Pros
- Made for Seymour Duncan 6-string neck pickups
- Comes in black, so it looks neat on a black pickup setup
- Works with solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollow body guitars with arched tops
Cons
- Mounting screws are not included, so you need to get them separately
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Seymour Duncan TS-1s Triple Shot Trembucker Mounting Ring Set
Trembucker Mounting Ring · Seymour Duncan
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings6-string
If you have a solid-body guitar with Trembucker spacing and want to fit a Seymour Duncan Trembucker or active humbucker, this black mounting ring is the part you need. It is a simple frame, so plan to get your own mounting screws before you install it.
Pros
- Designed to fit Trembucker spacing on solid-body guitars
- Compatible with Seymour Duncan Trembuckers and active humbuckers
- Made for 6-string pickups
Cons
- Mounting screws are not included, so you need to get your own
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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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- Strings7-string
This is a black pickup frame made for the 7-string PL17B humbucker. If you have a 7-string guitar with that pickup and want a black frame to hold it, this is a simple, budget-friendly fit for you. It is only a frame, so you will need the matching PL17B pickup to use it.
Pros
- Built as a humbucker frame for the 7-string PL17B pickup
- Frame is black
- Height adjustable frame set for the PL17B pickup
Cons
- It is a frame only and includes no pickup, so you need the PL17B
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- Strings7-string
This is a small, flat black ring that holds a humbucker pickup in place on a 7-string guitar. If you own a 7-string and need a mounting ring for a humbucker, this one is made for that job. You will need to buy a pickup separately, since none comes with it.
Pros
- Mounts a humbucker pickup in a 7-string guitar
- Black finish that matches common guitar hardware
- Flat design with a low profile
Cons
- Mounting ring only, no pickup included
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- Strings6-string
You'll want this frame if you're fitting a humbucker in the bridge position of a six-string guitar with F-Spaced / Wide string spacing. It's a flat-top plastic frame with a chrome finish, and at 20 grams it's light and small. It's a simple, budget-friendly part for a guitar build or repair.
Pros
- Chrome-finished plastic frame sized for a humbucker in the bridge position
- Wide F-Spaced string spacing for wider humbucker mounting
- Flat top design made for six-string guitars
Cons
- Made for six-string guitars only, so it won't suit other string counts
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- Strings8-string
This is a flat, black pickup frame made for humbucker pickups on an 8-string electric guitar. If you are building or upgrading an 8-string and want a thin frame, it is worth a look. It measures 108 x 45.2 x 3.17 mm, so check that it matches your pickup before you buy.
Pros
- Flat frame made for humbucker pickups on an 8-string electric guitar
- Thin profile, only 3.17 mm high, for a low-profile fit
- Compact footprint of 108 x 45.2 mm
Cons
- Only suits humbucker pickups, so single-coil pickups will not fit
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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.
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This little ring is a surprisingly crucial detail for nailing that authentic Gretsch vibe. It's a budget-friendly upgrade for players using TV Jones pickups or vintage-spec Filter'Trons, ensuring a proper fit and classic look – just double-check your pickup's corner radius first!
Pros
- Accurate corner radius caters to vintage Filter'Tron aesthetics and tone.
- Gold finish provides a classic Gretsch look, enhancing visual appeal.
- USA-made construction suggests a level of quality control and durability.
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less premium compared to metal alternatives.
- Compatibility is limited; won't fit standard humbuckers or all Filter'Trons.
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This little frame is a clever solution for installing humbuckers in guitars with arched tops, especially those budget-friendly instruments. It's a great option for players wanting a high-output sound in a vintage-style guitar without needing to modify the body. A solid choice for beginners or anyone needing a quick, affordable fix.
Pros
- Excellent value for archtop guitars needing a high-output humbucker frame.
- Provides secure mounting for humbuckers on curved guitar tops.
- Black finish blends well with many guitar aesthetics, a clean look.
Cons
- Material is likely a budget-friendly ABS plastic, not metal.
- Limited adjustment options compared to more premium pickup frames.
All 41 pickup frames
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Göldo Humbucker Frame PL1UBGöldo · 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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Seymour Duncan STS-1 T Triple Shot FrameSeymour Duncan · 2 finishes39↓ 2.0%$54€48$54€48Check ↗
- 14
Seymour Duncan STS-2B Triple Shot FrameSeymour Duncan · 2 finishes38Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
- 15
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 ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 21
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 Humbucker Frame PL10B 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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Gibson PRPR-020Gibson32Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
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Gibson PRPR-025Gibson32Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
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Gibson PRPR-015Gibson32Stable$9€8$9€8Check ↗
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Höfner H512N-FL PU FrameHöfner32Stable$12€11$12€11Check ↗
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PRS SE Pickup Frame Black SlantPRS31Stable$10€9$10€9Check ↗
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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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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$32€29$32€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 10 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.
