AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Pickup Frames for Intermediate 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 41 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 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 Göldo frame is a no-nonsense solution for mounting humbuckers, especially if you're on a tight budget or doing a DIY build. It’s a solid choice for players wanting a clean look and basic functionality without spending a fortune – think modding a budget guitar or a student instrument.
Pros
- Provides a secure, stable base for humbucker pickups.
- The black finish offers a clean, professional aesthetic.
- Precise dimensions accommodate a wide range of common humbucker sizes.
Cons
- The plastic construction feels somewhat basic, not premium.
- Limited compatibility with non-standard humbucker dimensions.
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This Göldo frame is a no-nonsense solution for humbucker installations on guitars with arched tops and Tune-O-Matic bridges. It's a budget-friendly way to ensure your pickups sit properly and don't rattle – a real lifesaver for DIY jobs or quick repairs on guitars that need a little TLC. Perfect for players who want a clean, functional setup without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Specifically designed for arched tops, prevents pickup rattle and unwanted resonance.
- Curved base ensures a snug fit with TOM-style bridges, a common setup.
- Tall height accommodates thicker humbucker windings without grounding issues.
Cons
- Plastic construction, while lightweight, might feel less premium than metal alternatives.
- Limited compatibility – unsuitable for F-style bridges or tremolo systems.
All 41 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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Göldo Humbucker Pickup Ring H/F CRGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 12
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Flat Hi BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame PL10B BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 14
Göldo Humb. Pickup Ring L/C CRGöldo36Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 15
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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TV Jones DeArmond Mount ShimsTV Jones35Stable$4€4$4€4Check ↗
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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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PRS SE Pickup Frame Black SlantPRS31Stable$10€9$10€9Check ↗
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Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black BRHarley Benton · 2 finishes41Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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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 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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Seymour Duncan STS-1 T Triple Shot FrameSeymour Duncan · 2 finishes39↓ 2.0%$54€48$54€48Check ↗
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Seymour Duncan STS-2B Triple Shot FrameSeymour Duncan · 2 finishes38Stable$55€49$55€49Check ↗
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Höfner H515/RF Bridge PU RingHöfner · 2 finishes36Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
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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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Harley Benton Humbucker Frame Screw Set N NIHarley Benton · 6 finishes30Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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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 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
Copper frames tend to add warmth and a subtle low-midrange 'thump' that fills out a thin-sounding pickup. Stainless steel is brighter, more articulate, and can really help a pickup cut through a dense mix. Brass is somewhere in between, often offering a smoother, more vintage vibe.
Thickness
Thicker frames (2.0mm+) generally offer more sustain and a more focused tone. Thinner frames (1.6mm or less) can be more transparent and let the wood of the guitar resonate more freely, but they can also feel a little 'floaty' in the low end.
Mounting Style
Screwless frames are convenient for easy pickup swaps, but they can sometimes have a slightly less solid feel compared to traditional screwed-in frames. Screwed frames offer a more secure connection, which translates to better vibration transfer and potentially more sustain.
Finish
Raw, unfinished frames will age and develop a patina over time, which some players like for the vintage aesthetic. Coated frames resist corrosion, which is a plus if you gig regularly and sweat a lot. The finish can subtly alter the resonance, though.
Compatibility
Not all frames fit all pickups. Humbuckers require wider frames than single coils. Make sure you check the dimensions before you buy to avoid headaches - nothing's worse than a frame that doesn't fit properly and rattles around.
Buying guide
So, you're past the beginner phase and starting to really dial in your tone, huh? You've probably realized that your guitar's pickups are a huge part of that. Pickup frames - the metal plates under your pickups - aren't just cosmetic; they seriously affect sustain, resonance, and even the overall voicing. Let's break down some good options for intermediate players who want to actually hear the difference.
For an intermediate player, you don't need to drop a fortune on boutique frames made from unobtanium. Copper is a great starting point if your guitar is a bit scooped or lacking low-mids. Stainless steel is the ticket if you're chasing a more aggressive, cutting tone.
Don't fall for the 'magic' claims; a frame is a subtle tweak, not a tone transformer. And honestly, if your guitar's setup is bad, a fancy frame won't fix that - get your action dialed in first.
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 really make a huge difference?
It's a subtle change, but noticeable. Think of it like a spice in a recipe - it won't make the dish unrecognizable, but it'll add a layer of complexity.
Can I install a pickup frame myself?
Absolutely! It's a simple process - just remove the pickup, install the frame, and reinstall the pickup. Just be careful not to strip the screws.
What's the deal with 'screwless' frames?
They're convenient for quick swaps, but the lack of a direct screw connection can slightly reduce sustain and make the pickup feel a little less secure. It's not a dealbreaker for most players.
I have a humbucker - can I use a single-coil frame?
No way. Humbuckers are wider. You need a frame specifically designed for humbuckers to cover the entire pickup base.
Do I need to worry about corrosion?
If you're a heavy sweater or play in humid environments, a coated frame is a good idea. Otherwise, a raw copper frame will develop a nice patina over time - it's part of the charm.
