AudioFu Chart · October 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 39 models across 13 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 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
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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- 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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- 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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- 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.
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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-frills solution for mounting your PL10K humbuckers in a straightforward, vintage-style guitar. It's a solid, dependable choice for those prioritizing functionality and affordability over flashy aesthetics, especially for replicating classic tones in budget builds or repairs.
Pros
- Provides a secure, stable mounting point for Göldo PL10K humbuckers.
- Flat design ensures compatibility with guitars featuring straight top contours.
- Cream color blends seamlessly with vintage-style guitar finishes.
Cons
- Limited to flat-top guitars; unsuitable for arched or carved tops.
- Material is likely stamped steel, potentially prone to rust if not protected.
All 39 pickup frames
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Curved Hi BKGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 12
Göldo Humbucker Pickup Ring H/F CRGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 13
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Flat Hi BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 14
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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TV Jones DeArmond Mount ShimsTV Jones35Stable$4€4$4€4Check ↗
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PRS SE Pickup Frame Black SlantPRS31Stable$10€9$10€9Check ↗
- 19
Gibson PRPR-025Gibson29Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
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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 ↗
- 25
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 ↗
- 35
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 ↗
- 39
Lollar Lollar Shim Pack Dogear P90Lollar17Stable$33€29$33€29Check ↗
Pickup Frames by the numbers
Measured across all 60 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 60 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.
