AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Pickup Frames for Professional 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan STS-2S Triple Shot Mounting ($88). Seymour Duncan TS-2s Triple Shot LP Humbucker Mounting Ring Set gives you the most for the money at $8. 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.
-
These Triple Shot Mounts are a brilliant solution for guitarists wanting to experiment with pickup wiring without butchering their instrument. The parallel/serial/split coil functionality opens up a ton of tonal possibilities, and the direct mounting simplifies installation – perfect for players wanting flexibility and a cleaner look on their Les Paul or similar.
Pros
- Solid steel construction ensures robust, long-lasting performance.
- Integrated switches offer versatile tonal options without external wiring complexity.
- Eliminates body routing, simplifying installation on vintage and modern guitars.
Cons
- The fixed height might not suit all pickup preferences or custom setups.
- Limited compatibility; designed specifically for single-cut humbucker configurations.
-
This Seymour Duncan Triple Shot Frame is a brilliant upgrade for players wanting more tonal flexibility from their Trembucker-equipped guitars. The ability to switch between parallel, serial, and split coil configurations on the fly is a game-changer for those seeking versatility without complex modifications – perfect for gigging musicians who need a wide palette of sounds.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Trembucker or F-spaced humbuckers, no routing needed.
- Integrated switches offer versatile tonal options – parallel, serial, and split.
- Robust construction with durable metal frame ensures stability and longevity.
Cons
- Limited to humbucker configurations; not suitable for single-coil pickups.
- The wiring complexity of the switching can be daunting for novice installers.
-
This shim pack is a lifesaver if you're installing Lollar P90s into a vintage-style guitar or doing a conversion. It lets you dial in the perfect pickup height for maximum clarity and that classic P90 snarl – super useful for players chasing that authentic, warm tone.
Pros
- Provides precise P90 pickup height adjustment for optimal tone and output.
- Includes a useful range of thicknesses catering to varied neck pocket depths.
- Oversized shims offer flexibility for humbucker-to-P90 conversions.
Cons
- Requires some experience and patience for accurate shim stacking and placement.
- Limited selection – only covers common scenarios, less useful for extreme cases.
-
These PRS pickup frames are a solid upgrade if you're going for that classic, clean look on your US-made PRS. The PVC construction is surprisingly robust and the slant helps prevent those annoying string clearance issues. They’re a budget-friendly way to refresh the look of your guitar and ensure your pickups sit perfectly.
Pros
- Provides a clean, vintage aesthetic for PRS guitars
- PVC material offers durability and resists cracking over time
- Slant design accommodates angled pickups for improved string clearance
Cons
- PVC can feel slightly less premium than traditional metal frames
- Color matching to existing PRS finishes might require careful inspection
-
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
-
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
-
- 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
- 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
All 41 pickup frames
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Höfner H515/RF Bridge PU RingHöfner · 2 finishes36Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
- 12
Gretsch Humbucker Frame Bezel SilverGretsch · 2 finishes35Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
- 13
TV Jones EM5 Gretsch-Style Ring SITV Jones35Stable$18€16$18€16Check ↗
- 14
Framus Humbucker Ring Flat Wide BR CFramus48Stable$6€6$6€6Check ↗
- 15
Höfner H512N-FL PU FrameHöfner32Stable$12€11$12€11Check ↗
- 16
PRS SE Pickup Frame Black SlantPRS31Stable$10€9$10€9Check ↗
- 17
Gibson PRPR-015Gibson32Stable$9€8$9€8Check ↗
- 18
Göldo Humbucker Frame PL1UCGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$7€6$7€6Check ↗
- 19
Göldo Mini Humbucker Frame PL18CGöldo36Stable$7€6$7€6Check ↗
- 20
Gibson PRPR-020Gibson32Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
- 21
Gibson PRPR-025Gibson32Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton Parts HU Ring Set CurvedHarley Benton22Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
- 23
Göldo Humbucker Frame 7-String PL17BGöldo51Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 24
Göldo Humbucker Frame 7-String PL27BGöldo51Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 25
Mojotone P90 Dogear Spacer SetMojotone17Stable$13€12$13€12Check ↗
- 26
Allparts Humbucker Ring Set Curved CHAllparts17Stable$26€23$26€23Check ↗
- 27
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Curved Hi BKGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 28
TV Jones DeArmond Mount ShimsTV Jones35Stable$4€4$4€4Check ↗
- 29
Göldo Humb. Pickup Ring L/C CRGöldo36Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 30
Göldo Humbucker Frame PL15B BKGöldo36Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 31
Göldo Humbucker Pickup Ring H/F CRGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 32
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Flat Hi BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 33
Göldo Humbucker Frame PL10B BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black BRHarley Benton · 2 finishes41Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 35
Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Black NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 37
Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Black BridgeHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Cream BridgeHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 40
Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton Humbucker Frame Screw Set B BKHarley Benton · 6 finishes30Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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 Resonance
Cheap frames (often pot metal) dampen sustain and muddy the low-end. Solid brass or copper frames can add warmth and a bit of 'bloom,' while stainless steel tends to be brighter and more articulate. The choice depends on your guitar's existing voicing - a dark guitar benefits from a brighter frame, and vice versa.
Mounting Stability
Pro players need a frame that stays put, especially with aggressive playing. Loose frames introduce microphonic noise and inconsistent tone. Look for robust mounting screws and a secure fit against the guitar body; sloppy construction is a dealbreaker.
Height Adjustment
A well-designed frame allows for precise pickup height adjustment, crucial for balancing output and tone. The ability to fine-tune string-to-pickup clearance is essential for optimizing clarity and avoiding unwanted string noise.
Grounding Performance
A poorly grounded frame can introduce hum and noise into your signal. Solid copper or brass frames generally offer better grounding than cheaper alternatives. This is especially important in high-gain scenarios or when using noiseless pickups.
Impact on Neck Sustain
The frame's contact point with the body can subtly affect neck resonance. A heavier frame might dampen neck vibration slightly, impacting sustain - something to consider if your guitar relies on neck resonance for its character.
Buying guide
Look, we've all been there - a pickup swap that sounded killer in the YouTube demo but leaves your guitar feeling clunky and unresponsive. Pickup frames aren't just about holding pickups; they impact sustain, resonance, and even your playing feel. If you're a pro, you're chasing subtle nuances, and a bad frame can sabotage your tone and playability. This isn't about flashy marketing; it's about what actually works when you're laying down tracks or cutting through a live mix.
Don't fall for the "premium" price tag just because it's brass or stainless. Construction quality matters more than the material itself. A well-made pot metal frame will often outperform a poorly machined brass one.
Factor in your guitar's existing tone - a bright guitar needs a warmer frame, and vice-versa. And honestly, if you're swapping pickups, it's probably time to upgrade the frame too - it's a cheap and easy upgrade that can yield surprising results.
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
Can a pickup frame really affect my tone?
Absolutely. It's a subtle effect, but it's there. Think of it like this: the frame is part of the resonant system. Changing that system alters the guitar's overall character, especially concerning sustain and low-end response.
Are brass frames always 'better'?
Not necessarily. Brass adds warmth, but it can also muddy a bright-sounding guitar. Stainless steel offers more clarity and articulation. It's about finding the right balance for your instrument.
What's the deal with 'microphonic' noise from frames?
A loose frame can vibrate in response to string energy, creating unwanted noise. Tighten those screws and ensure a snug fit to minimize this.
How important is grounding?
Grounding is critical. A bad ground introduces hum. Solid metal frames usually handle this better than cheaper plastic alternatives, especially with high-gain pickups.
I'm on a budget - what should I prioritize?
Prioritize stability and a secure fit above all else. A well-made, even if less exotic, frame that doesn't rattle is better than a fancy one that falls apart.
