AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Pickup Frames for Professional 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan STS-2S Triple Shot Mounting ($89). 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 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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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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- 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.
All 39 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 ↗
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PRS SE Pickup Frame Black SlantPRS31Stable$10€9$10€9Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame PL1UCGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$7€6$7€6Check ↗
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Göldo Mini Humbucker Frame PL18CGöldo36Stable$7€6$7€6Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Parts HU Ring Set CurvedHarley Benton22Stable$11€10$11€10Check ↗
- 20
Göldo Humbucker Frame 7-String PL17BGöldo51Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame 7-String PL27BGöldo51Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
- 22
Gibson PRPR-025Gibson29Stable$8€7$8€7Check ↗
- 23
Mojotone P90 Dogear Spacer SetMojotone17Stable$13€12$13€12Check ↗
- 24
Allparts Humbucker Ring Set Curved CHAllparts17Stable$26€23$26€23Check ↗
- 25
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Curved Hi BKGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$3€3$3€3Check ↗
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TV Jones DeArmond Mount ShimsTV Jones35Stable$4€4$4€4Check ↗
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Göldo Humbucker Frame PL10KGöldo · 2 finishes40Stable$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 ↗
- 30
Göldo Humbucker Pickup Ring H/F CRGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 31
Göldo HB Mounting Ring Flat Hi BKGöldo36Stable$3€2$3€2Check ↗
- 32
Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Black BRHarley Benton · 2 finishes41Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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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 ↗
- 37
Harley Benton Hu Frame Curved Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton Hu Frame Flat Top Cream NeckHarley Benton37Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Humbucker Frame Screw Set B BKHarley Benton · 6 finishes30Stable$2€2$2€2Check ↗
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 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 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
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.
