Best TV Jones Pickup Frames 2026
Alright, so you're chasing that vintage Gibson mojo, that warm, articulate growl that cuts through a mix without being fizzy? A lot of folks tweak amps and guitars, but the often-overlooked secret weapon is the pickup frame. If you're serious about nailing that classic tone and you're already in the Tv Jones camp, let's talk about their frames - they're not just metal, they're a tonal refinement.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
TV Jones DeArmond Mount Shims
- • Precisely laser-cut compression foam ensures consistent, repeatable pickup height adjustments.
- • Ideal for vintage-style guitars with DeArmond floating pickups, minimizing fret buzz.
- • Simple, inexpensive solution for optimizing output and tonal balance of TV Jones pickups.
- • Lightweight foam won't significantly alter guitar resonance or overall feel.
- • Foam material can compress over time, potentially requiring occasional replacement.
- • Limited to DeArmond-style mounting; not suitable for standard pickup routes.
- • While effective, they aren't a substitute for proper pickup installation and routing.
TV Jones EM5 Gretsch-Style Ring SI
- • Precise fit for TV Jones and English Mount Filter'Trons.
- • Durable plastic construction maintains pickup stability.
- • Silver finish complements classic Gretsch aesthetics.
- • Provides proper corner radius for authentic vintage tone.
- • Plastic material isn't as rigid as metal alternatives.
- • Compatibility limited; won't fit standard humbuckers or some modern Filter'Trons.
- • Requires additional hardware like Ring Risers for certain Gretsch models.
TV Jones EM2 Gretsch-Style Ring GO
- • 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.
- • Universal mount design offers compatibility with TV Jones pickups and some Filter'Trons.
- • Plastic construction feels less premium compared to metal alternatives.
- • Compatibility is limited; won't fit standard humbuckers or all Filter'Trons.
- • Requires risers for certain Gretsch models like 5120/5122, adding complexity.
TV Jones EM2 Gretsch-Style Ring SI
- • Accurate Gretsch aesthetic for vintage-correct builds.
- • Solid plastic construction offers decent durability for the price.
- • Universal mount accommodates TV Jones Filter'Tron style pickups.
- • Precise internal dimensions ensure proper pickup alignment.
- • Plastic material lacks the premium feel of metal rings.
- • Potential fitment issues with some modern Filter'Tron variations.
- • Requires risers for certain Gretsch models like the 5120/5122.
TV Jones EM1 Humbucker Ring Low BK
- • 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.
- • US-made quality ensures dimensional accuracy and reliable mounting.
- • Limited compatibility; strictly for TV Jones Universal Mount pickups only.
- • Plastic construction, while lightweight, might feel less premium than metal alternatives.
- • The corner radius specification is critical; mismatch can cause fitment issues.
TV Jones EM1 Humbucker Ring Low CR
- • Provides crucial clearance for high-profile Tune-O-Matic bridges.
- • Specifically designed for TV Jones Universal Mount pickups, ensuring perfect fit.
- • Tall frame accommodates thicker windings for enhanced output potential.
- • Cream finish complements vintage aesthetics, a nice touch for classic builds.
- • Limited compatibility; won't work with tremolo systems or low bridges.
- • Plastic construction, while cost-effective, may feel less premium.
- • Only suitable for Universal Mount pickups; standard humbuckers are incompatible.
TV Jones EM1 Humbucker Ring Tall CR
- • Tall design accommodates high-profile Tune-O-Matic bridges effectively.
- • Plastic construction keeps weight minimal, crucial for vintage-style guitars.
- • Specifically designed for TV Jones Universal Mount pickups, ensuring a perfect fit.
- • Cream color offers a classic aesthetic, blending seamlessly with vintage tones.
- • Limited to Universal Mount pickups; standard humbuckers are incompatible.
- • Plastic material, while lightweight, lacks the premium feel of metal alternatives.
- • Not suitable for instruments with tremolo systems or low-profile bridges.
TV Jones EM1 Humbucker Ring Tall BK
- • Tall design accommodates high-profile bridges common on vintage guitars.
- • Plastic construction keeps weight minimal, preserving instrument resonance.
- • Universal mount compatibility expands pickup options significantly.
- • US-made quality ensures reliable performance and precise dimensions.
- • Plastic construction feels less premium compared to metal alternatives.
- • Limited compatibility restricts use to specific guitar types and pickups.
- • Corner radius discrepancy with some modern Filter'Trons requires verification.
TV Jones EM2 Ring Riser Set
- • Solves neck angle issues common on Gretsch guitars with EM2 pickups.
- • Acrylic construction provides a stable, rigid mounting platform.
- • Includes longer screws, preventing stripping and ensuring secure attachment.
- • Allows for proper pickup height adjustment, optimizing output and tone.
- • Acrylic material can be prone to cracking under extreme stress or temperature changes.
- • Limited to Gretsch-style humbucker applications; not universally compatible.
- • Requires careful installation to avoid neck pocket damage or incorrect alignment.
Pickup Frames by the numbers
Measured across all 60 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best Pickup Frames
Material & Construction
Tv Jones frames are typically made from solid brass, which contributes to a warmer, more resonant tone compared to cheaper steel or pot metal frames. That brass adds a subtle sustain and a richness that's noticeable, especially with overwound pickups.
Mechanical Stability
A wobbly pickup is a pain, plain and simple. These frames are robust and provide a solid mounting point, reducing microphonic feedback and ensuring consistent string spacing and intonation - vital for a well-setup guitar.
Tonal Impact
The brass imparts a subtle but significant tonal shift - a smoother high end, a more focused midrange, and a touch more low-end thump. It's not a drastic change, but it's enough to give your pickups that extra something, that 'vintage' vibe.
Compatibility
Tv Jones frames are designed to be drop-in replacements for many vintage-style Gibson pickups, but always double-check dimensions. The fit isn't always perfect with heavily modified or non-standard pickups, so a little tweaking might be needed.
Finish & Aesthetics
Beyond the tone, these frames often have a beautiful aged brass finish that just looks the part. It's a small detail, but it contributes to the overall vintage aesthetic - especially important for players aiming for that authentic look and feel.
Buying Guide
Don't expect these frames to magically transform a cheap, harsh-sounding pickup into a vintage dream. They're a refinement, a subtle enhancement. While the price is higher than basic frames, it's a worthwhile investment if you're already committed to the Tv Jones sound. Pay attention to the dimensions; some guitars have tighter pickup cavities, and you might need to file or sand the frame slightly for a perfect fit. It's a little extra work, but the tonal reward is worth it.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 9 of 60 pickup frames from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 9 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
