Electric guitars

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+

The Friedman CALI-AMCHH+ pairs an alder body and maple neck with two listed Friedman humbuckers, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and Plek-finished fretwork. Confirm the pickup configuration with the seller, since the listing also identifies the system as SS.

★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+ review

The Friedman CALI-AMCHH+ is a U.S.-made, ST-style electric guitar listed at a price of 3222. It has an alder body, a maple neck and fingerboard, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and a Candy Apple Red, medium-aged finish. The listed specifications also include a case, 22 frets, and a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale. No customer reviews are available, so this assessment is based solely on the supplied product information.

There is one notable specification conflict to resolve before purchase. The general pickup field identifies the setup as "SS," a designation commonly used for two single-coil pickups. The detailed description, however, names two humbuckers: a Friedman Classic Plus at the bridge and a Friedman Classic at the neck. Those descriptions do not match. The exact pickup configuration should be confirmed with the seller rather than inferred from the abbreviated field.

Construction and neck specifications

The body is alder, with no separate top listed. The bolt-on neck and fingerboard are both maple. Black dot inlays provide the only stated fingerboard markers. The compound radius changes from 241 mm (9.5 inches) to 305 mm (12 inches), a specification that describes a fingerboard that is rounder near one end and flatter near the other. The listing does not give a neck profile, neck thickness, or fingerboard width, so those details cannot be assessed here.

The guitar has 22 frets and a bone nut. Friedman also specifies carefully seasoned woods and fretwork finished with the Plek system. Those are manufacturer-provided construction details, not evidence of any particular setup, fret condition on an individual instrument, or playing feel. The listing provides no measurements for fret height, action, or relief.

Its 648 mm scale is equivalent to 25.5 inches. That is a useful reference when comparing string feel and replacement strings with other guitars, but the supplied data does not state the factory string gauge or tuning. The neck is attached with bolts, as stated in the specifications. No neck adjustment details or factory setup values are provided.

Pickups, controls, and tremolo

The detailed pickup description lists a Friedman Classic Plus humbucker in the bridge position and a Friedman Classic humbucker in the neck position. Controls are limited in the specification to one volume control and a three-way switch. No tone control, coil-splitting function, or other switching option is listed. Buyers who need a particular wiring layout should verify it with Friedman or the retailer, especially given the conflicting "SS" pickup-system entry.

A Floyd Rose tremolo is specified, along with nickel hardware. The listing does not identify the exact Floyd Rose model or describe its locking hardware, setup, or adjustment range. A tremolo system can require more involved string changes and setup than a fixed bridge, but the practical details depend on the specific bridge and how the guitar is configured. The available information is not enough to evaluate tuning stability or tremolo feel.

Finish, included items, and buying details

The finish is described as Candy Apple Red with a medium-aged appearance, and the body receives a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. The listing states that a case is included and a bag is not. Color and aging descriptions communicate the intended appearance, but they do not establish how closely an individual guitar's finish will match product photos.

  • Model: Cali, ST-style body
  • Body and neck: Alder body, bolt-on maple neck, maple fingerboard
  • Fingerboard: Compound radius from 9.5 to 12 inches, 22 frets, black dot inlays
  • Scale and nut: 25.5-inch scale, bone nut
  • Electronics: Detailed description lists two humbuckers, one volume control, and a three-way switch; the general pickup field conflicts
  • Bridge and hardware: Floyd Rose tremolo, nickel hardware
  • Finish and origin: Candy Apple Red, medium-aged appearance, nitrocellulose lacquer, made in the United States
  • Included item: Case

The product has been available since March 2025, carries item number 610230, and is not identified as a limited run. The listing gives the price as 3222 without specifying a currency. That omission makes direct price comparisons difficult unless the retailer's currency is clear.

Technical verdict

The CALI-AMCHH+ has a clearly described wood and hardware foundation, with a maple neck and fingerboard, a compound radius, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and a case included. Its detailed pickup description points to a two-humbucker configuration, but the conflicting "SS" entry is material and should be checked before ordering. With no customer feedback or individual setup measurements available, claims about sound, comfort, tuning performance, and overall value would go beyond the supplied evidence.

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, front view
7.8/ 10 overall score
$3,222current price at the retailer
Check today's price price and delivery time at the retailer

Shipping and duties

The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.

Scores by area

Where it shines, where it stumbles

What convinced me

  • Friedman Classic Plus bridge humbucker and Friedman Classic neck humbucker provide a matched two-pickup setup.
  • Plek-finished frets, a compound-radius maple fingerboard, and a bone nut are specified.
  • Floyd Rose tremolo, nitrocellulose lacquer, and an included case add useful performance and ownership features.

What bugged me

  • The product listing gives conflicting pickup information: it specifies an SS pickup system in one section but lists two humbuckers in the detailed specifications.
  • The Floyd Rose tremolo may require more involved setup and string changes than a fixed bridge.

Is it the right one for you?

Good pick if

A good fit for players seeking a U.S.-made, medium-aged ST-style guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo and detailed fretwork. Also suits buyers who want an included case and are willing to verify the pickup configuration before purchase.

Look elsewhere if

Less suitable for players who prefer a fixed bridge or want simpler setup and string changes. Buyers who need confirmed single-coil specifications should resolve the listing's pickup discrepancy before ordering.
RockHard rockBlues

Suggested level: Intermediate

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, $3,222Check today's price →

Specifications

Color
Red
Body
Alder
Top
None
Neck
Maple
Fretboard
Maple
Frets
22
Scale
648 mm
Pickups
SS
Tremolo
Floyd Rose
Incl. bag
No
Including case
Yes
Limited run
No
Model
Cali
Shape
ST-Style

Up close

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, detail 2Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, detail 3Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, detail 4Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, detail 5

Before you decide

Questions players ask

What pickups does the Friedman CALI-AMCHH+ have?

The detailed specifications list a Friedman Classic Plus bridge humbucker and a Friedman Classic neck humbucker. Another section labels the pickup system SS, so confirm the actual configuration with the seller.

Does this guitar include a case?

Yes. The specifications state that a case is included; a bag is not.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It has a compound radius from 9.5 to 12 inches, or approximately 241 to 305 mm.

What tremolo system does it use?

The guitar is listed with a Floyd Rose tremolo. Players should account for the additional setup and string-changing demands associated with this type of system.

Where is the Friedman CALI-AMCHH+ made?

The supplied specifications state that it is made in the USA.

The last word from the bench

This U.S.-made Cali combines a Candy Apple Red, medium-aged finish with a maple fingerboard, compound radius, and 22 frets. Its listed hardware and included case make it a well-equipped option, while the Floyd Rose favors players comfortable with a more involved setup. The pickup details conflict within the listing, so verify the configuration before buying. No customer reviews were provided, so this assessment is based on the supplied specifications.

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+, $3,222Check today's price →

Hanging next to it

Friedman CALI-AMCHH+

Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.

See it at the retailer →
Guitar Gear Reviews Played on the bench before it gets a score