Friedman CALI-AMMFN-H0P-NQ42-C57
The Friedman Cali combines a maple neck and fingerboard, two listed humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose tremolo in a USA-made, aged-finish package. Confirm the pickup configuration with the seller before buying, since the listing also labels it SS.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Friedman CALI-AMMFN-H0P-NQ42-C57: A specification-based review
The Friedman CALI-AMMFN-H0P-NQ42-C57 is a U.S.-made Cali model with an alder body, a maple neck and fingerboard, two listed Friedman Classic Plus humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose tremolo. Its ST-style body shape places it in a familiar electric-guitar format, while its hardware and pickup configuration point to a setup designed for players who want a locking-style tremolo system and a full-size humbucker arrangement. The available information supports a technical assessment of its layout and construction, but there are no customer reviews or independent playing tests to confirm how it sounds or feels.
Construction and finish
The body is alder, with no separate top specified. The neck and fingerboard are both maple. The fingerboard has black dot inlays, 22 frets, and a compound radius listed as 241 to 305 mm, equivalent to 9.5 to 12 inches. That changing radius is intended to provide a rounder profile near the lower frets and a flatter surface higher up. The specification describes the geometry, but does not identify the neck's back shape or thickness, so those aspects cannot be assessed from the listing.
The guitar has a bolt-on neck, a bone nut, nickel hardware, and fretwork described as Plek-machined. These details identify the construction and setup features, but they do not establish a particular level of comfort or tuning performance. The finish is described as medium aged, in Birch Green, with nitrocellulose lacquer. The color field also gives the more general description "Green." No top is listed, so the finish should be understood as applied to the specified body rather than as a separate decorative top.
Scale, pickups, and controls
The scale length is 648 mm, or 25.5 inches, a standard long scale measurement for this style of guitar. The pickup information needs careful reading because the data contains a mismatch. The overview labels the pickup configuration "SS," which usually indicates two single-coil pickups. The detailed specification instead lists two Friedman Classic Plus humbuckers. Those descriptions are not interchangeable, and the supplied information does not explain the conflict. Buyers should confirm the actual pickup configuration with the seller before ordering.
According to the detailed specification, the controls consist of one volume knob and a three-way toggle switch. That is a straightforward control layout, although no wiring options, coil-splitting function, tone control, or switching diagram are specified. It would be inaccurate to assume any of those features are present. Likewise, the pickup names alone do not establish their output, frequency response, or suitability for a particular playing style. Those qualities require measurements or a direct listening test.
Floyd Rose tremolo and included case
A Floyd Rose tremolo is listed, which distinguishes this model from a fixed-bridge Cali configuration. The listing does not identify the precise Floyd Rose model, locking hardware details, or setup range. Players considering frequent pitch changes should verify those specifics, along with the guitar's setup and included accessories. The 22-fret layout and 25.5-inch scale are clearly stated, but details such as string gauge and factory tuning are not.
The package includes a case and does not include a bag. That is useful to know when comparing the stated price of $2,859 with other instruments, but the case type and construction are not described. The product is listed as available since March 2026, with item number 638774. It is not identified as a limited run.
What the specifications establish
The strongest points in the listing are the clearly identified core materials, scale length, fret count, compound fingerboard radius, tremolo type, finish, and included case. The U.S.-made designation and Plek-machined fretwork are also stated. At the same time, the SS pickup label conflicts with the detailed dual-humbucker description, and several practical details remain unspecified, including neck profile, exact tremolo model, and case type. There are no customer reviews available, so claims about tone, playability, reliability, or value cannot be grounded in reported owner experience.
On paper, the Friedman CALI-AMMFN-H0P-NQ42-C57 combines a conventional long-scale, bolt-on maple neck platform with dual humbuckers as described in the detailed specification and a Floyd Rose tremolo. Its $2,859 price makes it worth checking the configuration carefully before purchase, especially the pickup discrepancy. For a dependable decision, ask Friedman or the retailer to confirm the installed pickups and the exact tremolo model, then assess the instrument in person if possible.
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
- Alder body, maple neck, and maple fingerboard provide a familiar, straightforward construction.
- Two Friedman Classic Plus humbuckers and a three-way switch offer a simple pickup layout.
- Includes a case and features Plek-machined frets, a bone nut, and a Floyd Rose tremolo.
What bugged me
- The listing is inconsistent: it identifies the pickup system as SS in one place but specifies two humbuckers elsewhere.
- 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 USA-made ST-style guitar with a Floyd Rose tremolo and a maple fingerboard. Also worth considering for buyers who value an included case and detailed fretwork specifications.Look elsewhere if
Less suitable for players who want a fixed bridge or minimal setup demands. Buyers who need confirmed pickup details should resolve the SS versus humbucker discrepancy before ordering.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Green
- 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
Before you decide
Questions players ask
What pickup configuration does this guitar have?
The detailed specifications list two Friedman Classic Plus humbuckers, but another part of the listing says SS. Ask the seller to confirm the actual configuration.
Does the guitar come with a case?
Yes. The specifications state that a case is included, although no bag is included.
What is the fingerboard radius?
It has a compound radius listed as 9.5 to 12 inches.
Is the bridge a Floyd Rose tremolo?
Yes. The listing specifies a Floyd Rose tremolo, which offers pitch movement but may take more effort to set up and maintain than a fixed bridge.
Where is this guitar made?
The product specifications state that it is made in the USA.
The last word from the bench
The listed construction and included case make this a well-equipped guitar on paper, with Plek-machined frets and a compound-radius fingerboard among its notable details. Its two specified Friedman Classic Plus humbuckers suggest a straightforward, high-output-oriented setup, though the separate SS designation creates a real specification question. The Floyd Rose adds pitch flexibility but can involve more setup work. At 2859, verify the pickup details and included accessories before placing an order.
Hanging next to it
Friedman CALI-AMMFN-H0P-NQ42-C57
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.
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