Friedman CALI-AMRFB-F0F-N042-X66M
The Friedman Cali combines two Triple D humbuckers, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and carefully finished frets in a USA-made, aged-finish guitar. Its simple controls and premium price make it a focused choice for players who specifically want this setup.
★★★★★ 4.5/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 5 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
Friedman CALI-AMRFB-F0F-N042-X66M review
The Friedman CALI-AMRFB-F0F-N042-X66M is a U.S.-made Cali electric guitar with an alder body, maple bolt-on neck, rosewood fingerboard, two Friedman Triple D humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose tremolo. Its listed color is Diver Down, a red-and-white finish with medium aging under nitrocellulose lacquer. The specification sheet also lists a case as included. The stated price is 3,199, although no currency is specified in the supplied information.
No customer reviews are available for this model. This assessment therefore sticks to the published specifications. Those details describe the instrument's materials and layout, but they do not establish how it sounds, feels, stays in tune, or performs in a particular setup. Those points require direct testing.
Body, neck, and fingerboard
The body is made from alder, with no separate top. The bolt-on neck is maple, and the fingerboard is rosewood with white dot inlays. The guitar has 22 frets and a 648 mm (25.5-inch) scale length. That scale puts it in the standard full-length electric guitar category, while the 22-fret count is a useful reference for players checking fret access and replacement neck compatibility.
The compound fingerboard radius changes from 241 mm to 305 mm, equivalent to 9.5 to 12 inches. The published figures indicate a rounder curve near the lower frets and a flatter curve farther up the neck. That geometry is intended to accommodate different playing positions, but the sheet does not provide neck thickness, nut width, fret dimensions, or a neck profile. Buyers who depend on those measurements should confirm them with the seller before ordering.
The fretwork is described as Plek-machined. This identifies a computer-guided fret machining process, but the listing does not give fret material or dimensions, nor does it document the setup as shipped. A technician's final adjustments can still affect action, intonation, and playability.
Pickups, controls, and tremolo
The electronics use two Friedman Triple D humbucking pickups, arranged in an HH configuration. Controls consist of one volume knob and a three-way toggle switch. No tone control, coil-splitting option, or additional switching function is listed, so none should be assumed. The available specifications also do not include pickup output, magnet type, wiring details, or individual pickup descriptions.
A Floyd Rose tremolo is paired with a Floyd Rose locking nut. This is a double-locking setup, with the nut securing the strings at the headstock and the tremolo serving as the bridge system. It is a relevant feature for players who use pitch changes with the bar. The listing does not state the exact Floyd Rose model, range of movement, or setup details. A floating tremolo can also require more involved string changes and tuning adjustments than a fixed bridge, especially when changing string gauges or tuning.
Finish, hardware, and included items
The Diver Down finish combines red and white, with a medium-aged appearance and nitrocellulose lacquer. The hardware is nickel. The sheet does not specify whether the aging is applied by hand, identify which parts are aged, or describe the lacquer's exact sheen. These details matter to buyers comparing the instrument's appearance in person, so product photographs or retailer confirmation are useful.
A case is included, while a bag is not. The item is listed as a single-piece sales unit and has item number 638776. It has been available since March 2026, and the listing identifies it as not being a limited run. These are ordering and availability details rather than indicators of construction quality.
Assessment
On paper, the Cali combines a traditional alder-and-maple construction with a rosewood fingerboard, dual humbuckers, and a Floyd Rose locking tremolo system. Its most clearly defined technical choices are the 22-fret, 25.5-inch scale layout, compound-radius fingerboard, single-volume control scheme, and included case. The specifications are detailed enough to outline the major components, but leave several practical questions unanswered, including neck dimensions, pickup voicing, bridge model, and factory setup.
For a buying decision, confirm the listed price and currency, verify the exact hardware and neck measurements, and ask what setup is supplied. Since there are no customer reports in the available information, this review cannot make claims about real-world reliability, sound quality, or playing comfort. The published data support a clear description of the guitar's design, not a substitute for trying one in person.
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
- Made in the USA with an alder body and maple neck.
- Two Friedman Triple D humbuckers with a three-way pickup selector.
- Floyd Rose tremolo and locking nut for stable use with the tremolo system.
- Plek-machined frets, a compound-radius rosewood fingerboard, and an included case.
What bugged me
- The controls are limited to one volume knob and a three-way selector.
- A gig bag is not included, and the Floyd Rose system may require more involved setup than a fixed bridge.
- The listed price places it in a high-cost category.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A strong fit for players seeking a USA-made guitar with two humbuckers and a Floyd Rose tremolo. Also suited to buyers who value Plek-machined fretwork and an included case.Look elsewhere if
Less suitable for buyers who want a fixed bridge or a broader set of onboard controls. Consider another option if you need a lower-priced guitar or an included gig bag.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Red
- Body
- Alder
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Rosewood
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 648 mm
- Pickups
- HH
- 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
Does the Friedman Cali come with a case?
Yes. A case is included, but a gig bag is not.
What pickups does this guitar use?
It has two Friedman Triple D humbuckers, controlled by one volume knob and a three-way toggle switch.
Does it have a Floyd Rose tremolo?
Yes. It has a Floyd Rose tremolo and a Floyd Rose locking nut.
What is the fingerboard radius?
The rosewood fingerboard has a compound radius that runs from 9.5 inches to 12 inches.
Is this guitar suitable for a beginner?
It could be used by a beginner, but its premium price and locking tremolo setup may be better suited to someone with experience setting up or maintaining this type of bridge.
The last word from the bench
The Cali pairs an alder body and maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard featuring a compound radius. Its two humbuckers, three-way selector, and Floyd Rose system offer a straightforward control layout with tremolo capability. Plek-machined frets and an included case add practical value, though no gig bag is supplied. Consider it if you want this particular specification and are comfortable with the demands of a locking tremolo system.
Hanging next to it
Friedman CALI-AMRFB-F0F-N042-X66M
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.






