Friedman Cali Guitar demo

[@LeonTodd]

BRB I need to go learn that arpeggio sequence

[@nick_be9159]

dude your playing is so good! Making a popsong into such a beautiful guitar track. Kudos man! Greetings from Belgium

[@msimon905]

Consistently my favorite KZbin channel. Thank you sir.

[@ashleyjackson8538]

The black guitar with maple neck always looks super 😎 And definitely sounds incredible

[@nathanielavenmarg4504]

Every guitar I own is Premium CS grade. I promised myself I wouldn't buy another guitar because honestly my bases were covered. Came across a used Cali that I loved the look of and made it mine. Absolutely killer guitar. This is not some nostalgia gimmick novelty sort of instrument; it's an honest-to-god every day player. I am absolutely in love with mine.

[@taylorpenunuri8677]

Your playing is so fantastic Michael. I feel this often goes unnoticed in your vids haha. You have a timeless, classy approach to the instrument.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Taylor Penunuri wow! Thanks so much! I’m 😊 blushing

[@JustinBryantdotcom]

Beautiful playing and arrangement! So melodic !!!

[@edbauer8790]

Well done brother....loved how you worked the melody with those beautiful tones 🤙

[@denn9484]

That intro was out of this worldddd

[@MAG-li5jo]

I would buy your solo record in a heartbeat. I always love your videos and your playing is just so freaking tasty!

[@richstellman4992]

Fantastic playing and tones. You’re a great talent!!!

[@kylejantzen2]

YES! I actually heard some White Lion in there! Great playing and great demo!

[@Locoandchooch]

Wow that neck looks sick.

[@joemckinney489]

Love the playing in all of your videos, but the intro here was amazing..

[@stevehogan8829]

Came to look at the Friedman but gave you a thumbs up for the playing... Really very nice...Killer tone.

[@andyhayes7828]

I think this is the best sounding Friedman guitar I've heard (obviously the player had alot to do with it)

[@BoyAditya]

That white lion's lick bring back memories 😩

[@MatsHeyWire]

I've watched this video like 10 times now😲😲😲!!! Love it 🤘🤘🤘

[@tubesoupio]

Me too!!

[@fonzybrookestone727]

Damn you, Michael!!!!! Now I must go buy a few Friedman amps! Sounds REALLY, REALLY good!!!

[@scoobsdogg]

That intro was incredible

[@mikemccourt6225]

I’m moving you into the guitar friend zone - I “need” a Cali AND and a BE100 now. My life now resembles the lyrics to My Wife by The Who.

[@lucamoqi]

Jezz, that fiddle's got everything: bite, clarity, balls. We can definetely hear you're enjoying it a lot, the tone spaeks for itself. Btw, any chance of hearing the Deliverance?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Great idea. I'll try to put something together

[@geoPhaze]

Isn't this Grover Jackson's work? So it is a really modern refined take on THE shred guitar that started it all? Also, as usual, your playing, sounds, and commentary are tops.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks Geoff. Yes, these are spec'd out and tuned by Dave & Grover, but they're built by Grover's shop.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Cali brotha!! I broke a string on mine so sadly I can't play mine till I get another set of 9 gauge strings ......

[@e.g.systems6146]

Yeah, like you don't have 10 sets sat in the drawer :O)

[@yohaishelef3247]

Cool demo. Sounds slick.

[@dimebagtribute]

I think Grover put the locking tuners to simplify the restring of the instrument! I don't remember where I heard him telling that but it's pretty obvious...

[@droliver]

How do you ‘only’ have 7k subscribers? Your videos are so well made and fun to watch.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

rob oliver thanks Rob! I’m ☺️

[@francescobaraldi8220]

I’m going to buy this model, in this color 😍😍😍

[@tonlarj37]

Love the review, Michael! You rock! 🤘 I just got mine... love it! I couldn’t wait... posted a jam right away. These guitars are super fun to play! ✌️

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Larremore Music awesome blue!!!! Great choice. You sound great!

[@tonlarj37]

Michael Nielsen Thanks! And, thanks for checking it out! 🙏

[@jorgeleonel6663]

@@BigHairyGuitars hi Mike, does it compare favorably versus the Charvel San Dimas in your opinion?

[@julioMiguel2145]

Way to go Michael!🎸🤘😎🤘

[@ak_zombie]

Great review as usual and you busted out some Lynch!

[@batpigguitar]

Nice playing man.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks Rick

[@august8218]

Very cool! Any chance we could get some demos of UAD Amp plugins?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I'll see if I can swing that.

[@bluematrix5001]

The only think I do not like about Friedman guitars is the headstock, but they sound awesome!

[@RezaKhan2024]

Thanks Michael. How is the neck. Can you compare it to any other brand?

[@joshuachurch8138]

A guitar I will HAVE to acquire.

[@KellyJ-Glam]

Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how can you get the backing track "Titanium"?

[@CaptainCrunch75]

Great demo!!! Totally love the Cali! I have a white one and just got a Vintage T built with a Floyd!!

[@Dimiguitar]

Truly great guitars! What throws me me off is the lack of stainless steel frets (unless they've added such an option). I'd rather not have to go through the refretting bonanza to have stainles, frets I vastly prefer compared to nickel. Other than that totally loved the couple of calis I've played, one already refretted to stainless though.

[@Dimiguitar]

So the new noho 24 does have stainless steel frets :) cool.

[@bluematrix5001]

how you would compare the Friedman neck to the newer Charvel MIM ?

[@justins2025]

Hey Michael , prefer this guitar or "the red one?" - vintage t you have? I have been looking at a vintage t but after hearing this I wanted to ask someone who has both! - great playing - cheers!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

They are very different. Like a tank vs Ferrari! The red one is very classic but versatile. It’s very powerful and full. I love the mahogany. The black one is like early VH or Warrent Dimartini. It’s sorta bright, quick sounding, with great punch. I’m trying out a new Friedman NOHO24, which is a more current sounding guitar. Darker than the Cali. Less Van Halen, more Petrucci. It’s great too. Also trying the Metro with is like a Tele sounding Les Paul, or a Les Paul sounding Tele. Hybrid. A Les Paul meets SG maybe. Killer. Pricey though.

[@shawnmanning9846]

Amazing review and playing. This guitar is on my short list. Just bought a BE 50 so I'll have to wait a couple weeks, haha.

[@emreemre369]

You got one without the pickup rings? thats awesome to my shallow mind...I may have to decide between a Suhr modern and one of these in near future. I think you got great Floyd style, esp for someone playing mostly Tele's and Les Pauls.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Emre Emre yeah. I guess they attach directly to the body. I always liked that look a bit more

[@Locoandchooch]

Your new baby lol 🤟🏽 dig it.

[@maxloyd9682]

Have you played suhr modern? How does it compare?

[@dryocum]

Dude.. Great video!! I have two coming my way! One in vintage white ash body with Birdseye maple neck with white headstock like Robert’s and one in vintage white alder body with a ebony fret board and white headstock! Can’t wait to get them!!!!🤪

[@tonictonetomrockstar1931]

amazing!

[@sonnyseabury4051]

Michael, What do you think about the Metro D? I see that you have a review on one of them. I need to watch it. I figure it's Dave's take on a Les Paul. As far as quality and build goes, would you put it above any Les Paul or Les Paul Custom? Gibson quality control has gone to shit now a days. I know they're hit or miss, since their quality control is inconsistant. Hopefully, now that Mark Agnessi, from Norman's Rare Guitars is working for them, they will get their shit together. I've been wanting an SG forever, but I'm scared to take the financial risk. ON THAT FRIEDMAN CALI GUITAR, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE NECK, AS FAR AS THICKNESS GOES. I DON'T LIKE BASEBALL BAT NECKS, BUT I DON'T LIKE SUPER THIN NECKS LIKE JACKSON OR IBANEZ. WOULD YOU SAY THE THICKNESS IS BETWEEN THE TWO?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Sonny Seabury Cali neck is not at all a thin neck, but I wouldn’t call it fat like a 50 telecaster. It’s a nice balance. The Vintage T neck is pretty fat. The Myero is very nice. To me had more of PRS vibe than Les Paul, but had its own sound. Had excellent build quality

[@davemarshall9153]

What are you playing through to capture the sound, is it I mic'd speaker cabinet or is it going direct through your Ox or similar?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

HI David. Everything is through a Bogner 4x12 with v30 speakers. SM57, a bit or Royer 121, API preamps. The lead guitar in the opening tune is actually the Fortin Nameless plugin. I started demoing it with that, and liked that tone, so decided to stick with it.

[@MrScary52]

Amazing guitar!!🙌🙌

[@MrGuitarist9891]

Awesome!

[@RutchanonWongsang]

beautiful and sound really good bro \m/

[@brianmckenzie1318]

That text at the end of the video, was that Dave saying he wants you to try a Metro D next? : ) Muuu waaaa haaa haaa haa! As always, awesome playing!!! You make everything sound great! See now you've done it, I'll spend the rest of the afternoon looking at Friedman guitars!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks man! I really shouldn't try a Metro. ;)

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Dude....that was sick playing. Love the Cali just wish it were Rosewood neck. Speaking of neck, the radius looks as flat as a wall. Love to get a Friedman. Doesn't Grover make these next door to Dave? I'll admit I can't get the sustain from the "Is This Love" solo on my Strat with Suhr pickups like you just did. That first note I just can't get to ring several bars. Oh, and where is Vitto Bratta, he's MIA.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks SN95! I tried the a black Rosewood. it was great, but this particular one just slayed me. Grover actually makes these guitars. The design and specs are a collaboration between Dave F and Grover, but the actual build is done by Grover. Yeah, this guitar sings :)

[@BigHairyGuitars]

BTW, it's a compound radius. It's not really flat feeling. I maybe because the neck it's very flat.

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Michael Nielsen Thanks for that, I assume it’s a 9” to 12” compound. The maple looks even flatter on video. Still an excellent guitar, I’ve watched a few other Cali videos.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@sn95_mustang_garage It's actually 10-14 radius.

[@HighVoltageCovers]

Oh my god Michael, you are my guitar friend, STOP!!! Good thing I live in Brazil so there’s zero chance of me getting this guitar, but I am now considering putting one together. I’m just not a huge fan of low output pickups, but this guitar would shine even more if you had some Motor City Afwayu on the bridge!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I've heard great things about the Afwayu, but I really like having the low output so that I have room to boost it with pedals.

[@ShuheiMatsumotoMusic]

Yay white lion! Nice sound!

[@67er_matze97]

awesome Demo and playing !! ..and stunning guitar imo! I was lucky enough to snatch one of the first Vintage-Ts that made it over to Europe. And in my opinion it is a stellar guitar. I think I'd love one of these too. But I'm a little concerned about the one knob electronics. I'd highly appreciate if anyone would like to share experience with that ?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

This is the one guitar that would be nice to have a tone control. But, it's not a deal breaker for me. The stock Friedman pickup has an open top end. Sometimes it would be nice to cut a little of that. But, not a big deal.

[@67er_matze97]

@@BigHairyGuitars thanks for your feedback Michael! Yes I believe it's the same for me. I really love my Vintage-T and also Dave's amps. All the best from Frankfurt/Germany

[@Dimiguitar]

Dat arpeggio part tho. Need to copy ASAP!

[@ricks1954]

Are these still made by grover jackson?

[@MrScary52]

Michael, one question please....what's the neck profile? Thanks and amazing guitar🔥🔥🙌

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I'm not sure. It's a compound radius. All of the Cali's have the same neck, but they each feel a little different because of the hand work that goes into them. It's a little smaller than the Vintage T neck... if that helps at all.

[@MrScary52]

@@BigHairyGuitars thank you very much Michael for your answer. I have some problems in my left hand and I don't know if I could feel comfortable with this neck ..... If I decide on a Cali I will tell you how I feel, I will have to take some risk 😉😉 Thanks friend and good job for the review👍👏🙌

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@MrScary52 Check out the NoHo. It's a shorter scale length (Gibson scale length). Earlier this year I was having shoulder problems and the little extra off the scale length made it MUCH more comfortable to play than all of my others.

[@MrScary52]

@@BigHairyGuitars Thank you Michael. I'll keep it in mind. I did not know that model. I'll tell you. Keep on rocking!! All the best

[@shadeshadyshade254]

I'm a big fan of 80's style guitars...which this is. I'm sure it plays & sounds better than a charvel but I'm sure it comes with a pretty high price. And so do those Iconic, Luxxtone & any other boutiques... I'd love to have a couple cool ones but price is too dang much. I'm in Canada as well so our low dollar makes these guitars even more expensive. Sure do like em though 👍🏼👍🏼

[@braxal6983]

Michael, are you getting a purple Relic Vintage T ordered since you have spread your disease to all of us?... Great job!!! Your videos are great and so is your playing!!! I appreciate you. OH Thanks to you I pre-ordered a JJ Junior last week. Your pre-video did that deed. Your killing me.... HAHAHA

[@juniorlima7659]

Great!!!!!!!

[@the92project]

ill never do floyd rose again but the guitar looks sexy as hell

[@BigHairyGuitars]

The Cantrell Project do you rock NO trem, or do you have another preference?

[@waynecarlson9168]

Off the charts👍😃😁

[@nicolasrivera5310]

100watts DS Head?

[@mr.esabsurditiesatrocities1805]

Man, you gotta bust out some thrash with that and the Deliverance.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

That's kinda funny, because I almost never go to high gain with it. It lives in agressive JTM45 or Plexi zone for me. I'll have to take a stab at metal tones with it.

[@waitingforanalibi3069]

Killer! Period.

[@BenBreard]

Last week I learned that Floyd makes a Gotoh-style pop-in bar assembly. (Apologies if I'm the last person to know about this) I can't stand the wiggle or extra play in the bar that can develops over time. I'll be installing this on my non-fine tuner Floyd this weekend. It looks well made so far. FLOYD ROSE PUSH IN STYLE TREM ARM - CHROME www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5X1WLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VA40BbH4FDZGK

[@clarencebeaks1315]

What’s the song you played at 9:51

[@BigHairyGuitars]

White Lion "Wait"

[@FutureOmega]

Michael - what your signal chain for this? Straight into Friedman - different for each part? Want to try and duplicate your art work

[@pwrmac7600]

Does this guitar have the classic+ and classic combo loaded in it?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Classic in the neck, Classic + in the bridge. Although, recently, I put a JB in the bridge. I wanted a warmer sound. It's a bright guitar, and the Cali & Classic + was a little too cutting.

[@pwrmac7600]

@@BigHairyGuitars Thanks, I actually just built a tele deluxe from warmoth inspired by your "Red One" but with humbuckers, and I went with the Classic and Classic+ in it. Really digging the sound so far although they are by far the lowest output pickups I have in any of my guitars.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@pwrmac7600 Yes! They are low output. I LOVE it in my Blue Friedman T. But since this guitar is straight up 80's, I think a hotter wind would be a little more appropriate.

[@PhillipMoita]

100W Dirty Shirley head? New Friedman amp? ;)

[@BigHairyGuitars]

No, it's a custom build. There's no HBE, and no clean channel. Just BE, and DS channels.

[@PhillipMoita]

@@BigHairyGuitars Huge tone!

[@Mossy5150]

Well that earned a sub.

[@waitingforanalibi3069]

100 watt Dirty Shirley? Custom? Is it coming out?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

No. It's a custom that Dave built for me. It's a BE 100, with a Dirty Shirley channel instead of a clean channel. The 40w DS is absolutely killer though. The 100w version is just a little more tight. I just couldn't decide. BE or DS haha

[@waitingforanalibi3069]

My DS mini is my favorite amp of my 3 Friedmans. No bad sounds. Bought it because of your demo. Dave owes you!!

[@mattyounis5636]

Do you miss not having a tone knob on these?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

in the past, I rarely use a tone knob, especially for hard rock / metal stuff. So, if it was there, I probably wouldn't use it. I tend to use the tone knobs on strats / tele guitars. That said, my cali is a little on the bridge edgy side, so instead of a tone knob, I'll probably have a different resister put in, or something like that... to simulate it hitting the tone circuit and take a little of the edge off.

[@mattyounis5636]

@@BigHairyGuitars ok thanks for the response

[@guitarz]

Killer playing as always although this one seemed just a bit more!! 🍻

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks James!

[@cnutella9947]

Jesus, that toan!

[@joshuageorge7182]

.... Titanium. 😏

[@MrShane5150]

Standard or custom?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Straight off the shelf.

[@MrShane5150]

Michael Nielsen just got mine in...first “custom” guitar that I’ve got in that I didn’t want I change anything on (other than dropping it to eflat). These pickups are fantastic.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@MrShane5150 AWESOME! I'm so glad you like it! What color?

[@MrShane5150]

Metallic blue.The neck is a bit fatter than I’m used to but extremely comfortable.

[@FlashGrover]

Sia, Jet - yay for aussie tunes

[@BigHairyGuitars]

OH man! I didn't make that connection. I should've thrown in some metal Olivia Newton-John!

[@FlashGrover]

@@BigHairyGuitars next time? I want heavy metal "Physical"

[@Jay-sy5yf]

The chorus to your tune reminds me of Lady Gaga!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

That's a David Guetta and Sia tune. So it's understandable that it's Gagaish

[@greekfreak1980]

Over 2,500 USD for a Charvel San Dimas Rip-Off?! Seriously?! And of course it´s "reliced" for all the poseurs. As if their amps weren´t overpriced rip-offs,of the Marshall Plexis.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

So... you're saying that you aren't planning on buying one any time soon?

[@greekfreak1980]

@@BigHairyGuitars I just checked the price on Sweetwater,2,899 USD for a Charvel rip-off. (the real Charvel Pro Mod Series goes for 899) you gotta be kidding me! I can get a neckthrough Mayones with an insane figured top for this! It's a piece of alder,that has been scratched on with a bolt-on maple neck. I don't know what Friedman is smoking but they must have some strong weed over there in Cali. Then again,there are lots of rich,lawyers and dentists,with midlife crisis,who want to re-live their highschool days.That's the target-demo basically.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

@@greekfreak1980 I bought 2 of those 899 Charvel's in the past couple years. Unfortunately, they were super no-go's for me. But they seem to be perfectly fine for a bunch of players. Fantastic! I wish they worked for me. Maybe I got 2 duds, because mine had no sustain, felt cheap, and didn't sound any better than my $150 Jackson Minion. I have tried a US made Charvel that was really nice, but that was up in the high $2000-s. Mayones make killer guitars, not really my thing. But, undoubtedly there are tons of options of great guitars when you get up past $2000.

[@tubesoupio]

No, it's over 2500USD for a real Charvel San Dimas...hand built by THE GUY that built all of the original Charvel San Dimas super-strats...AND, they're actually even better now (with Plek'ed fingerboards, CNC steel neck/body stabilizing slugs and better pickups)...just sayin' #Grover

[@pastorkev777]

Sounds great but can't stand the way the headstock looks.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

REALLY!? I quite like it. The headstock has steered me aways from many different brands, but I really like the Friedman one. But, then again, I also like Tyler headstocks!!! ;)

[@davidkring8484]

Great playing but for the love of god raise that action. Fret noise is excruciating.

[@skidjs]

I don't like it.