Whether you are an entry-level guitarist or a guitar enthusiast that is considering expanding his collection, there are many chances that you have encountered with First Act brand at some point.
The First Act is a leading manufacturer of musical toys, including guitars, drum sets, and bass accessories.
They successfully grabbed the attention of all aspiring guitarists with their affordable yet intriguing guitar offerings.
But here is a question that beeps in many minds that being toys, Are first-act guitars good?
Well, we are here to unveil the truth behind these instruments.
In this article, we will explore their features, performance, and sound quality and help you assess what these guitars bring to the table.
Contents
Overview of First Act Guitars
The First Act started its journey in 1995 as a guitar repair shop in Boston, Massachusetts.
However, the brand’s beginning was humble compared to other well-established guitar brands. But soon, they managed to carve out a niche for themselves in the industry.
Later in 2016, the brand got under the umbrella of Jazware, the fastest-growing toy company in the world.
They are well known for manufacturing affordable beginning-level guitars without compromising quality.
Different Available Types of First Act Guitars
One noticeable feature of First Act guitars is that they cater to various skill levels and musical preferences.
From young children taking their first steps into the world of music to those aspiring to become rock stars, in first act diverse range, there is something for everyone,
Their range includes electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and even bass guitars. All the models are user-friendly with affordable prices.
They are specifically designed to provide options for beginners, intermediate and advanced players.
The brand’s commitment to innovation also sets them apart from other options.
The case in view is their experiments on body shapes and finishes to give their guitars a distinct visual appeal.
First Act Guitar Features and Performance
The First Act offers high-quality features that rival more expensive models. It includes beveled cutaways, a built-in boost circuit, and powerful humbuckers.
The tuners, knobs, and vibrato unit have a durable black finish, setting this guitar apart from others in its price range.
The unique gothic gryphon design on the pickguard adds a cool and distinctive touch to their look.
Despite their smaller basswood body, they are perfect for preteens or those who prefer compact guitar designs.
Their neck pocket fit is exceptionally tight, and controls include master volume, master tone, and a three-way pickup selector.
Performance
Unlike beginner guitars with bulky necks, the First Act features a neck built for speed.
They have a slim profile and large, easy-to-play frets, making them suitable for grinding power chords or shredding solos.
However, some attention to detail is needed for the fret edges, as a few of them are sharp.
Their humbuckers deliver surprisingly chunky tones with good definition and sustain.
Although they lack a locking Floyd-style tremolo common in higher-priced guitars, their vintage-style tremolo can handle significant abuse before going out of tune.
This may be attributed to the unique elongated headstock with its distinct two-by-four tuner arrangement, even though its appearance might not be the most attractive.
Build Quality and Sound Quality
Build quality plays a crucial role in the overall musical performance of a guitar, and First Act has done pretty well in this domain.
By inspecting various user reviews, one can easily find the consensus on their decent build quality, considering the price range.
Though they do not exhibit exceptional craftsmanship, they do a commendable job for their targeted market.
Usually, their manufacturing involves a combination of tone woods, such as maple, mahogany, or basswood. However, there are some reported variations in build quality.
Overall, users have found these guitars solid and well-built, allowing for comfortable playability.
Sound Quality of First Act guitars
Good sound quality is the basic demand of any guitarist. While in the case of First Act guitars, their entry-level models, like their Discovery Series provide a suitable sound quality which improves as you move along with the price range. For Intermediate levels, the First Act’s ME501 and ME301 models are recommended.
In terms of balanced tone, the instruments are carefully crafted to ensure that each note resonates perfectly.
Additionally, they come with features like tone adjustments, pickup selection, and built-in effects to create a sonically pleasing experience.
Articulation, projection, and tone consistency are other important factors concerning the sound quality of a guitar.
The First Act guitars ensure that tones are consistent and articulating throughout the gear.
This eventually results in the production of clear and well-defined music, even in recording settings.
Sound Comparison of First Act Guitars vs. Other Guitars
Before starting with a comparison, it’s important to remember that First Act guitars aim to provide affordable gear for everyone.
Thus directly comparing them with other high-cost brands would not be fair enough.
However, they hold their ground quite well within their respective price range.
Ultimately the choice for any guitar depends on personal preferences.
First-act guitars offer good tonal complexity and variations, but they do not compete well with high-end brands.
Thus, trying various models, including First Act, and deciding which best suits accordingly with your need is recommended.
Do First Act Guitars Offer Good Value for the Price?
Price is a deciding factor in every purchase.
But before we discuss the hot topic of whether the first-act guitars offer good value for price or not, it’s important to understand their pricing strategy.
As discussed in the above sections, First Act guitars come in a range of prices. The low-end start with guitars for beginners, and this comes with limited functionality.
Contrary to this, as we go up to highly expensive models of First Act, such as Beveled Cutaways, they are exceptionally crafted to knock against any established brand.
However, the fact that cannot be denied is the affordability of USBs of First Act guitars.
They strive to provide instruments that won’t burn a hole in your pocket while still delivering a satisfying playing experience.
For players that aim to build a solid foundation at an affordable price, First Act guitars are the best choice.
Additionally, for players who want to explore some other options rather than First Act at the same price, they are recommended to opt for Squier by Fender Series.
They are also affordable yet offer a decent experience.
Another good alternative in the same price range as First Act can be Yamaha Pacifica Series. They hold a good reputation for their solid construction and versatility.
The Final Notes
The answer to the question is First Act guitars are good is a straight YES.
They understand the individual’s needs at different skill levels and craft guitars to address them accordingly.
Maybe First Act guitars do not hold the same reputation as other well-established brands.
But for beginners, the bar of First Act for good quality at an affordable price is a bit high compared to other brands.
And their guitar’s comfortable neck profiles, lower action, and straightforward controls are vital testament to this.
Finding the guitar that suits you most depends on your choices. Thus, to make the best decision, consider your individual needs, preferences, and budget.
Remember, the joy of playing music comes from the passion and dedication you bring to it, no matter the brand of guitar you choose. Rock on and keep strumming those strings!