| First Act, a Boston based musical instrument | | | | nicely plated, well fitted, and I could see the |
| company, has a unique mission: Provide an | | | | beautiful wood grain under the finish. The guitar |
| extensive line of quality musical instruments for | | | | was bigger than I had remembered in the store, |
| everyone. From the Discovery line for children to | | | | but felt comfortable and solid. The slim neck and |
| custom designed instruments for professionals, | | | | nicely dressed frets feel just right. |
| First Act has the right instrument regardless of | | | | The sound is quite uniquely different in a good |
| age or playing ability. | | | | way, and unlike similarly styled semi-hollow |
| To skeptics, First Act makes 'department store' | | | | electrics. To my ears, this is what I like about |
| instruments, available at most large retailers. True, | | | | these instruments. They have a sound all their |
| the company does have a large presence in that | | | | own and do not attempt to be something they |
| market, mainly with their Discovery line of | | | | are not. |
| instruments targeted toward children and adult | | | | Electronics consist of two Alnico magnet dual-coil |
| beginners. That alone may steer the serious guitar | | | | pickups, a three-way toggle and volume and tone |
| player away, but once you understand First Act's | | | | controls for each pickup. First Act's exclusive |
| philosophy and check out the higher end models, | | | | through the body string system gives the guitar |
| you may think again. | | | | added sustain with a solid brass fitting running |
| A friend and I visited First Act's guitar store | | | | vertically through the body under the bridge. |
| studio in downtown Boston to check out some of | | | | Though the guitar needed no adjustments, they |
| their higher end instruments. My friend is a guitar | | | | are easily made with the 'tune-o-matic' style |
| purist, and only plays major name brand | | | | bridge. |
| instruments, but was willing to give First Act's | | | | As a company, First Act is very active in the |
| offerings a shot. | | | | community, particularly in the musical arts. Their |
| We were both very impressed by the | | | | generosity and passion for music shows in every |
| professionalism of the staff, and equally | | | | aspect of their mission and philosophy. In addition |
| impressed by the offerings on display at the | | | | to their regular guitar and bass line, First Act also |
| store. The company's flagship store is designed | | | | has a custom shop in Somerville MA, and has |
| with the best interest of the player in mind, letting | | | | made instruments for many well known guitarists, |
| the shopper try out any instrument at their | | | | as well as some not as well known. These |
| leisure, with no pressure sales tactics. | | | | custom guitars and basses can get into the |
| Upon returning home, I ordered one of the guitars | | | | thousands of dollars, and are well worth it for the |
| I liked from First Act's SFA line, geared toward | | | | serious player not concerned with a budget. |
| the professional on a budget, which unfortunately | | | | I will be reviewing First Act's acoustic guitars soon, |
| was not available in the color I wanted in the | | | | and I expect that they will be as good as the |
| store. As I opened the box that my new | | | | electrics. For the beginner to the working |
| transparent black Delia was snuggled in, I was | | | | professional, First Act's products are well worth a |
| struck by the quality finish and that special 'new | | | | serious look. |
| guitar' feeling. The hardware looked solid, was | | | | |