First Act

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First Act is a musical instrument manufacturer. They are also heavily involved in creating products which support the role of music in enhancing children's development.

The company's current chairman is Bernard Chiu. Chiu founded the company after leaving Duracraft^[1]. First Act's President is Mark Izen

First Act has a guitar studio located on Boylston Street in Boston, Massachusetts. This studio has been home to performances by major artists such as Jason Mraz, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Hoobastank, Death Cab for Cutie, Rob Thomas, and many more.

Notable First Act clients include Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, Paul Westerberg of The Replacements, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Mike Scaccia of Ministry (who had a guitar painted in his own blood), Matt Pike of High On Fire, Steve, Righ? of Mindless Self Indulgence, Perry Bamonte of The Cure, Martin Gore of Depeche Mode, Brent Hinds of Mastodon, and Adam Levine of Maroon 5.

First Act's line of products includes guitars, basses, guitar and bass accessories (picks, straps, etc.) drum sets, percussion instruments, amplifiers as well as student-line clarinets, saxophones, and trumpets.

The company also makes limited edition guitars, which are handcrafted by luthiers in Boston. Currently, there are three guitars in the First Act Limited Edition Guitar Series: the "Lola", the "Sheena", and the "Delia".

In terms of percussion, First Act's drum sets come in a variety of styles, ranging from simple, beginner sets, to eight piece medial sets.

The company has received much criticism from music educators who claim that First Act band instruments, targeted at beginning students, are of low quality, are irreparable, and that replacement parts are difficult to acquire. In 2003, First Act instruments filed a lawsuit against music retailer Brook Mays, who published a list of instrument brand names, including First Act, they perceived to be low quality, calling them "Instrument Shaped Objects." The lawsuit was settled with First Act receiving $16.7 million.^[2]

You can find some of First Act's low cost instruments in the Wal-mart toy section.

Volkswagen initiated a campaign in 2006 in which the company gave away special edition First Act guitars along with a special series car. The stereos in these Volkswagens could be used as an amplifier for the guitar. An accompanying ad campaign featured guitarists Slash, John Mayer, and Nigel Tufnel of Spinal Tap playing First Act guitars through the sound systems of Volkswagens.