First Act Discovery Acoustic Guitar: Are They a Good First Guitar for Kids?

If you’ve been searching for a child’s guitar in major retail stores, chances are you’ve encountered the First Act Discovery Acoustic Guitar. First Act is a dominant brand in the children’s guitar market, widely available in mass-market retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Beyond their kid-focused line, First Act also produces standard adult guitars and even has a custom shop crafting instruments for 유명 musicians.

Their children’s line, First Act Discovery, is designed for kids aged 3 to 9, offering various instruments. However, if you’re on guitarplayers.net, you’re likely interested specifically in their guitars. A key feature that appeals to kids is the incorporation of licensed characters. First Act partners with major entertainment brands like Disney, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, and Nickelodeon, allowing you to find a guitar adorned with a child’s favorite character.

Appearance

First Act provides acoustic guitars in two children-friendly sizes: a four-string mini guitar and a six-string 30-inch guitar. The mini guitar is more akin to a soprano ukulele in size and string count, despite being marketed as a guitar. Its small dimensions make it suitable for very young children, ideally from age 4 upwards, depending on the child’s size. The larger 30-inch acoustic model is recommended for ages 6 to 9, although this age range might be slightly overestimated. For children older than 7 or 8 who are serious about learning guitar, exploring alternative options might be beneficial.

Upon closer inspection, the most noticeable aspect of these guitars is their plastic construction. Unlike most guitars, even budget-friendly ones, which are typically made of wood, the First Act Discovery guitar utilizes plastic for its body and neck, molded as a single piece. While this might be unconventional for traditional guitars, it enhances the instrument’s durability, making it suitable as a toy for children. Notably, the guitar doesn’t include accessories like a strap, pick, or instructional materials. A black plastic “fretboard” with plastic frets is screwed onto the neck, and a plastic bridge is attached below the soundhole.

The tuners are constructed from metal with plastic knobs, and the guitar comes pre-strung with non-nylon strings. To safeguard children’s fingers from the sharp string ends, string post covers are added – a thoughtful, albeit somewhat unusual, feature. Sticker fret markers are included to aid in learning string names. Aesthetically, models range from traditional sunburst finishes to vibrant colors and licensed cartoon character designs, catering to diverse preferences.

Playability

The reduced size of both the mini and 30-inch First Act Discovery acoustic guitar models enhances playability for young children. Their small frames make them easy to hold and allow small hands to comfortably reach around the neck to access the strings. Their lightweight nature is another significant advantage for children. First Act markets these guitars as having ‘low action,’ implying ease of pressing down the strings. However, in practice, some models might exhibit slightly high action, making string pressing somewhat challenging. Unfortunately, these models lack action adjustability. Therefore, testing a specific guitar before purchase is advisable to ensure comfortable playability for the child.

Sound

Considering the affordable price point of most First Act Discovery acoustic guitar models (under $30), their sound quality is understandably not comparable to that of a proper student-level guitar. A common issue with budget guitars, including these, is maintaining tuning stability. For a child serious about learning, a crucial guitar characteristic is its ability to stay in tune for a reasonable duration. This is an area where inexpensive First Act beginner models typically fall short.

Pros

Inexpensive: Highly affordable, making it an accessible entry point.
Colorful and Appealing Designs: Available in various colors and licensed character models that are highly attractive to children.
Child-Friendly Size: Appropriate dimensions for comfortable handling by children.
Widely Available: Easily purchased from numerous mass retailers.
Durable: Plastic construction enhances resilience against rough handling by young children.

Cons

Plastic Construction: Made primarily of plastic, which is not traditional for guitars and impacts sound quality.
Lower Quality: Overall build and sound quality are not on par with higher-quality student guitars.
Tuning Instability: Difficulty in maintaining consistent tuning.

Overall

For musically inclined parents or those knowledgeable about guitars, the First Act Discovery acoustic guitar might not be the ideal choice for their child if serious musical development is the primary goal. However, for parents less familiar with guitars seeking an inexpensive, visually appealing introduction to music, these guitars serve their purpose well. They are suitable as introductory instruments for toddlers or younger children to explore the concept of a guitar and basic musical interaction. If a child demonstrates serious interest in learning and intends to take lessons, investing in a higher-quality instrument is recommended.

The positive reviews sometimes associated with lower-cost kids’ guitar brands should be interpreted with context. Receiving a guitar as a gift is different from actively purchasing a quality instrument to foster genuine musical interest. When shopping for a children’s guitar, it’s important to consider that many buyers may not have a discerning ear for guitar sound quality. Some prioritize visual appeal and kid-friendly designs over acoustic fidelity. The First Act Discovery line caters to this latter category. Children are drawn to their appearance and find their size manageable for casual play.

My philosophy aligns with “you get what you pay for.” For a quality beginner guitar suitable for teaching and serious learning, exploring higher price ranges is advisable. However, if the goal is an affordable, damage-resistant instrument for casual play by children captivated by characters like Disney princesses, SpongeBob, or Spiderman, then the First Act Discovery line presents a viable option.

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Tom Martin

Tom Martin is a guitar enthusiast with over 25 years of playing experience. As a father of two, he enjoys researching and evaluating guitars suitable for children. Professionally, he works in the tech industry.