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First Act

First Act is an American manufacturer of musical instruments and learning toys, founded in 1995 in , , by Dovid Goldwasser and acquired by in 2016. It focuses on producing affordable, beginner-friendly guitars, ukuleles, basses, and related accessories, primarily for children and novices, to make music accessible to aspiring players of all ages. The company began modestly in Goldwasser's garage, where he handcrafted an initial model and sold it at local craft fairs before establishing a dedicated in . By the early 2000s, First Act expanded its distribution through major retailers such as Toys "R" Us and , introducing lines like the series in 2007, which featured compact 30-inch with low and built-in tuners to ease learning for children and novices. Over the years, the product range grew to include electric guitars, bass models, ukuleles, percussion packs, and accessories like gig bags and instructional materials, all manufactured in partnered factories in while maintaining design and quality control from its headquarters. First Act's commitment to education and accessibility has earned recognition, including the Academic’s Choice Award in 2007 for its beginner instruments and the Toy of the Year Award in 2021 for innovative models like the MSE220 electric guitar. The company launched its Custom Shop in 2002, led by industry veterans, to offer higher-end, U.S.-built instruments for intermediate players; the shop operated until around 2012. First Act prioritized slim necks, lightweight bodies, and durable construction across its entry-level offerings, originally priced from $50 to $500 but now focused on children's toys typically under $100. As of 2025, First Act remains active under Jazwares, having supported over 5 million beginners (as of circa 2020) through its instruments sold at major outlets like Amazon and Target, with an emphasis on licensed toy products.

History

Founding

First Act was founded in 1995 by Mark Izen in , , with the aim of making more accessible through entry-level products. The company emerged as a response to the high cost of traditional musical instruments, positioning itself to serve mass-market retailers rather than specialized stores. From its inception, First Act's initial focus centered on affordable, beginner-friendly musical instruments and learning toys designed for both children and adults, emphasizing ease of use and low . This approach targeted players seeking , functional options without the of established . Early leadership was spearheaded by founder , who brought experience from his prior venture, . In 1998, , a non-musician executive who had recently led the home-appliance firm , joined as CEO and chairman, infusing a pragmatic, business-driven perspective that prioritized retail distribution and product affordability over artisanal craftsmanship or musician-led design. This shift reinforced First Act's model of operating without a traditional staff of professional musicians, instead relying on engineering and market analysis to develop accessible instruments. The company's first products, introduced in the mid-1990s, included entry-level guitars, bass guitars, drum sets, and related accessories, which were manufactured overseas to keep costs low while meeting basic playability standards for beginners. These items quickly found placement in big-box stores, establishing First Act as a in democratizing tools.

Growth and Acquisition

Following its founding in Boston, First Act experienced significant expansion in the 2000s, driven by strategic retail partnerships that broadened its market reach. In 2002, the company secured distribution deals with major retailers including Toys "R" Us and , which introduced its affordable electric guitars, bass guitars, and accessories to a wider consumer base and positioned it as one of the largest sellers of musical instruments in the United States. A key milestone during this period was the establishment of the First Act Custom Shop in in 2002, which catered to players with higher-quality, custom-built instruments while maintaining the brand's focus on . The Custom Shop was discontinued around 2012. By the early , First Act had diversified its offerings to include a broad range of beginner-friendly guitars, drums, and accessories, reflecting peak product variety amid growing demand for entry-level tools. In 2016, First Act was acquired by Jazwares LLC, a subsidiary of Alleghany Capital Corporation at the time, for an undisclosed sum, integrating it into Jazwares' portfolio of toys, consumer electronics, and licensed products. The acquisition aimed to accelerate product development and expand retail relationships, allowing First Act to leverage Jazwares' global distribution network while preserving its core operations in Boston. As a of , which itself became part of in 2022, First Act has continued uninterrupted operations through 2025, maintaining an active website and ongoing product sales focused on affordable instruments for beginners. Recent activities, including the release of new Discovery series guitars available at retailers like and a 2025 for safety compliance, underscore its sustained presence without reported major structural changes from 2023 to 2025.

Products

Musical Instruments

First Act's core lineup of musical instruments targets beginners, offering accessible entry points into music-making with a focus on affordability and ease of use. The primary categories include acoustic and electric guitars, guitars, ukuleles, sets, and amplifiers, all designed to facilitate learning without overwhelming new players. These instruments incorporate beginner-oriented specifications to enhance playability, such as slim necks for comfortable hand positioning, low string action to reduce finger during formation, bodies to minimize , and built-in tuners on select models for quick setup. As of 2025, prices typically range from $30 to $150 for beginner models, with higher-end options up to $500, positioning them as budget-friendly options for aspiring musicians seeking initial exposure to instruments without significant investment. Notable series within the lineup highlight First Act's emphasis on variety and collaborations. The 222 series, developed in collaboration with artist , includes electric models with versatile pickups for rock and pop styles. The Studio For Artists (SFA) line targets intermediate beginners with enhanced craftsmanship, including models like the Limited Edition (Les Paul-inspired), Sheena (Stratocaster-style), and (semi-hollowbody). Distribution emphasizes mass-market accessibility, with products primarily available through retailers like , , and , allowing easy purchase alongside everyday shopping rather than specialized music stores. This approach prioritizes broad reach and low over professional-grade performance, making First Act instruments a staple for casual learners. Artists such as have endorsed specific models like the 222 series, bridging beginner tools with recognizable names in music. Since its acquisition by in 2017, First Act continues to innovate under new ownership.

Learning Toys and Accessories

First Act's Discovery Series represents a cornerstone of its offerings in musical learning toys, specifically designed to introduce children aged 3 to 9 to music through simplified, engaging instruments that prioritize fun and accessibility over technical complexity. This line includes mini acoustic guitars, compact drum sets, and s scaled down for small hands, allowing young users to explore sounds without the intimidation of full-sized professional gear. For instance, the Discovery mini guitar features a 30-inch body with low string action for easier play, while the offers 37 keys with built-in demo songs to encourage immediate interaction. These toys emphasize durable, lightweight construction to withstand enthusiastic handling by toddlers and preschoolers. A key aspect of the Discovery Series is its integration of licensed themes to appeal to children's interests, particularly through collaborations that transform instruments into character-inspired playthings. Examples include the electronic keyboard, adorned with vibrant princess motifs and featuring princess-themed sound clips, and the 20-inch , which combines styling with graphics to foster imaginative play alongside basic strumming skills. These licensed items, introduced to broaden appeal, maintain the series' focus on non-intimidating designs that blend with entertainment, helping children develop and recognition in a familiar, story-driven context. Complementing the core instruments, First Act provides a range of accessories tailored for young , such as colorful guitar straps with playful patterns, beginner picks in assorted shapes, protective cases with padded interiors, and adjustable stands to support proper during . These items feature bright, fun aesthetics—like star or animal prints—to make setup and storage exciting rather than mundane, reinforcing the series' goal of building confidence in novice musicians. The extends to children as primary users, with some casual adult learners appreciating the approachable scale, and these products are prominently integrated into retail toy sections at major stores like and for easy family access. The Discovery Series originated as a core offering in the late , shortly after First Act's founding in , when the company emphasized affordable entry-level tools to democratize access for young families. By the , it evolved through expanded licensed partnerships, incorporating popular media characters to boost engagement and sales, while maintaining a commitment to age-appropriate simplicity that has sustained its popularity in the learning toy market.

Operations

Facilities

First Act's headquarters is located in , , at 745 Boylston Street in the Back Bay neighborhood, where the company handles design, marketing, and administrative functions. This site formerly housed the First Act Guitar Studio, a that allowed customers to test and purchase custom and limited-edition guitars until the early . The Boston facilities support product development and , with the team overseeing production processes from overseas partners. In addition to Boston, First Act maintained a custom shop in , operational from 2002 until around 2012, specializing in high-end, U.S.-made luthiery for artist-endorsed and limited-edition instruments. A smaller office is located in , at 900B South Walton Boulevard. Manufacturing occurs primarily in high-quality factories across to ensure cost efficiency. U.S. facilities, including those in and Somerville, focus on design, prototyping, and customization rather than full-scale . These sites collectively enable product development, rigorous quality testing, and retail demonstration setups. Following the 2016 acquisition by , First Act operates as a under Jazwares, continuing design and quality control from Boston while leveraging Jazwares' global distribution, with no significant structural changes to facilities reported.

Partnerships and Promotions

First Act has established long-standing retail partnerships with major chains, enabling widespread distribution of its musical instruments and learning toys. Notably, the company maintains exclusive product lines at , where items like guitars, ukuleles, and electronic keyboards are prominently featured for beginners and children. Similarly, serves as a key online partner, offering a dedicated First Act store with a broad selection of affordable instruments sold directly to consumers. These collaborations have historically included Toys "R" Us, which played a significant role in introducing First Act products to mass audiences during the company's early growth phase. In promotional campaigns, First Act has leveraged brand tie-ins to enhance marketing reach. A prominent example is the GarageMaster series in partnership with , which produced limited-edition electric guitars with custom retro styling and automotive-themed aesthetics, distributed as giveaways to promote both brands. These guitars featured pickups and built-in preamps, blending musical accessibility with Volkswagen's cultural branding to appeal to younger demographics. Licensing deals have further expanded First Act's promotional efforts through themed product lines. Collaborations with have resulted in character-inspired instruments, such as the ukulele and the Encanto-themed ukulele, designed for children and incorporating vibrant graphics from popular franchises to encourage musical play. Additional artist series tie-ins, including signature models like the acoustic guitar from , have been developed via First Act's Custom Shop to align with musician endorsements and drive targeted sales. These partnerships and promotions have significantly increased First Act's visibility in mass channels, facilitating broader for entry-level instruments. As of 2025, the company's products continue to hold strong shelf presence at partners like and , supporting sustained sales growth among novice musicians and families.

Public Engagement

Endorsers and Users

First Act has attracted endorsements from a range of prominent musicians, particularly through its Custom Shop and signature product lines. , lead singer and guitarist of , collaborated with the company in 2008 to co-design the 222 series, a line of 22 music products including electric guitars tailored for beginners and inspired by his playing style. , frontman of The Replacements, endorsed and used the PW580 signature , which features a design reflecting his preference for straightforward, no-frills rock tones. The company's Custom Shop has crafted custom instruments for various artists, enabling their incorporation into live performances and recordings. Examples include guitars built for members of , from , and the , showcasing First Act's capability to meet professional specifications while maintaining accessibility. These endorsements often involved targeted campaigns, such as promotional videos and limited-edition models, to highlight the instruments' playability for both stage and studio use. First Act's primary user base consists of beginners, hobbyists, and young musicians, drawn to the brand's affordable entry-level instruments available through major retailers like and . The guitars' lightweight construction, low string action, and built-in features like tuners make them ideal for novice players starting their musical journey. This accessibility has fostered a growing community of users who value the brand's role in democratizing and experimentation.

Consumer Electronics and Media

First Act expanded into digital media through its subsidiary Seven45 Studios, which developed and published the rhythm video game Power Gig: Rise of the SixString in 2010 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms. The game emphasized immersive music gameplay, allowing players to engage with virtual band experiences and original rock tracks, positioning it as an innovative entry in the rhythm game genre that bridged gaming and musical performance. Seven45 Studios, established as an offshoot of First Act to fuse entertainment with music education, aimed to make rhythm games more accessible and skill-building for aspiring musicians. However, the studio faced significant lay-offs in late 2010 shortly after the game's release, effectively curtailing further major development. In the mobile space, First Act released iOS apps focused on music learning and karaoke, including Disney Spotlight Karaoke in 2011, which enabled users to sing along to Disney songs, record performances, and share videos directly from iPhone and iPad devices. This app, developed under Seven45 Studios, featured a library of popular tracks and simple recording tools to encourage vocal practice among children. Another example, First Act Kids Rock, provided interactive lessons for beginners, allowing young users to explore instruments, play simple songs, and create music on mobile devices to foster early musical creativity. These digital products included media tie-ins, such as promotional integrations that supported interactive play through app-based tutorials and libraries, enhancing user engagement with First Act's broader ecosystem. Some apps complemented learning toys by adding digital layers to physical activities, like guided singing sessions. Post-2016, following First Act's acquisition by , development of new apps appeared limited, with existing titles shifting toward archival status rather than active updates.

Reception

Positive Impact

First Act has significantly contributed to by providing affordable instruments designed specifically for beginners and children, thereby lowering financial . Its affordable instruments ($50-500) with beginner-friendly features have been praised for , empowering young students to explore in schools and homes. Additionally, First Act supplies educational tools including lesson plans and curriculum guides for teachers, along with kid-friendly designs like vibrant colors and scaled-down sizes to encourage early engagement. The company's community involvement further amplifies its educational impact through support for school music programs via gear donations and monetary grants, fostering environments where music learning thrives. First Act hosts workshops and contests to promote hands-on participation, while collaborations with youth artists serve as brand ambassadors to inspire broader involvement. These initiatives have reached over 5 million children and teens since inception, helping to integrate music into community settings and promoting its benefits for cognitive and social development. The Discovery Guitar line, for instance, received the Academic’s Choice Award in 2007 for its educational value, underscoring First Act's role in making structured music learning approachable. On a broader scale, First Act has inspired generations of young musicians by delivering durable, playable entry-level instruments that build confidence and creativity, with accessories like instructional DVDs enhancing self-paced learning. Through endorsements and promotional efforts, First Act has expanded music participation among non-professionals, contributing to a cultural shift toward inclusive musical expression beyond elite training. One endorser, a youth ambassador, has praised the instruments for sparking lifelong passion in beginners. Overall, these efforts have helped over 5 million individuals discover music, demonstrating the company's enduring positive influence on societal engagement with .

Criticism and Legal Issues

First Act has faced criticism regarding the quality of its instruments, particularly entry-level models targeted at , with detractors highlighting issues such as poor , unrepairable components, and challenges in obtaining replacement parts. Online discussions as of 2025 continue to reflect mixed reception, with some users praising playability for novices while others note ongoing quality concerns. These concerns came to a head in a prominent legal dispute when, in 2003, First Act filed a against Brook Mays Music Co. in U.S. District Court in , alleging , , and commercial disparagement. The suit arose from a 2003 flier distributed by Brook Mays titled "ISO Alert," which warned retailers and consumers against purchasing First Act's band instruments, claiming they were of inferior quality, prone to frequent breakdowns, and featured parts that were difficult or impossible to repair or replace. First Act described the flier as a "calculated smear campaign" intended to undermine its market position. In December 2005, a federal jury unanimously ruled in favor of First Act, awarding $16 million in compensatory damages for lost profits and $4.7 million in to repair the company's reputation, totaling $20.7 million. Brook Mays planned to the verdict, but the case concluded in 2006 when First Act accepted a $16.7 million settlement payment from Brook Mays' insurers, resolving all claims without further litigation. The controversy underscored broader perceptions of First Act's products as mass-produced, toy-like alternatives rather than professional-grade gear, though the company has maintained a strategic emphasis on affordability to serve beginner musicians and educational markets. No significant new legal controversies have emerged since the mid-2000s.