First Act Discovery FG130 Student Acoustic Guitar

by First Act

Product Features

• Natural acoustic
• Sized for smaller hands
• Low string actions
• Steel reinforced neck
• Select natural wood top

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 12.2 x 32.1 inches ; 3.2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00002MZ8M
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: FG-130
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,852 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

Amazon.com

With the First Act Discovery 30" Student Acoustic Guitar you can start your child on the path to a lifetime's enjoyment of music. The First Act student acoustic guitar is designed especially for children to learn and grow on. Its steel reinforced neck prevents warping, twisting and snapping. The steel neck also allows the neck to be thinner which makes the guitar easier to hold for a child's smaller hand. Steel tuning gears provide longer lasting tuning. The guitar comes with a zero fret for easier play action, scratch resistant pick guard and a beautiful, hi-gloss sunburst finish.

Product Description

30" Acoustic Guitar

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

213 of 215 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars hmmm?, January 3, 2002

By 

Stephanie (Upstate NY) - See all my reviews

= Durability:2.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:4.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: First Act Discovery FG130 Student Acoustic Guitar (Electronics)

After reading the reviews listed here, I felt compelled to write one of my own. I too purchased one of these guitars for my child who showed an interest in the same. I thought this would be a great beginning for her instead of buying one, or renting one for lots of money just to maybe find out later she didn't like it. So far, I have had no trouble with this product, however, I have taught my daughter to handle the guitar with care eventhough it was labeled a "toy".
It's durability could be made a little better, however, it is apparent the instrument was built with affordability in mind. In short, the wood seems very fragile, however it is small and light for children.
As for tuning the guitar, I had it tuned by a professional who had no trouble doing the same, and concurred it was a good start for my daughter without having a lot of investment. He also showed me how to tune it myself so I may also show her, and to avoid the possible risk of her or I snapping the strings.

I believe the hardest part in teaching guitar to a child, is knowing what book to buy! After careful research and discussion with others, I would recommend purchasing First Act's Learn & Play Guitar book & video which is an excellent resource for the very, very beginner. After that, I recommend buying other books as the child progresses at a music store with professional recommendation.
In summary, I feel this product is a good starting point for children and their parents alike, however, please understand eventhough it is labeled a "toy", the guitar still needs to be handled with care, and if tuned too tight, the strings will break as with any guitar. In all, I feel it is a good product for children provided they know how to respect it. I will keep you posted on its'performance.

353 of 372 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Safe!, November 17, 2000

By 

Jill (Canada) - See all my reviews

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:3.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: First Act Discovery FG130 Student Acoustic Guitar (Electronics)

My six year old got this guitar as a real instrument and had lessons. She loved it, it sounded great and she had lots of fun with it. However after a few lessons with the teacher tuning it, it started to break. The neck bent forward from the pull of the steal strings. It wouldn't stay in tune and the teacher refused to teach her on it as she said it could snap and hit my little girl on the face, as children lean over to see the strings. With it having steal strings, the teacher said it could cut her face! Good as a toy, but not good for keeping tune. DON'T TIGHTEN THE STRINGS TOO MUCH!

95 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big disappointment, December 30, 2000

A Kid's Review

= Durability:1.0 out of 5 stars  = Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars  = Educational:2.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: First Act Discovery FG130 Student Acoustic Guitar (Electronics)

My 9-year old daughter received this as her big gift for Christmas. Two days later, the front separated from the back at the bottom of the instrument. We tried to exchange it for the last one in stock at our local store, and were told that it, too, was defective! Now, we are shopping around for a different one. Note that it does not come with a pick or instructions. An instruction CD, book and video package sells separately ....