I have a First Act guitar. Should I spend money to adjust the action or save to buy a new guitar?

Question

I have a First Act Deluxe MG412 acoustic guitar and have only recently learned the reputation of First Act guitars. I am a beginner guitarist (only 2 weeks in) and have developed some decent callouses already. But I am wondering if the action on the guitar is too high.

I switched my strings last week to D'Addario Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge strings. I forget what the last strings I had put on were... I think they were medium-light gauge though.

Since, there is a slight buzzing noise. I think it buzzed a little before I changed them. And also, as a beginner, I'm not sure if it's due to me still learning how to fret properly, or if it's the guitar.

Anyway... my question is if I should invest more in fixing up/checking out this guitar or if I should invest in buying a new guitar.

Opinions?

Answer 1

The "fret buzz" you hear is from strumming to hard, take it easy. I wouldn't go out and buy a new guitar if you are only a beginner, stick to the one you have now and fix it up a little and plus your supposed to beat the h*** out of your first guitar. Have fun!!!

Answer 2

I doubt you CAN adjust the action on a First Act guitar.  If you're at all serious about learning to play, ditch the First Act and get yourself a decent student model Yamaha.  You should be able to find one for $200 or less.

Answer 3

save your money. Buy a5 or 6 hudred doollar guitar. Yamaha, gibson. ovation takamine ,etc. take your time find the one you are comfortable with

Answer 4

Hey Jules

Put your eye near the headstock and put one finger on the 1st fret, and one finger at the 12th fret with the other hand.

Look towards the middle and see if their is a clearance of 1/8 inch between string and fingerboard. If their is a slight dip in the neck, than everything is good.

If the string touches the neck, you have to turn the truss rod 1/4 turn counter-clockwise. Then re-check if this helped. If ot, turn another 1/4 turn. Now , you should start seeing a clearance. When you have approz. 1/8 clerance, the guitar will not buzz anymore.

Having said this, light gauge string shouldn't affect the neck that much but, like Isaid , look in the middle for clearance.

To adjust the truss rod, you can doit with an allen key or pay someone at the store, $8.Shouldn't be more than that.

Answer 5

Buy another guitar. A fender

Answer 6

Hi Jules.  The guitar you have is actually not a bad guitar for someone to learn on.  Without having the guitar in my hands to play.. kind of hard to say what the buzzing is.  Could be the nut, or , could be the bridge.  If you have a local music store, (not guitar center.. they dont work on your instrument or employ techs..)  next time your ready to change strings might be a good idea go have it looked at.  Both of the things I mentioned are relatively inexpensive parts, and a good guitar tech could set it up in no time.

    As far as the "reputation" of First Act... dont be fooled by what you have been told so far.  The First Act Limited Edition Della is made in their custom shop.. has a retail of $2,200.. selling price anywhere from 1650-1800.  Ive had the oportunity to play this guitar and it is an instrument of EXTREME high quality.   Next down is the Limited Edition Sheena, which list at $1800.  Another high quality instrument by First Act.  Either of these 2 I would have to say is as good as any Fender or Gibson in the same price range.  These are 2 smokin hot instruments!

   Be patient.... main thing is..... KEEP PLAYING!