Guitar One magazine is running a “Win a Nick Zinner Replica Black Delia Guitar” contest in its July issue. One lucky grand prize winner will win the guitar and a Yeah Yeah Yeahs' CD. Contest winners will be announced in July.

The June issue of Guitar World magazine profiles Nick Zinner:

“His guitar parts, which he skillfully manipulates through the use of effects, loops and samples-an approach that enables him to cover both the guitar and bass roles in the band-are wildly inventive, if not always easily achieved. “I'll be doing a lot of tap dancing trying to recreate onstage all the sounds that are on the record,” he says. Zinner's main guitar is a black semihollowbody custom model built for him by First Act …”

Guitar Player featured the ME501 in its May 2006 “Solid Body Roundup,” giving the guitar glowing reviews, calling it a “well made guitar” and touting its pickups, which “look very stylish and have a good balance of fatness and shimmer.” The reviewer wrapped up, “Bottom line, this is an impressive guitar for the price.”

First Act is proud to sponsor this year's “Jammin' at the Jones Center” Summer Concert Series in Springfield, Arkansas. The family concert series kicks off on June 17th with Gwendolyn and the Good Time Gang.

Dear First Act,

I've played guitar for 25 years. I am the host, emcee, and house guitarist for a blues jam in Paris, TX. The jam has grown to more than 40 musicians, with more than 300 patrons on a regular basis. People ask me for equipment advice and lessons, so I try to stay on top of what's out there.

Three weeks ago I was in Boston, and I found myself in front of the First Act Guitar Studio. I went inside-the service I received was excellent-and then I got to play a Delia, which was the single most rewarding and enjoyable playing experience I have ever had.

Since playing Delia, I have spoken of no other guitar line. I'm meeting with the local music store owner to tell him to pick up your line. I think everyone should experience what you guys have to offer. [First Act] is a true original voice. Fantastic work on all levels.

-Kyle H., Paris, TX

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs have quickly grown from indie darlings into major rock stars. They just released their second full length CD, Show Your Bones (Interscope), which Rolling Stone called a “triumph” and a “true show of brass.” The garage punk trio has been touring across the globe and spurring a rock and fashion revolution, inciting an army of peacockish fans. This summer, the band plays both Coachella and the UK's Reading Festival, as well as a pool party with Sonic Youth.

Guitarist Nick Zinner has received critical acclaim for his inventive riffs that float between melodic lines and crunchy walls of texture. Zinner was one of the first high-profile artists to play a First Act guitar. He was so pleased with his custom Delia that he's discussing the design of a new guitar with luthiers Kelly Butler and Bill Jancar.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs played an exclusive acoustic show at the Studio in April. It was a homecoming of sorts for Zinner, a native Bostonian. The band treated a rapt audience to intimate, pared-down versions of their songs prior to a sold-out show at Boston's Orpheum Theatre that evening.

Cited by Rolling Stone as one of the Ten Artists to Watch in 2005, Brandi Carlile is living up to expectations. Carlile played the Studio in March, showcasing her twangy, soulful voice for an enchanted audience. Backing her up on guitar were twins Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The trio played songs from Carlile's self-titled debut album, as well as cover tunes by Ray Lamontagne and Willie Nelson.

On an appropriately chilly day in March, Snow Patrol warmed up the Studio with their melodic alternative rock. The band played a pared-down, three-piece setup, performing hits from their last album Final Straw and their soon-to-be released Eyes Open. After the show, the band signed autographs and greeted fans. Bassist Paul Wilson spotted a lefty crimson ME501 guitar in the shop and liked it so much, he took it home.

Hoobastank hit the radar screen in 2003 with their hit single “The Reason,” which climbed to the top of worldwide rock charts and garnered three Grammy nominations. While on tour to promote their new album, the band played at the Studio, delivering a rare acoustic set. The show was recorded for live broadcast on Boston's Mix 98.5. The band recently kicked off their revolutionary Every Fan for Himself tour, which provides fans with free tickets through their web site.

Moody alternative rock outfit Augustana played The Tonight Show, boarded a plane to Boston, and came to the Studio to entertain a capacity crowd. The band played a full set of acoustic songs from their debut All the Stars and Boulevards, produced by Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots). For their finale, they played their hit song, “Boston,” which singer Dan Layus wrote, having spent time as a child in nearby Andover. Keep an ear out for these rising stars.

Regina Spektor previewed her upcoming CD with a press-filled show at the studio. The Russian-born pianist was introduced to rock music as the Iron Curtain lifted, and was immediately smitten. Spektor moved to Brooklyn and began singing in nightclubs. She was quickly signed by both Sire Records honcho Seymour Stein and A&R guru Michael Goldstone (Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine). Her new album has rapidly gained critical acclaim.

With his heart-wrenching hits “I'll Be” and “I Could Not Ask for More,” it's understandable why Edwin McCain's songs are often heard at weddings. McCain stopped by the Studio in March, rolling out his well-known ballads, and introducing new songs from his latest release Lost in America.

Swedish band Soundtrack of Our Lives' first release landed on both Rolling Stone's and Billboard's best albums of 2001 lists. Lead guitarist Ian Person cranks out vintage-sounding rock on a First Act custom guitar with a large carved top, semi-hollow maple body and a bold, hand painted griffin coat of arms image on the back.

Mastodon is a metalhead's heavy metal band,with inventive, complex arrangements. Brent Hinds' First Act custom guitar is a mahogany carved-top electric, with assymetrical horn-shaped cutaways and a funky silver burst finish.