It's been a long while since I posted any updates - two new puppies and summer weather kind of distracted me.
I think the kit's pretty much finished now and I have to say I'm quite pleased with it for a first build.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, I found the intonation was off a bit due to my being used to heavier acoustic strings vs the super slinky's that came with the kit. I'd been wanting to try some D'Addario flat wounds since I'm mostly trying to play jazz, so when our local music store had a deal where you buy a set of strings and they'll do a full setup for you, I jumped at the chance.
For me it's made a huge difference. The intonation is much more consistent and as andrewdosborne mentioned, I found the tone and volume improved as well. The volume I think may be due to the heavier strings generating stronger magnetic fields.
So, now it's just a lot more practising so I can do the guitar justice. That, and continuing progress on my ES-3 build but that may be a fall project again.