kapok(and the likes) isn't really that bad, just swap the damn steel string with a classical set and it's pretty playable and decent. it's not meant to be an acoustic(no trust rod), but still some shop owner would recommend it .

also, you might want to address acoustic body type. i would never buy an F310. why? because for some reason, i could never play anything perfectly on a dreadnought body . it just don't feel right, and i'm not a small person .

while i agree the choice of solid/laminated top is too technical and specific(i'm still not too sure about it too). body type is hard to ignore, even for beginners. if one can't sit comfortably with a certain body type, all the other arguments becomes useless(neck type, top, scale, action and what not).

generally, just check the neck relieve on all strings. press the string on the 1st fret and on the fret where the neck joints the body(eg, 14th on an acoustic, 12th on a classical etc). your neck should be a little concave right in the center. in most cases, if it's the same on all strings, your neck is in good condition. much easier than lifting the guitar up and risking dropping it . my 2cents on how i do it.

This post has been edited by zeroglyph: Feb 21 2013, 12:03 PM

i'm not disagreeing or anything. i'm no expert . i just thought it'd be a good addition in the "feel" section. i've seen new players aiming for a V, when clearly a V is not that comfortable to play with.

haha...i'm guilty as well. i used to idolized hetfield(oh wait....i still do), glad i didn't fall into buying a bloody explorer.

when it comes to feel and comfort, it's all about you, not your idol.

that's probably the only position you can play a V sitting down .

hmmm...i've never seen that. maybe because most people i've seen playing a V was standing up. good to know.