now that i've had the guitar for some time, i thought i'd give an update.
final recommendation:
i would not recommend this manufacturer.
there are too many variables with a guitar build and, really, no great recourse if something goes wrong. it was, all told, close to $600us for this guitar...that's not a huge amount of money, but it isn't a small amount, either.
people's observations are correct, the neck is glued in on an angle. the bridge and tailpiece are also on an angle to compensate. it's kind of weird.
however, it does not feel funny when you play it. if the neck stays stable, it is a very playable and a fun guitar to play.
it's also weird and bothersome that the binding is not visible looking straight at the guitar. however, on a slight angle, it really is beautiful.
i replaced the tail piece with a trapeze...that looks pretty great.
i contacted them about all of the problems noted here (and more...neck pickup is not flush with the body, frets were sharp, etc). they said they would give me a $30 refund and give me a "big discount on a future guitar". i asked for $50...they said ok, but nothing happened. i filed a PP dispute and they said they would give me the refund if i dropped the dispute. in the dispute i asked for a lot more. they refunded me the $50 and i dropped the dispute.
i've wrestled with it...should i have kept the dispute open...i'm pretty sure i would have won. but, in the end, i was going to keep it (as opposed topaying shipping back to china (the above mentioned "no good recourse")...so i felt like i would be just being a jerk to push for more.
i'm still looking for a set of cooker knobs that won't set me back too much...
it really is a beautiful guitar that (at this time) plays well and sounds good. it's unique...it's got that going for it.
over all, it was not a terrible experience.
but again, buyer beware.