I have built two of their kits. A Bolt and Bolt Plus. They are really good guitars. For a first time guitar build/finishing project I would highly recommend a Bolt kit. Ditch the bridge humbucker for a Seymour Duncan 59 and you'll have a great sounding guitar. seel your C22B to apl. That's what I did.
As far as comparing the Bolt to my American Fat Strat or my ESP Custom Shop Strat, well, it falls a bit short. The Strat's neck is made with a different configuration thus sounds quite different. Carvin is using some graphite stabilizing rods in thier necks that do wonders for their necks stability but I think it effects the tone.
On the flip side the Bolt Plus which is a two humbucker no pick guard guitar is very good. Mine has a set of SD59's is made from Koa and to be honest sounds and plays great!