I read an interview with Mike Chapman years ago.

He said one of the things you should do when trying a new guitar is to "fret a chord and hit the strings as hard as you can."

If you can hear each string without the sound turning in to mush its probably a good 'un.

Also bear in mind that it takes a couple of years for the guitar to settle, which takes into account the moisture in the wood stabilising, and the glue drying out.

Then there's the thing about 'playing the instrument in.'

Also, I can't understand why most of the guitars on sale are fitted with diabolical strings, and need a set-up before they're fit to play in the first place...