I'm a big Carl Goldberg fan, but I've heard bad things lately about their manuals (maybe it's just the Chipmunk). I'm not a huge Great Planes fan, but they do have about the best manuals in the business, and they don't assume you know all the kit-builder's lingo. I like Sig a lot, and the SSE is a terrific plane to build and fly, but some of their other planes are a bit of a challenge for the 1st-time builder. I can't think of any other kit manufacturers who cater to first-timers. Some will give you plans and a sheet of building notes.