I bought this for myself for Christmas 2019, and have only just gotten around to getting started on it.

This is my first build, but I have fluffed around with guitar and bass electronics, and helped with other builds.
I also own:
- old Samick 4-string PJ style; my first bass.
- Ibanez SR500; my go-to bass.
- ESP LTD B-115DX 5-string, which doesn't get much play these days.

Love the Thunderbird shape, and looking forward to the passive humbuckers.

I've opened the box, and am doing a mock build.

The neck is a really snug fit in the neck pocket. I'm concerned that once the body and neck have their respective finishes, that it will be too tight a fit.
Should I be sanding out the sides of the neck pocket, or is a tight fit good?