After about 6 or 7 TO applications I started sanding from 240, re-applied TO, sanded to 320, and so on to 2000. The last 5 or 6 coats were diluted (50:50 TO and turps).
When I got to 600 i thought "well this is very nice! what higher grit could possibly do?". I got to 2000, and I'm glad I did! it feels great! I am 100% happy the way the neck and body feels, the neck in particular.
The timber aspect of the build is basically done, I am now doing some tests with some pick guard options and will move soon to laying the copper tape. The electronics are all pre assembled in this kit.
Will then put it all together for a test run for a week or so using an old set of Daddario strings (the strings I want to use on this build have not arrived yet), and will mark the side dots in the "fretless" position.
Then will take it apart to drill to side dots, finalise the pick guard and a couple of details.
PS: the bridge screws in this kit are VERY bad!
I have predrilled the holes, used soap on each screw before screwing by hand, and 3 out of 7 screws bent! Luckily I was able to screw them out without breaking them... an of the 4 remaining screws, 2 of the heads are already in a very bad state, although I was screwing very slowly, by hand... will replace all 7 screws very soon.
Anyway this is where I am at in terms of timber and finish:
The fretboard looks actually less dark than that, the photo below shows it better (lemon oil already applied)