Popping the guitar building cherry

[wokkaboy]

Hello Juddernaut, welcome to the forum, it is never too late to start playing an instrument or building a guitar !
TL-1 will be basswood but there can be some nice grain on these kits.
What sort of stain do you have in mind to use ?
I would sand the body to about 240 grit all over, then apply a black stain, being in Canberra let it cure for 2-3 days.
Then sand off the black stain till the only black left is shown in the grain, then sand from about 240 grit to 320 grit and apply your cherry red stain. Should look excellent.
Start a build diary when the kit arrives and do a mock build first up to make sure there aren't any major issues with the kit.
The forum will guide you through the build process so ask any questions you may have.
Good luck and take your time !