Thanks Simon. Most useful info. That all makes complete sense. The body of the guitar is really good. Very smooth and clean with only one very small dent from machining. Barely noticeable. The neck required a little more work to sort out the shape. I was puzzled why I might need to keep sanding the body when it appeared so clean. Good to know that the bulk of the prep work is almost complete.

As for a finish, I was planning on using a Dingo Tone Bushfire Sunrise on the front and back. This appears close to the classic Eddie Cochrane Gretsch Orange. And the Dingo Tone Black Stump for the neck and sides of the body. All finished off with a Dingo Tone guitar wax. I have however heard superb things about Tung Nut oil. I have used this on my some sanded floor boards in my house. It has a really nice natural smell and feels good on the skin. Apparently it also enhances natural resonance on musical instruments. I will do some more research. I don't feel ready for a shiny gloss finish yet. There appears to be much more work and prep involved. I read your forum post on your ES-1 and felt a little daunted for my first build. I can see how there is very little room for error. I also like matt finishes on guitars.