Its pretty intimidating that brand new wood, waiting for you to spoil it. I know the feeling well. The first instrument I made from a kit so worried me when I opened the box that I went back and made something simpler to get some practice before I started. Are you planning anything sophisticated for finish? If so don't be afraid to grab odd bits of wood and practice. Have you got an old solid wood bookshelf or something lying round that you could sand off and try your planned finish out on?