Thanks for the welcome and best wishes everyone, it's much appreciated.

I'm pretty excited to get this kit underway, and there's only been sanding, more sanding, a little head-stock shaping, and more sanding going so far.

Thanks jonwhitear for your suggestions. I am very careful with the veneer, as I don't want to ruin what could potentially be an awesome guitar. I have noticed some small cracks that are on the edge of the bum of the body, hopefully that won't look too bad???

I'm pretty sure I know how I want the guitar to look, but getting it right is the trick. I am aiming for water based stain, upgrading the pick ups to Seymour Duncans, plus I have a bone nut - which brings me to a question. Do I replace the nut now, or after I build the guitar and get it all aligned and working?

Again, thanks for the well wishes and tips thus far, it is very much appreciated.

A few pics below...