Ok so with Xmas now out of the way time to move on with the build...
Sanded 180, 240 & 360 with grain raised in between on back and sides.
Dyed the flame maple front black (will sand back to highlight the flame) but for a moment the thought did pass through my head to go all black..
Not too many glue spots, a few tiny ones where the veneer is joined down the middle and a small patch on right hand side midway on the edge of veneer (cannot really see in the attached as next to the basswood)
Next job sand back the veneer (carefully..)