Hey guys, thank you so much for your helpful answers! So I know how to proceed with the body once it is done.
I had the neck drying and hardening untouched for a few days now and I tried lightly polishing and waxing it on the backside as a test. It worked out fine and so I really lightly polished and waxed the rest of it. I didn't want to go for a super duper über high gloss but for a nice shine. I think I got what I wanted. Fitted the tuners and now letting it rest until the body is ready.
The car polish and Carnuba wax I have worked really well. But I think I can hear my car calling my name from the outside... It hasn't been waxed or polished for about a year and I guess it could really need a good wash, too... Hrmmm...
So, currently there is one thing bothering me: The pickguard. It looks great and I love how it turned out, but... I think it covers too much of the burl veneer! I really like how the veneer turned out and I put so much effort into this, it just hurts a little to cover it up!
I've been experimenting with a mock up in photoshop and I'm considering making a new pickguard from scratch (and real copper). But what do you guys think? Does this shape even look good, and is it even worth it for such a subtile change in shape?