Thanks Mc - I think I've it close to where I want it now. I did another mock up to prove to myself I haven't broken anything and it all still looks good to me.
That's fair enough. It is something that can addressed anytime. Of course pre-finish is best, but if you decide it's not quite right later, it can be done.

I like your burst idea, and nothing wrong with tradition when it comes to headstock design. I've seen a lot of shapes that just look like their trying to hard to be different and just don't work IMO.

With the alder body, I would suggest using a pre-stain conditioner (sometimes called anti-blotch something-or other). Alder can be hit or miss with how evenly it takes up stain. My last strat build (non-PBG) I wanted to do a blue dye/natural finish on alder and I didn't do anything apart from sanding before dyeing. There just one stubborn spot on the front that I just could not get to balance. (however the back was bloody perfect! D'oh!!!)

It ended up with a metallic lacquer finish. It was blue though!