Thanks! My process is definitely learn as i go, if i get an idea mid-build i try it out and most of the time i can work my way around small problems this process may throw my way. I still consider myself a novice both when it comes to instrument making and woodworking in general so to anyone who feels like making an instrument i say go for it, its really not all that difficult.
Regarding this build, i didnt have any sheilding tape handy when putting it together so i just skipped it. Im going to have to do that before calling it done.
As to the 25,5" scale this was down to me wanting to make a small, ukebass type travelbass and then finding this pre-slotted fretboard on ebay. As you pointed out, the extra string length came in handy when finding a headless solution!