There will be a sound port on the players side. Hence the veneer.
A special epoxy must be used on all woods glued to the cocobolo, since coco is a very oily wood. This epoxy incorporates the oils and makes a great bond. But it must harden a bit before it is cleaned off.
You can see the final trim piece added to the top. It goes around the fingerboard extension and had to wait until the neck was well fit before it could be let in. The guitar is off to Michigan because Tony, the worlds best instrument finisher lives and works there. The White Room awaits.
The neck needs a little shaping, unless Dale wants to play this guitar Dobro style. (which I do not believe is the case)