Yes, the neck route is nudged down for a 24 fret neck. I have a set of DiMarzio Evolution pickups for all three positions (H-S-H), just like some Jem guitars.
I'm experimenting with Tru Oil, dyes, and paints on some scrap ash to see what looks best, but I'm thinking a natural wood finish, darkened amber or something like that. I'll be using all gold hardware (tuners, Floyd Rose, even gold frets).
I've attached a Photoshop mockup I made of roughly what I'm thinking.