Ha! Yes- to reduce weight. The middle section that is solid will be milled out for the fingerboard extension that fits into the block as well. The tongues are both still slightly long too ad will be fit snugly to the first braces.
Trying to get things as light as possible. Since this is the first I am doing I am sure I am overbuilding a bit but I won't be sure until I feel it all strung up. It really is a tiny box