Thanks for the advice. I was already figuring I'd be finishing up with a
scraper. I already have a French curve type of scraper, but figured one
with a more gradual arc would probably work better.  And now to demonstrate
my severe ignorance:  What is and where can I procure a toothing plane?

-Andy

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In theory this would work, but I'm not sure if it would in practice (I
know-- in theory there's no difference b/w theory and practice ).  I
think a simpler and less error prone approach would be to rough this out
using a toothing plane and scraper.   I know this is/was a common lutherie
technique for other thin-stock applications, and it should work for this as
well.

If you're set on using a plane, the Stanley #100-1/2 (tiny squirrel-tail
block plane with a rounded bottom) would do nicely for roughing out the
cavity.  I'd still finish off with a scraper, though.

I use the toothing plane and scraper combo all the time-- it allows you to
remove stock very quickly, while still retaining the high degree of
accuracy
needed for thin stock preparation.

ralph