Fingerboard

On a new instrument, it is rather nice that the fingerboard can be made before the neck is fitted, instead of using that we may call a "false fingerboard".
It does provide a perfect guide for fitting the neck in and it is much quicker made when made that way.

On a cello, the important space between the fingerboard and the front allows us to varnish under the fingerboard without difficulties - which is different on a smaller instrument (therefore would force us to remove the fingerboard for varnishing - which is never a good idea)
Also it allows us to shape the neck with the fingerboard. That provides accuracy and guaranties us that the neck will stay straight and won't warp.