Nah it was never an option mate.

Originally it was going to be a sienna burst with a white three ply pickguard, I parted with that idea (may do it again someday), and chose an ebony timbermate with the rosewood and three ply back pickguard I found in Mooloolaba music on special. (score)

I always wanted to do the ebony timbermate with my TLA-1R but i was afraid that it would be too dark. I love my tele but always regretted the decision to go neutral timbermate.

This strat makes up for that I think and I am super happy as to how its turning out.