Walnut finish on an ESB-4?

I'm helping a mate with the ESB-4 kit he's grabbed. He's looking at a walnut stain with TO on top. Now I'm more a paint guy, so need a bit of advice...

We're thinking of using a black stain first to bring out the grain, then a walnut stain over the top. I'm thinking you'd sand to 400, then potentially use ebony timbermate? Is that too much on the top? And if not using timbermate, would you just do a light japan black or similar wipe before moving on to the walnut stain?

Thanks in advance! No doubt more questions to come!!

Hey Chuck,
the flame maple veneers are thin, so I would recommend a black stain and rub back, don't do any pre-sanding before the stain.
Once that is carefully sanded back (I'd use about 240 or 320 grit), then apply the walnut stain to the veneer.
Rest of the basswood body (sides and back) would probably be worth using ebony timbermate will bring out the grain, sand off then walnut stain.
Make sure your friend starts a build diary, keen to see progress !