Hi Juddernaut, it is basswood, the grain is generally pretty plain but sometimes you get a nice surprise when you sand then stain it.
Staining will be easier than solid paint so I would order a Dingotone kit. Would pay to put a coat of black stain or ebony timbermate over it before you stain it the colour you want will pop the grain more.
Good luck. Let us know what stain colour you would favour ?