That is an awesome sanding face!

Damn, Robbo, I know that Bondi blue just doesn't seem to take as deeply as the other DT colours, I do not know why....

If you ever see my SGD-612, the body is Basswood and the necks are maple, I used Black stump, Karajini red, outback sunset and Coollangatta gold for the burst and I had no issues at all with the basswood grain taking the DT. I sanded to 240 grit then, ebony timbermate to seal it then sanding again to 240 grit before applying any DT. basswood and maple had no problem taking the stain at all

I am completely stumped here mate sorry