Yes it does look wonderful. I used the Feast Watson black stain on my SV1 and it gave a similar appearance, although the basswood body had very little grain to show.
That's the nitro on the neck and headstock flattened with 1200 and 2000 wet and dry. I can't get over how shiny the 2000 grit gets it. Very pleased indeed with result - the logo margins on the headstock are invisible. And the flame in the maple of the neck is just beautiful. Will let nitro cure for a few weeks and then buff it up just a little.
............ Hopefully the same approach with the body will give a good result.
Body flattened (as much as the nice grain texture will allow without me spoiling it).
Just need to be patient for it to cure and occupy myself with fitting the bone nut I ordered.
Spotted this lovely little leather item in local music shop ... absolutely perfect colours considering the red-n-black theme for the build. Just had to accessorize as my Mrs would say. Also got some nice looking strap locks apparently made by a local company.
....And finished. Had minor issue with bridge pick up. Tonerider upgrade was dud - or at least it only produced very low volume. Popped in the originsl from kit and it sounds just fine.
Plays a treat. Nice and shiney. Got the effect I wanted and colour scheme as planned. Happy