It doesn't look that bad in the pictures, but it's really about how you feel about it. It's never going to look perfect. Another coat of orange stain might help cover it up but I do think it's going to be quite noticeable.

Yes, clearcoat should make the finish pop.

But if you can make the effort to do a metalflake like you did on the bass, then I think you could make it look spectacular.

You'll need to seal the wood, then sand it flat again, but that's not a complicated or long process.