Hi Mark,

I can't see the result too clearly in the picture, but if you are using water-based stains, you could try to soften the light to dark colour transition using a damp clean rag, by rubbing that part of the burst with the contour line.

What is the look you are after?

I hope you'll be able to fix it, but cherry red could be cool!?

Ps. I also went through the maple on my guitar as well but was able to camouflage it in the darker colour of the burst.

Hope this helps.