Thanks for the advice/recommendations on finishes @ozzbike. I'm looking at what my project will be and have received a quote from PDG on a custom version of the PSH-1 kit. This will take some time to deliver so I'll have a chance to test out some finish options.

@McCreed, apologies I didn't mean to suggest basswood was an inferior body material. I neglected to mention that my finish would be stain and not a solid colour so I was thinking that basswood would not be the best option for staining. For the PSH-1 kit, PBG has quoted a customisation with a Mahogony body so I think I'll go with this.

Thanks again, everyone.