Update:
I have been very nervous about finishing this guitar. It seemed like a better idea to practise on something other than the body. So i grabbed some ash pieces at a local place. Three boards 8X16x3/4. I figure I will divide them in half so I can take 6 runs.
I have some powdered aniline dye ,
some tru oil,
some zinsser spray shellac, (rattle can)
some watco rattle can gloss lacquer.
I think I will sand all the boards, raise the grain and knock it back. Then try some of the methods I have read about:
1. sand,dye,shellac,grain fill, shellac
2. sand, lacquer, grain fill, lacquer
3 Same as 1, but then finish with tru oil.
4. Sand, dye dark, sand, dye lighter, sand a little, dye lightest colour (seen this for maple and once for ash)
Not sure what other methods to try, or to just try different amounts of red dye.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I really want a red finish with the grain very dark black or purple.
Phad.