I didn't realize there'd be such an uproar. I don't like the usual clear laquer over natural wood, I think it looks bland, but I also think solid colors are boring, so I chose to go inbetween and both color and clear finish it by using stains and a clearer topcoat. I've always liked stained/dyed wood more. Plus I like dark red on guitars, and just a plain finish over the walnut was too yellow.
I don't think I'm going to end up staining the padouk though. The grain in the padouk has a sort of holographic effect in it that the stain removes some of. So far it has the most depth with poly over oil.
The walnut is really unevenly colored and kind of green, and the finish without stain turns it into an atrocious yellow/green that's far too light.
So so far the plan is 1-2 coats of stain on the back, 2-3 coats of oil on the whole thing, and maybe a coat of poly over that for hardness. I'm testing different polys to see if I like any of them.
I have to ask you something, Avenger, WHY IN THE HELL DID YOU PUT A COUNTERTOP ON A GUITAR?!
Because you liked it, obviously, and I like this kind of finish.