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And anyone who might have an idea

On the electric side of things, I'm ready to engage in some finish fun. I'd like to apply color TO the wood here and come out with a color similar to the RS Guitarworks headstock I'm attaching. I like it because the tint isn't incredibly strong, and because it leans towards the red side instead of the yellow. Do you guys have any ideas about achieving this color? I have some red brown, red, and yellow powders to work with, and would love to go pick up a ready-made can of stain if it'll work.    

Thanks Hesh. The HHG lends to the checking, correct? Or the actual color? I wish I could use my Z Poxy. I'm going to be using tru-oil on the back of the neck and headstock and the typical gloss on the headstock.

I have something really cool illustrations planned for the front of the headstock.

Make a toner with your powders and finish. Practice on scrap till you get the color you want. A little red and a dash of yellow should get you close. Use the toner as your first few coats of finish until the shade of color is right, then go with clear topcoats. I wouldn't mess with the HHG or epoxy for this.

Thanks, Barry.

James, get some maple scrap the same shade as your peghead and experiment. Danish oil sealed in with shellac will yield that color nicely.
Or, an amber dye....

Steve

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Steve, the Danish Oil get EXTREMELY close. Thanks!

I'm happy with this. Two coats of natural danish oil. It's leans towards brown values rather than yellow -- just what I wanted. I think shellac would pull out reds under finish. The RS headstock obviously has more red because of the lighting. I think the vintage look is much more convincing when the color is added to the wood rather than tinting the finish. Thanks Steve!