natural finish vs stained finish

The pictures on the AIO website that sells Wolf Guitars revealed that the natural finish on the W400 guitar may be too light in contrast.  The shadows reveals that the grain just doesn't pop from the blond color.  I've spent the last hour on YT to see just how to stain the maple top of the guitar.  Even if it is a veneer, it can still be stained to look more attractive.

From what I've learned, a dark brown stain goes on first.  Sand it down to reveal the grain.  Then depending upon if it will be sunburst (two tone) or remain like the PRS pictured above with a honey yellow stain is applied.  BTW: that pickup selector switch position on the PRS  looks like shit.  It works for the LP but not with a strat-like body.

A five stain kit on ebay ships for under $20.  The next question is alcohol or water based.  Not sure yet..  Will need a palm sander from amazon for $20.Still needSand paper?  Would just target the maple veneer top.

Solarez ($20 on amazon) makes a product that it similar to lacquer.   3 light applications and buffing can all be completed in a single day.  NO buffing wheel, will need to use a 18 volt cordless drill but I think all theose parts are already at my place.  Wow, can't believe I'm considering this...