Hi Ron,

I'd look into chiseling out a small amount (say 1/16th?) down the length of the blonde strip then glueing on a slightly thicker 'veneer' ripped from a strip of a better colour. It should be pretty easy to sand it down flush.

I've never done this, just my 2 cents as to one thing I'd consider.

I've heard staining tends not to survive the sanding process, but since you have everyting shapped, that may not be a consern.

good luck

Myrl