Basswood body with wood filler

[followtherhythm]

Hey all just a quick question. I am attempting to refinish an old jackson guitar body. It appears to be made of basswood. The grain isn't too attractive and I have already filled in holes used to mount pickup rings with wood fillter. I am afraid If I stain the guitar these holes will show through. So my question is how should I finish the body? Is paint my only option? If I can use a stain what would look good in everyones opinion? Will I be able to cover up the filled holes?

Thanks a bunch in advance, I will post progress pics

 

[Berserker]

You will see the filler through stain. You could re-drill them and insert a wooden dowel but you still probably see it depending on stain colour. I'd say paint it or put the pickup rings back on.

 

[VigilSerus]

Iirc, basswood doesn't stain all that well either. Its generally why cheap guitars always have it completely coated in one color.

 

[7JxN7]

If you really want a natural/stain finish and want to cover those holes AND have a good grain on the top, you could always take the next step and try putting a veneer on it

 

[Pikka Bird]

Iirc, basswood doesn't stain all that well either. Its generally why cheap guitars always have it completely coated in one color.

I like stained basswood.