I agree that the finish is the hardest part.
I may ask Jim to do something similar to what you did with dyes on my chosen wood. In fact, Tamo is on my short list. For me, Tamo (or curly maple or figured white birch) would either be natural, a very slight brown dye, or a dark grey dye. Also looking at the Ambrosia Maple which would be natural or slight brown dye. I really like the Crimson Maple - natural, but Jim says it is pretty rare to find. He is also going to look at availability of Red Gum in widths that would allow two bookfaced pieces without so much of the outer parts of the board which are more white. That may not be possible though.
Different than Tineo, eh?
Here's your Tamo sample. One in from the top right....
Crimson Maple...
Ambrosia Maple...
Red Gum...
Figured White Birch...
.........Peter
