Since you're experimenting - try maple with ebony edge (assuming your finish guy can get sealer on it without bleed from the black to blond) and finish satin clear.
2nd choice is all maple with normal stain or clear. The end grain and wood will finish uneven in color but look much better than the paint effect of using dye (which evens out the color but washes away the depth of the wood)
Each box would be `One Of A Kind' Beautiful!
I can hear the complaints - they don't match! Why Not? You'd never sell it.
Just dreaming I guess

E