Cool JSV. Feel like sharing any 'secrets' as one might say? I've done about 13 guitars for myself and various people now, I feel like I've got the whole thing down by now, but I'm always looking to improve.

Right now I just file the middle of each fret (althoguh I usually start a little closer to the fret on the first 7 or so) down a bit with a 1/4" round. Then I sand starting with 80 grit paper, then 120, then 180, then 220. Then I usually just rub some linseed oil into the wood.

I'm wondering though, I see guys like Joe Stump play live..and there maple necks still have that real bright shiney like a new guitar would have. Is that some kind of stain? I'm always a little disappointed that my guitars seem to lose that.