Originally posted by sambob
You know what though.. maple gets darker the longer you use it anyway. All of my HM Strats (keep in mind, these have scalloped frets, and were rubbed down with linseen oil) started out very bright, and although they're not by any means shiny anymore... they're got a darker tone.

I second that. I had to replace my neck about 3 or 4 years ago, and the neck has gotten progressively darker. I didn't like the original bright white neck at first, but the colour has darkened to the point that I think it looks great.