I think my final decision is going to be the natural look with the white pearl pickguard and chrome hardware. I think the natural ash will look better in contrast with the pau ferro fretboard than trying to match a stain to the fretboard. I'm still not sure on abalone or pearl dot inlay's though, or even if I want dot inlay's.....since they're so typical....hmm... I'm glad I'm not in a hurry to get this guitar, because I want to be 110% sure about everything before I spend any $$$