I have done some research, and have come up with this sequence for staining and sating (like a Gibson Les Paul Studio, or SG Special Faded) finishing the body and neck. I will test, but would appreciate guidance/comments:

Body: Swamp Ash

- clear grain filler - sand/scrape to prepare for finish
- 2-3 coats of clear sanding sealer, cut and levelled
- aerosol spray, amber, orange and toabacco tints, to a tested sequence
- 2-3 dust/wet coats of clear gloss pre-cat NC lacquer, cut back
- 3-4 wet coats of clear or matt (which is best to achieve the desired 'satin' finish?) pre-cat NC lacquer
- final finishing - what method, please? We want to achieve the look and feel of near bare wood

Neck: Flamed Maple

- sand/scrape to prepare for finish
- staining with tested mix of amber, orange and tobacco stain
- light cut to briing out contrast in flaming
- 2-3 coats sanding sealer, cut and levelled
- 2-3 dust/wet coats of clear gloss pre-cat NC lacquer, cut back
- 3-4 wet coats of clear or matt pre-cat NC lacquer, with final finish

Questions:

1. Which is better to achieve the satin finish? the gloss or matt lacquer?
2. What is the best method of final sanding, steel wooling, or buffing the lacquer to get that dull sheen?
3. What materials are best, sandpaper, wet and dry, micro finishing papers, micro mesh pads, or other, to get that dull sheen satin finish?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

D'Arcy