This body will be black so I decided to use it for a sunburst test for the ExplorerBird. I didn't do ANY sanding at all. Shot Yellow toner, then red, then black, then clear, all in about 15 minutes. I just wanted to see how even I could get it. Black needs to be thinned more, too difficult to control. But overall I think it's pretty close. I'll probably do one more test before the actual EBird.
I'm bringing back the Max with a more trad TBird emphasis, sort of a Studio. No raised center but great upper fret access and will fit in a standard gig bag or case. Paper 'pickguard' needs a slight trim.