Need opinions on a new build

[AprioriMark]

So, my wife is demanding that I finish a couple builds I've been thinking about.  One is a secret (and I promise to post pics once I get the wood!) and one is a HxH ash Strat body that I got from a member here (thanks metalman22105!).  That's the project I need advice on.  I intend to dye it an emerald green color with black grain fill and I'd like a Vintage Modern maple neck with a Unique Choice Bloodwood fingerboard.  I'm putting brushed Chrome Sperzels on it, and a two point trem of some sort.  Here's what I'm looking for advice on:

1)  I'm leaning towards basic maple, but perhaps birdseye.  I want the focus of this guitar to be subtle beauty, so I'm not sure if birdseye works; certainly flame doesn't.  What's the difference between birdseye and AAA birdseye?
2) The body is routed for a 2 point trem.  What particular bridges do you all have good experience with?  Keep in mind that I'm partial to blocking off my trems, so I may do that anyway.
3)  I want two black humbuckers with no mounting rings.  I'm considering EMGs, but I think I'd rather have the look of open coils, so what passive humbuckers should I consider?  I will not be playing high-gain metal on this guitar.  I will be playing clean and dirty tones, and I like clear tones... think Richard Lloyd from Television, especially on Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend album.  I guess I'm looking for med-high output with minimal compression and clear mids and highs without sounding thin.
4) I'm starting my waterslide decal text madness on this guitar too... I'm going to experiment and strategically paste some (or all) of the lyrics to the Clancy Brothers' "The Parting Glass" on this guitar.  Is it better to apply this after a few coats of clear or before any clear?

-Mark

p.s. Here are the lyrics, and the bolded is what's for sure going on the guitar.  How much would you include, and where would you place it?

The Parting Glass:
Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I did
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in the town
That sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh, all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

 

[Nando Vallart]

Green with Red? Sorry, I don't think it matches very well, even I being portuguese (not by birth, but anyway...):

 

[AprioriMark]

I have a bloodwood neck on one of my basses, and my wife and I were comparing samples of Ash that I'd stained against that and other neck wood choices.  I really think that this will be sexy as a fingerboard.  But hey, we'll see!

-Mark

 

[Nando Vallart]

Yes, I agree that Bloodwood looks good... I just think a green body with a red neck will look weird... But hey, it's your guitar... In the end if it don't look good, you just buy a new neck for the green body and a new body to the bloodwooded neck

 

[AprioriMark]

Yes, I agree that Bloodwood looks good... I just think a green body with a red neck will look weird... But hey, it's your guitar... In the end if it don't look good, you just buy a new neck for the green body and a new body to the bloodwooded neck

Exactly! hahaha

-Mark

 

[MUYFUE]

Sounds like a cool build. The lyrics are great too!
The Emerald Green will look really good with Bloodwood fretboard, I think. It's not going to look like plastic RED, you know? it'll still be natural looking and should make for a good contrast.

Not sure sure on the Birdseye question...it should be more figured the more "A"s are in the rating. I don't know how may "A"s is considered standard. Birdseye will look real classy though, may visually complient the larger Ash grain. Plus, it's a time honored combo.

As far as 2 point trems, I love the Wilkinson, the Fender USA 2 point is good too, but the Wilky, to me, feels more solid..."Good Vibrations"

for Pups, I'd check out Tom Anderson, he has a good amount of selection, a very classy look, and great big sounds. For example, each of his 'buckers has a "plus" version, for more oomph. Thought that Matthew sweet used PAF types, so maybe a Duncan Seth or a '59, or similar design.