Clearly, you do it for the love of doing it. I appreciate your sharing.
As for staining, definitely test on scraps. I'm sure you already know that.
Oak, Cherry, Walnut, Mahogany, even Ash have fairly consistent grain, and will take a stain well.
I love Maple, but she's a freak. Maple is notorious for going blotchy with dark stains.
If you go with the black, I'd be extremely conservative. Actually, the water based stains have good penetration, and should provide enough color. Buff the living daylights out of it. It helps set the stain. A clear top coat will bring out the 3D.