Personally, I don't like stains. I use quality hardwoods. If I want something dark, I'll use Walnut or Sapele. For medium colors I use Mahogany or oak. For light colors I'll use maple. I know these woods are much more expensive, that's what my customers expect.
I always soak the piece in my 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits. Then when dry a coat or two of semi gloss spray lacquer.
The oil mix brings out the natural color and grain of the wood, which is why I don't use poplar because it will have a green tint to it.