Back in the late 70's when I was an apprentice carpenter, I talked the superintendent ( a gifted woodworker) into helping me build a grandfather clock. When it came time for finishing, he asked me if I wanted just the finish (in this case, nitrocellulose lacquer) or stained and then lacquered. I didn't hesitate with my response: "Oh of course, lacquer only." He then asked if he could stain one sample and compare it to a lacquer only piece. I agreed, and hands down, the proper stain, judiciously applied, greatly enhanced the color and figure of the walnut.
I'm with Gunter- you have nothing to lose by staining a small sample, perhaps one of the off cuts from the stock work.
Mike
