I have a bass body, stripped of paint that I want to stain. I'd like to get a transparent/semi-transparent stain so that the wood grain is still visible. What kind of stain would be best for this project? I've read up on it, and water-based stain seemed like a good idea, but then again I've read to avoid it.  
 
Or, would anyone reccomend something other than stain? I want the finish to be considerable darker than the actual wood, so I was thinking that something like Danish oil wouldn't be good..or would it?
 
Thanks in advance.

This is the color I am looking to get:
 
http://i12.ebayimg.com/03/i/07/19/1d/31_12_sb.JPG

Here's a previous thread that's somewhat on point.  I seem to recall there being another fairly recent thread on a similar topic; but I wasn't able to find it.

You should check out Stewmac.com if you haven't already.  Also acousticguitar.com has a discussion section for luthiers where issues such as this get discussed in extreme depth.  It is pretty entertaining reading.  One can get pretty good pointers from some of the best luthiers.