Reply by Kent Shepherd

I just thought. (Wow, that’s a first!) If you want a lighter key, tape carefully around them. With a small artist brush, seal the keys with the finish you are using. Then tape the keys and stain, being careful not to use excessive stain close to the tabe. The sealer should help keep the stain from soaking in.

I would try this before possibly ruining a nice box.

Good luck

-- She thought I hung the moon--now she just thinks I did it wrong