I have Beech QS8s with gold grilles, but before I bought them I had Axiom send me samples of both the Maple and Beech. The Maple is pretty darn white - the color of maple furniture before it's been sealed.
And, of course, if you're certain you're going w/ Axioms of some sort, they'll send you finish samples at $10 each - refundable after purchase.
That's the end of my customer service duties today. Where's the beer thread?