Blonde or Brunette? Maple or Rosewood?

Why not buy one of each? Go rosewood first, its most versatile... next year get one with a maple board

I prefer the second option (yes, brunettes, yes, rosewood)… though I agree with Jim about considering a blonde later. :-)

Depends on your play style.

Slap would benefit from the Maple and add to the punchiness of the Single MM pup.

Fingers would benefit from the rosewood.

I agree with boom overall. But I think most of the playing you'll do will be more rosewood oriented. SO get rosewood, be frugal all year and get a blonde next year ;-)