I like the method czech suggested. If they are close in color you may not need to bleach them. Use very dilute spirit stains and apply more wash coats to the lighter wood. Velvet oil is good but you will still have different amounts of color unless stained differently. I like Transtint stains or the laurel mountain pre-mixed.

"When you disarm the people, you commence to offend them and show that you distrust them either through cowardice or lack of confidence, and both of these opinions generate hatred." Niccolo Machiavelli