Where's the basswood?

I haven't tried this, but should work for seeing what finished basswood will look like .... give it a couple swipes with a damp sponge or some such, just to wet the surface. Just but the boards together like you were going to glue them up and then hit them with the water and the grain should pop right out (I hope).

P.S. For large pieces of basswood you might try
Itasca Wood Products
I needed a couple of 4X8's two feet long and geve them a call on the phone and they were very helpful. Suspect the 5/4 wouldn't be a problem for them.

I've used glue-ups of pine and white pine I picked up from friends in the construction business. They work fine. The sponge and water was a great idea. I just did that on a small characature for my final sanding before applying acrylic paint. What a difference, my first coat always raised the grain. I just learned that if you have a piece of hardwood, wrap it in foil and put in the freezer overnight. It raises the grain and makes for easier carving.