I cut the 1/4" x 3/4" strips for my Guillemot 17 on my table saw. The surface was rough(ish). I found that any roughness had disappeared by the time I had finished planing and sanding.

I also planned the cutting so that the strips had their grain running parallel to the 1/4" sides. If the grain is parallel to the 3/4" sides you may get a nice pattern, but it is sometimes difficult to work without catching the grain.

I didn't use cove/bead so slight roughness on the sides of the strips made for better gluing.