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I have a rather purpleish set of EIR. Any way to get it to brown a little?

sure
use a stain and color it . A dark walnut may be just what you need

Thanks John, this might be a perfect set for some creative staining. I assume the process would be stain, seal, porefill, finish?

Using stain on most hardwoods just does not appeal to me -- in my mind it sort of compromises nature. I even leave Mahogany natural. Note that fresh cut East Indian Rosewood will have more of a purple hue, this will usually change over time to dark brown. $.02

Like Ken stated, my experience is that EIR loses the purpleish hue over time. When you sand it will return then fade over time.

If the color changes over time, what is the catalyst to the change? Exposure to oxygen? sunlight? is there a way to speed up the process?

The sun will do it, like the other dudes said. If that is too slow, bring the back and sides to a tanning salon and book a couple of sessions in a tanning bed for your wood.

Darren,
It is an oxidation process that will eventually darken the wood over time. If you darken it, make sure to do so after final sanding before you start the finishing process.
But then you probably already figured that out :>)

Kevin

Actually if you use a walnut colored filler that will do the trick but a little stain will help to pop the grain. Martin stains the sets for uniform color but again it is your guitar to do with what you think what appeals to you. I like to stain , seal , fill , seal then finish .
Martin will use a sizing first then stain , seal , fill, seal , and finish . The not is to seal the filler in between the wood and the finish but in these cases the filler will also be colored . We all have out preferences . I personally like to add a touch of stain to pop the grain .

I think the purple might be quite distinguished looking. I would go with it. Just my opinion.