thanks, plain brass bands would be OK, especially after they oxidize a bit. it is the corrugated ones that look odd. it already has one rattan turks head, which may have been original or added after the brass - ? i know how to make those
steve ferguson wrote us a nice instruction i have book marked here.
anyhow i've ordered some dark brown 3mm braided natural cord for the grip & i have some silver craft wire already handy too. i'll see what it look like after the leather disappears & see if the baca-baca can be fitted better - or at worst covered up. should hopefully arrive tomorrow so i can start planning after seeing the reality.