OK many thanks - just a couple more...............
1/ Thickness of the wicker covered board? Colour? ie painted black or left natural
2/ Is the wicker clear coated with poly?
FWIW- I'm making a combo shell from Brazilian Walnut(it was the darkest and most consistent piece my supplier had, given Koa and Imbuya etc are largely unavailable now- at least down here)-pricey so I can't afford too many screw-ups!
Thanks again
MAK