Dear McGrath

If your bits still have curvature (like Bill Clinton's so we're told) and you have adequate anchorage points to glue onto as you describe then you might get away without making a mould or frame in the way Ben has described above.

Indeed, the black or dark inlay pieces might be the trickiest part of the repair. I have just been raiding my box of assorted veneers in the hope that I might have something to send you but I have nothing that dark left, dark greyish brown is the closest I have.

When living in the UK I used to get my luthier supplies from Touchstone Tonewoods in Reigate, Surrey which was fairly local to me. I don't know whether they are still there or even in business but it might be worth looking them up in the phone book to see as they used to have a good range.

Best regards,

mooman