Remember that the forend is the easiest place to fix because it can be done without visible butt-joints! In fact you can hide ALL joints beneath the bands and in the rod channel. Same situation if the "problem" is between the upper band and the tip. Grain and color can be worked out, even if it takes time and multiple applications, but a damn butt-joint is right out there in your face, no matter how good a craftsman you are.

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