Sorry to hear that you have health worries. Thanks again for your willingness to share.

I hope it's okay to mention, that here in the states, regular hardware stores have dozens of hex brass fittings and caps for misc. water and air gadgets that have ferules waiting under the surface for just a little work. And, if true ebony is tough to come by, African Blackwood is a quality alternative that's also used by wind instrument makers and stands up well as using knife handles.

Anyway, thanks again and take care.