I used Viva Japanese tape over a layer of gel tape and brushed on five coats of clear shellac to darken it. The ends of the tape are finished off with the laces from my dress shoes. I never wear them anyway. I think I came pretty close. If anything, the color could use some brown, so maybe amber shellac would be better. The tape is a bit too shiney for my taste, so I plan to brush on one more coat with talcum powder added as a flattening agent.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...68014369jHohCP
As long as I'm showing off my handiwork, here's the Controltech seatpost I polished for it. You can only buy them in black. I hope it's stronger than it looks!
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...8014369ISyCwl#
I drilled and tapped the stem for a Japanese bell. I picked up the idea at Jitensha Studio, where I bought the bell and tape.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...68014369mduLDn