Hey, George, the 90's called. They want their references back! ;-)
@Dan Morrison have you tried with 2 small ones? The bottom one seems a bit big to me and I think it gives an impression of suckers on a tentacle, reinforcing the sqweed look.
I actually like the squid look, heh. I'm already going down this road...can't stop now. The contrast in size makes it appear, like you said, more organic. And I am keeping that vibe throughout. Perhaps I'll give it a try though... if only to satisfy my curiosity!
I've been making stems the last two days, and when the first new stem was complete I sat back, took a good look... and... well.. it was ugly. hahah.
It seemed like that simple stem only works when the stem is longer. After shortening the stem in my design drawings, both to re-balance the thing (the longer stem of my last prototype felt a bit tip-heavy) and to accommodate a more pocket friendly box, the end result was... chunky. It had no flow, no elegance, it was just dead.
I also decided to go back to the original joint between the wooden stem and the metal tip. In testing this first design proved superior. I also got rid of the african blackwood for this piece. Turns out ya don't need it, and that "step down" in diameter was starting to look off to me, not quite as nice as the more raw bamboo stem of the first prototype...
Anyhow, photos tell a better story,
Stems awaiting finish work.
Inlaying the stem detail. This will probably replace the painted bands. This is an old pipemakers technique of filling in the void in bamboo where the branches shoot out of the cane. It helps to round out that side of the stem, where the natural shape of the bamboo makes it appear too flat when looked at from a certain angle.
The modified joint area. You can see the groove for the sewing thread O-ring to be wound into. The taper at the end is key to what makes this design so good. The metal tip butts up against the tapered shoulder, making a tight joint regardless of the thread winding. Through the extreme heat changes, this joint feels secure, yet loose enough for smooth removal.
The inlay is of verawood. I'll be using various exotic woods for this detail, perhaps some stones, coral, etc.. I think it will be much cooler than the painted colour bands.
Here's the stem I made yesterday. I mean, it's not that bad... but it's definitely off somehow.
Here is the newly revised stem I made today. This is exactly the same length as the stem above, however the design gives it the illusion of being longer. Notice how the mouthpiece was changed to be flush with the bamboo.
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will the bands be easy to replace in case of unwanted damage?
BTDT 
), that needs to be the 1st on the block to own anything for the sake of just being 1st... I'm too old for that shit now, and am more interested in buying things that WORK as advertised as well as are available to ship when I damn well pay for it 
-- but I can wait, you can't rush perfection lol