Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.
@NeolithicMan, the belly wood is red oak, so I'm keeping the backing fairly thin and trapped.
@Pat B, Thanks for the advice, though I plan on having a leather wrap over the splice so the hemp wont be seen. Don't want that epoxy mess to be seen or felt.
@PatM, ah, great idea, what material would be appropriate though? Just another piece of hickory?
I wonder if Dacron b-50 would be a better choice than the fishing line for wrapping.