Thanks for that post John (and Steve),
My low-tech solution, when I know that a good shot will be needed, is to take it after maybe one coat of finish so the piece is not as reflective as it will become.
If that doesn't work, then I use daylight: a large window to the right of the piece that extends well above it with a means of diffusing it (voile curtain or venetion blind), black card below and curving behind, and a dull day. And the digcam set on low contrast.