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You might try testing a small piece of new binding (off the mando, of course) with dilute tincture of iodine. #This from a builder friend who uses it for this exact purpose.

BlueMt.:
Just curious as to why you have apparently scratched off the Phoenix Neoclassical as a possibility.

Bob A.: #A belated "thank you"
for answering my original question.

The Other Bob A.

Keeping it on topic:

Thanks, Alex! #Anyone here ever measured the thickness of their RW92's?

And thank you for the info, Jim. #It confirms what I knew
when I posted my plea (btw, Dogal never...

Alas, I search in vein for Dogal Calace gauges, including a search of this message board. #Alack, I lack a micrometer. #

Would someone here know that data for RW92's (regular-"red") and RW92B's...

Thanks, Greenmando; that helped a lot. #Mine's the same 29/32" but slightly more (about 1/64") than the 1 1/16".
Should be able to work.

I'd have no qualms whatsoever about redrilling a cheaper...

Hello, all. I'm thinking of buying a cast tailpiece to replace the Gibson style tailpiece on an F5 mando (which is not a Gibson). #Would someone please be kind enough to tell me the exact distance...

I love 'em, but I've been put off by a statement on Tony's website about caution when used with varnish finishes. #Can someone chime in on experience with Tone-Gard on varnished mandos? #Thanks.

I'm "the guy" who grabbed the one that Steve at Acoustic Music Works in Pittsburgh put up for sale here on the classifieds. #It's not nearly as cosmetically gorgeous as Jim's (though it's better in...

Hmmm.....by that reasoning, shouldn't a great car be able to do 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, be supremely roomy and comfortable, corner like it's on railroad tracks, tow an 8000 pound load and get 40 mpg?
...

Duh, I suppose I could have gotten off my tush and opened my Longworth book....(g)

Wouldn't using an f-hole Martin to exemplify the qualities of a roundhole Martin would be akin to using F-5...

I own a 1936 Style 20, bought about 3 years ago, and it's a lovely instrument both cosmetically and tonally.

A few things not posted previously in this thread. First, the construction detail is...

As another owner, I would strongly advise against putting heavier gauge strings on a Neoclassical. The top thickness is designed for use with extra lights, as are the tone bars, both in design and...

You're right, Mr. Garber, and I should have made it clear that in order for Calton to do a custom order the instrument must be of dimensions that will fit one of their shells.

I sure do miss those...

Calton will indeed custom fit the insides of their cases to any specification. #They did that for my Lyon & Healy Style A and it fits like the proverbial glove. #There's a mando template (as well as...

Ah, Dayton. Spent a few years there in the late 60's working for what was then the National Cash Register Company.
Boy, am I old....

Yes, Dayton mandos were made in Dayton, Ohio. The label in one...

Heritage mandos were contracted out to an ex-Gibson builder in the Kalamazoo area, Aaron Cowles. Not many were made and it's been years since they were available from Heritage, though they...

Michael: great advice.

Would your suggestion be the same re varnished finishes?

Thanks.

Re Phoenix and cases:

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my Phoenix neoclassical (and by implication any Phoenix mando) fits like a glove in my Calton stock F-5 case. No wiggle whatsoever.