Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 184.37578%

BIG Geo. Way Snare

Posts: 729 Threads: 82

I recently bought a 9 x 14 Geo. Way snare. This wasn't a marcher. There are no extra holes and no apparatuses of any sort for carrying the drum.

Wouldn't you think this was a symphonic or orchestral drum? The Big Band era of really deep snares was long passed, so I can only conclude it was made for the concert stage. Sounds great on the '70s inspired music that I write.

Have any of you heard of, or seen another like it? It's in near mint condition, with a nice yellowed WMP finish. I paid $550 for it on ebay. No one else bid on it.

Thanks for your time.

Stephen

1 attachment
Big Geo Way 2.jpg
66.3 kB
Vintage Drum Student
Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

It is most definitely a marcher look at the link. Absolutely one beautiful drum that you have.

http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/images/camco_snare_drums/1956-geo-way_snaredrums1.jpg

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 715 Threads: 59

That is a parade drum. The clues are the location of the badge and strainer. For what it's worth I've had 4 GW parade drums both tenor toms and snare drums and none of them had leg rests or any other type of device usually associated with parade drums. $550 was a very steep price for that drum.

1957 George Way BDP 26" concert bass drum
1959 George Way BDP 22/12/16 w/ 5.5x14
1959 George Way Green Sparkle 22/12/16 w/5.5x14
1961 George Way Blue Sparkle 20/12/15
1961 George Way Jelly Bean 20/12/14 w/4.5x14
1960’s Camco Oaklawn Champagne 20/12/14/16w/5x14
1971-73 Camco Chanute Walnut 24/14/18 w/5x14 COB
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 729 Threads: 82

Thanks for the info fellas. Well, 'more fool me'. It makes a great Rock snare drum in any case. Isn't 9 x 14 small for a parade drum? I've got loads of 8 x 14 snares from the '30s and '40s, so I had no reason to think it was a marcher. How did people manage to hold it? Gosh, I thought I was getting a deal at $550, but then I'm prone to overpay for Geo. Way and Camco stuff, because those drums record so well. But as I say, it works really well as a kit snare, so I'm happy with the purchase. I won't be reselling it for a long time, so maybe its value will even out eventually.

Thanks again.

Stephen

Vintage Drum Student
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 715 Threads: 59

As long as your happy with it, that's all that counts. I've over paid on certain drums too. 9x14 is odd. It could've been cut down from 10x14 or it was simply made from what they had. Probably not a special order. I have a red sparkle 4.5x14 marcher. It was cut down from 10x14 by Jack Lawton. So well in fact that I've fooled two experts with it which was not my intention.

1957 George Way BDP 26" concert bass drum
1959 George Way BDP 22/12/16 w/ 5.5x14
1959 George Way Green Sparkle 22/12/16 w/5.5x14
1961 George Way Blue Sparkle 20/12/15
1961 George Way Jelly Bean 20/12/14 w/4.5x14
1960’s Camco Oaklawn Champagne 20/12/14/16w/5x14
1971-73 Camco Chanute Walnut 24/14/18 w/5x14 COB
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 1342 Threads: 71

Nice looking vintage drum. Worth every penny in my book. Good score. Congratulations.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 1296 Threads: 208

I think what you have there is a DW John Good made for Mick Fleetwood...baby crawl2

Never play it the same way once.
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 729 Threads: 82

From DolFan54

As long as your happy with it, that's all that counts. I've over paid on certain drums too. 9x14 is odd. It could've been cut down from 10x14 or it was simply made from what they had. Probably not a special order. I have a red sparkle 4.5x14 marcher. It was cut down from 10x14 by Jack Lawton. So well in fact that I've fooled two experts with it which was not my intention.

It never occurred to me that it might be a cut down. I guess that's possible. If it is, they did a very good job.

Stephen

Vintage Drum Student
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 729 Threads: 82

From Gerald Sterken

Nice looking vintage drum. Worth every penny in my book. Good score. Congratulations.

Thanks, Gerald; I appreciate it. It really does sound fantastic whatever it is. Sounds like a beast!

Best.

Stephen

Vintage Drum Student
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
Posts: 729 Threads: 82

From orangemi

I think what you have there is a DW John Good made for Mick Fleetwood...baby crawl2

I'm afraid I don't know what a DW John Good is, but I can see Mick Fleetwood using a drum like this.

Stephen

Vintage Drum Student
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here