So... I finally got to play out with it!!
yes months of waiting ended last night when I played the Gretsch kit with the Ally snare. I put a new coated ambassador on top and a hazy underneath. It sounds awesome!! Medium tuning it sounds really full, quite dry but round. Not what I expected (which is why I don't own any steel snares ;-) ) at all! Its not loud, but that makes it perfect for smaller venues and it fits perfectly with the sound of the rest of the kit.
I'm really pleased.
Thanks for all your interest!
Pic of the homecoming below.....:-)
Cheers All!
Meat