They really don't compare to the new ones. The new ones sound modern. The originals have a very vintage sound to them. And yes the hoops are COB which carried over to Camco drums where they were used until the mid-60's. The hoop is ever so slightly different than the Camco version and takes a really good eye to see it. I know what to look for and I've still goofed.
Steve, thank you, man I love both of them but the GW'S will always have a special place in my heart!!
I'm in California. I bought the '61 catalog w/ that envelope off of Ebay that was from an estate sale. It was listed under books so I got it very cheap. The catalog is mint and looks like it was never handled. So it seems as though Ernie is no longer with us.
On ebay right now a George Way 6 1/2x14 snare drum at 157.50 bid on it ...Mikey
It sold for 436.00..see photo's..Mikey
On ebay right now a George Way 6 1/2x14 snare drum at 157.50 bid on it ...Mikey
That's a 5.5x14 Spartan Model from the first year of production circa 1957 at least 3 years before the 6.5x14 was introduced. If you look close at that drum you will notice that the grommet on the badge has been replaced. Also looks like most the lugs are cracked too with a couple completely blown out. I'm not sure why it went as high as it did in it's condition along the crappy pics.
Steve:
Excellent drums!!! Congratz on your grail-slaying....
I bought the gold sparkle Way snare that came up a little over a month ago... I'm surprised you didn't bid on it. Can you share you observations on it for me/us?
Jeff
Jeff,
That's a beauty and if I remember correctly it was one of Rob Cook's Ebay auctions. I didn't bid because I was heading to the Chicago Show and I had already acquired a 5x14 Camco Tuxedo in Burgundy sparkle to match my 20/12/14 kit and a red sparkle George Way 5.5x14 Aristocrat Model w/ Camco Super 99 strainer. Since the drum was a 6 lugger and I already have plenty of those, I let it go.
It's hard to really see much as your pics are quite small but I do see two horizontal holes behind the strainer which are for the original strainer. It looks like it had the second version strainer on it but I would have to know the spacing to give you accurate information. The cool thing is that whoever replaced the strainer at least drilled it for another George Way strainer. That was the final and best version of the George Way strainer. The model is called the Studio Model but not to be confused with the "New" Studio Model which has Tuxedo lugs.
Steve
