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Need info on this George Way snare please Last viewed: 1 hour ago

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Hello all,

I'm trying to help a friend get some information on a snare he has, and research brought me here.

I'm hoping the resident experts can help us fill in the blanks.

What I do know from a message he sent me:

1959 purchased at the Drum Shop in Detroit. The original throw was a bad design and many of them broke. In 1961 it was repaired by the Drum Shop with a supposed upgraded throw from George Way. It is stamped thus inside.

Unfortunately the arm is missing on it so they obviously didn't upgrade too well. You can still engage and disengage it with a screwdriver. It has the heavy hoops. Finish is mint. Other than the missing arm the hardware is mint.

Size is 14x5. Not sure how many ply, it's in storage and he just sent me this photo.

I'm wondering what model it is, and what it's worth if he sells it.

Thank you!

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Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 2264 Threads: 83
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Seems rare to me. I've never seen a double date stamp on the inside of a shell before.

I'd put value at $2,000 Mind Blowi :)

The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. - Joyce Meyer
Posted on 9 years ago
#3
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From larryz

Seems rare to me. I've never seen a double date stamp on the inside of a shell before. I'd put value at $2,000 Mind Blowi :)

The stamps are from the local shop that sold it; from the initial sale, and then repair/replacement of the throw.

Posted on 9 years ago
#4
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Just talked to my friend and got more of the background on it.

My friend brought it to Joe Chila at JC custom drums because it had three broken lugs. All lugs were replaced with newer DW's.

JC knows the owner of the Drum Shop, now retired, and confirmed the history of it. The throw was one GW sent out to shops for warranty replacement.

There are no extra holes or other modifications, just replaced throw in '61 and lugs when my friend found it.

JC really wanted to buy it, but my friend wouldn't sell. Now he's selling off a lot of drum gear, only plays for fun once in a while and doesn't need much.

Just need to get an accurate value on it for him.

Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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The Strainer is period correct. It`s called a "WayCo" Dependable and it went on outdoor marching drums. The double flange hoops are period correct, and I believe referred to as "tall boy".

Although not part of an Aristocrat trim, the throw could be ordered that way too. It`s original Geo Way trim.

I would reinstall the old lugs, including the broken one`s and call it period correct because it`s not original throw,.. and start it at $1,500 and not move down.

The Way (Pun intended) it is now, $600 tops.

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
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$750 on the low side, $850 on the high side. Sweet GW snare in very desirable BDP. If you get a bidding war going it could go higher.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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From Purdie Shuffle

$750 on the low side, $850 on the high side. Sweet GW snare in very desirable BDP. If you get a bidding war going it could go higher.John

I looked and found an Aristocrat done by TDS the same year, it is a 6 1/2 x14 and it closed at 350 or so, and has drilling and I don`t see a lever. It sold about a month ago.

But this is a 5, the one you jazz guys find money for. 3 lugs and a throw it prime Aristocrat from George.

I agree it`s in fantastic shape.

1 attachment
It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 9 years ago
#8
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From OddBall

I looked and found an Aristocrat done by TDS the same year, it is a 6 1/2 x14 and it closed at 350 or so, and has drilling and I don`t see a lever. It sold about a month ago. But this is a 5, the one you jazz guys find money for. 3 lugs and a throw it prime Aristocrat from George. I agree it`s in fantastic shape.

George Way drums remain a relative unknown to most modern drummers unless they are into vintage drums. I think Way drums are among the finest musical instruments ever made in this country. They 'should' command a much higher price than they do. Just on rarity alone.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 9 years ago
#9
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I forwarded the info I've gleaned here, and his response regarding reinstalling the old lugs is:

"I would just sell them with the drum. I have them but need to find them.

They are literally non functional. I think 2 are busted badly, 3 are cracked and 3 are starting to crack. The new DW set was 200. I'd still like to find a good strainer for it."

Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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