This covers the history of John Grey nicely.

- http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/john_grey.html

Cheers.

Wow, that is a great bit of info. on what was a huge company in England.

Thanks for getting me to the info.

......THAT... was here on this site all the time!

What a great source of information.

Thanks VDF

and Mr. Gurtu

My pleasure!

Cheers.

Trilok...Did you mention you had an autocrat by john grey with the parallel action. I believe the action is a weird one to master. Ive read that it works different than other parallel action snares. Ive not received mine yet as its still on route. ....sean

I am a bit concerned about the downward dangle of the snare throw. Those throws have a "progressive" tension set up. I think they weren't really made to take the harder hitting that came along through the '60's. I hope you have all the parts. Stuff does show up on ebay.

I have a wood shell Autocrat from same era, with same badge and snare. It's cool, though I don't haul it out that much.

The wires on the one i bought are not correct. Once i get the snare drum ill explore the strainer on the workings. Ill also be making the wires to fit. Any chance you could show me a picture of ur snare wires on the autocrat snare drum. cheers sean

I don't have a John Grey snare with the parallel action. I've decided with my recent COB Broadway purchase to retro fit it with a Dunnett R7 throw off and butt plate. Reasons being:

- The John Grey throw off is messed up. In fact, every JG snare I've owned has had a dysfunctional throw off...nice looking, but not the most reliable from my experiences. This drum is going to be played, it needs to function first and foremost.

- The Dunnett R7 has a great retro look, with great modern day features. Love the three snare settings, and quick release snare system.

- John Grey drums sadly don't hold good dollar value, so modding it doesn't bother me. I'm very happy about the drum, to get a 60's, very well made, great condition, rare COB for so cheap...I'm keeping it.

Cheers.

Hi Patrick ive got the snare drum. The throw as you mentioned was not right. Ive stripped the strainer and butt. It is now right as previous owner didnt set it up right. It was loose on the internal cam. The strainer in the off position is at 10 o clock and fully engaged is at 10 past hope that makes sense. Could you send me a pic of your autocrat snare wires......sean

Got this recently!

Pretty sweet,no?