Gretsch's 6.5x14 Hammered Black Steel Snare Drum with Wood Hoops gives you many sound options depending on how you tune and play it. First off, we started with our 1.2mm steel shell and added large hammering impressions to it. Then we added Rock Maple Wood hoops resulting in a slower yet wider attack, with more open and darker tones then most steel drums offer. Additionally, these hoops offer a deeper cross-stick tone then any steel hoop provides.