Gretsch's 6.5x14 Hammered Black Steel Snare Drum w/Wood Hoops gives you many sound options depending on how you tune and play it. First off, we started w/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, w/more open and darker tones then most steel drums offer. Additionally, these hoops offer a deeper cross-stick tone then any steel hoop provides.