Though holes have been drilled for them to slot through, the tops of the tension rods stand slightly proud of the outer edge, due to the curved shape of the hoops. A single smaller notch for accessing the lever is recessed into the underside of the batter hoop above the snare release. These allow for any movement of the snare release mechanism, and the unimpeded travel of the connecting strip on the snare wires. Two cutaways with integrated slots are built into the resonant hoops at the points where the snare release and butt end are located. Tension adjustments of the snare wires can be dialled in from both the snare release and the butt end, making it possible to place the wires dead centre of the head.

The snare release is a chunky new Gretsch model, with a chrome-plated clasp that hinges away from the drum. Ten double-ended lugs encircle each drum, and Evans heads are fitted as standard on both sides. Inside, Gretsch's famous Silver Sealer coating has been applied, while the bearing edges are cut at the company's regular 30 degrees. The shells are finished in a clear high gloss, which contrasts with the satin finish of the hoops. The hoops on drums of such vintage were thinner and taller than the examples seen here, and this type of wide hoop design has evolved relatively recently.īoth drums are built around 14'圆.5' 10-ply, all-maple shells, which appear elsewhere in the Full Range snare drum series, shod with conventional metal hoops.

Some of Gretsch's earliest drums from the late 19th century were made with wooden hoops, and the company continued manufacturing wooden-hooped marching snares until 1971.

Gretsch maple snare drum