I sounds like the 12" hoops are double-flange stick choppers, and the 14" hoops are the die cast stick choppers. Some older die casts are still called stick choppers because of the sharp edge, later die casts are sticksavers with a rounder profile. The double flange stick choppers are much thinner, and if they are Gretsch, probably COB.

I am also looking for the 14" Gretsch double flange stick choppers, and currently I have a very close pair in some older Leedy double flange stick choppers, the only difference that I see is that the "ears" drop down just a hair more. If I find them before you do, I'll sell you mine.

Now a problem with these old double flange hoops from the 50's. I'm pretty sure that they were designed for calfskin heads. So the modern heads fit loosely in them, and you have to initially set them up perfectly and make sure that you tension them evenly, or the head will easily slip off kilter in the hoop. What I do is rubber cement a 1/4" wide inner tube strip around the circumference of the head so that it doesn't move in the hoop.

> What I do is rubber cement a 1/4" wide inner tube strip around the circumference of the head so that it doesn't move in the hoop.

You win the 'Genius Idea' award with that one! I work with so many older drums that seating hoops properly on modern heads can be time consuming because of the extra care needed, and a royal PITA sometimes. I've got yards of 1/4" fish-tank tubing that would be perfect!

Smart!

John

If the double flange hoops are COB, then they are also really soft, which also reduces the head tension range. When I tried to go for a little higher batter side tension, the clips started to flare the hoops outward.

As an alternative/middle ground, I went with a set of Gretsch 302's from Steve Maxwell. Awesome hoops that are just shy of diecast, while still having that vintage stick chopper look. Plus, they are only $36 each. :)

-Tim

To give you an idea, here is an up close pic of what they look like on my late 50's/early 60's - 14x6 snare.

-Tim