I have one with die cast hoops, plays really well. I have had more than a few six luggers and the Gretsch is one of the best, right up there next to a Pioneer I had with a maple interior.

Thanks for your perspective. I've got a transition badge pioneer in flaking white lacquer and mahogany innner ply as well as a 1968 Rogers Luxor. Those two are pretty different in feel and sound. The Dixieland is intriguing, but I'm not into diecast hoops so wondering now if anyone's got a thought or two about these with the single-flange hoop set up.