Thanks for everything, my friend! You really have given me a lot of sound advice. Actually, I did use some plastic snare ribbons I had lying around. The old marcher is sounding better and better! I play with a late seventies Supra with die cast rims and tube lugs. To be honest, this old parade drum will probably never match that sound, but it still is a lot of fun trying to get close. I like the idea of a popcorn snare! If I had an old marching band hat, maybe I could mount it on that somehow! I could twirl a baton and occasionally, smack myself on the head! Maybe that might cure me of buying these old drums that I really don't need! Thanks again, amigo. Brian