Section2: Thanks. The underlying pearl wrap is not as beautiful as it appears in the picture. No damage but definitely "yellowed". As far as sound, it had Rocker heads, top and bottom, when I got it...it now has Remo Emperors so it would be impossible to attribute a sound difference to the wrap.

Ah, but that's what makes old WMP so beautiful! Someone on the forum (I can't remember who) calls yellowed WMP "Butter Cream Pearl," which I love.

Then again, some drums yellow in a much less attractive way -- less like butter and more like nicotine. And others go greenish. Me, I love the "mellowed" WMP look... but what's that saying about the eye of the beholder? :)

Either way, your gold sparkle re-wrap looks terrific. Gorgeous drum.

Oh, and good call re: the head replacement! Rockers on a vintage snare... yeesh. It must sound like a cannon now. I've never tried an Emperor on a snare before; I've always been afraid that a double-ply head would take away too much sensitivity. Then again, I put an Evans EC2 on a snare recently and was blown away by the fat-yet-sensitive response. Have I been worrying over nothing?

Cheers!