As for the rod being straightened vice excellent choice. The snare head I use on my wood carlton is original calf head on the COB is an ever play by premier which gives lots of clearance for the drum hoop. You could try evans or aquarian. The remo,s seem too deep so the snare wires contact. Both my snare drums have excellent clearance. A lot of drum companies had square gates but these carltons were angled causing the probs u mentioned. You will find right snare head for this great drum. Another idea for now is use a premier or john grey snare side hoop work really well.