Latz, the main reason for using the original hoops was economics. I have a lot of drums, but with 2 kids and a mortgage the idea of spending extra (unnecessary) cash on hoops is not viable.
Thanks for the link, his work looks awesome.
Rob, thanks for your nice comments. The main reason I didn't do the hoops is because I would have to do the veneer vertically, unlike yourself. Vertically would take 17 pieces of veneer and a lot of fiddly work.
The left over pieces I have will be used to make a jewellery box for my daughter Makassar Ebony.
But, I did just buy some Rosewood, so, whats next.