It's tough to ID these snares without a robust data managment system or at the very least a simple ID process from the manufacturer. Check out the differences between three model years from the exotic snare line... I'm not sure what you will really end up with???

From the 100th Anniversary (2009) catalog:

"...all exotic snares feature 8-plies of maple with an outer ply of exotic veneer."

From the 2010 catalog:

"...all exotic snares feature 7-plies of maple with an outer ply of exotic veneer."

From the 2011 catalog:

"...all exotic snares feature 10-ply of maple with an outer ply of exotic veneer."

The classic maple line now features a 7-ply all-maple shell, and it appears that the "exotic" line may have just used an additional "figured" outter ply in 2009 (for an 8-ply total); then used the "figured" wood as the outter ply in 2010 (for a 7-ply total); and added additional plys in 2011 plus the figured wood outter ply (for a 10-ply total). I don't have access to earlier catalogs so I'm not even sure when they moved from 6 to 7 plys as the standard in the maple snare line (I know they were still 6-ply at least through '88).

Another thing is that these drums are fairly customizable from the factory as far as the hardware configuration (rims, lugs, throwoffs/butt plates), so that's not always a dead give away as either dealers or customer could make changes. I think one difference between the classic maple and exotic series is the use of a retro badge like the one I attached. Unfortunately I'm not sure when they they started using that badge (but it has been in use for the past few years).

[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36409&stc=1&d=1322937733[/IMG]

EDIT:

Ludwig offers exotic wood finishes on snare drums

[COLOR="Red"]Launched at winter Namm show 2005[/COLOR], Ludwig will also show the latest addition of nine exotic wood veneers on its Classic Maple snare drums at Musikmesse Frankfurt, 2005, Hall 3.0-B18. Continuing the Birdseye Maple and Waterfall Bubinga finishes, Ludwig Classic Maple snare drums are also available in the exotic veneers Black Cherry, Black Walnut, South American Mahogany, Macassar Ebony, Makore (African Cherry), Pearwood, Sapale Pomele, East Indian Rosewood, and Santos Rosewood.

"This is probably the most affordable, extensive line of exotic wood snare drums available from any manufacturer," said Jim Catalano, director of marketing for Ludwig/Musser. "All are crafted in our Ludwig facility in Monroe, North Carolina and reflect a high level of craftsmanship worthy of any player or collector."

To muddy the waters further...

I'm not sure what years the 6"x12" was produced.... 6"x13" is what has been available for the past few years, but here's a 6"x12" "exotic" African Satinwood (5-ply & P-85 8-lug) without a retro badge.

[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36415&stc=1&d=1322939139[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=36416&stc=1&d=1322939155[/IMG]

I think you hit it on your edit.

Everything seems to point to the "Classic Maple" with the "Dark Walnut" veneer.

Thanks a ton.

:)

No problemo.... How's that bad little boy sound?

Like any other maple snare. I'm definitely not a maple snare guy. I like the older mahogany. And I like the hardwoods like bubinga and oak.

My favs are my 3 ply '59 mahogany Luddy Pioneer and my newer Dixon 24 ply bubinga.

I put it on eBay with what information I had on it (thanks to you). Hopefully, I can get what I paid back out of it.

Thanks again for your input.