Speaking of snares, my friend owns probably 8-10 snare drums, and plays a 1980s Pearl Export metal snare drum probably 98% of the time, both live and on studio recordings.

He's not the only one either, I heard another drummer tell me he also owned a 1980s Export metal snare and his own sound guy said that snare was the easiest snare to mix he's ever heard.

the exports did go to all poplar at one time maybe early 2000's they also were a poplar/ luan mix,and I played a couple of those in that had fusion sizes and they were really good sounding.By the way,the best sounding Exports I ever played heard were deep sizes like yours,and they had evans G2 coateds with clear single ply reso's

Merry Christmas everyone! After reading this thread about what wood shells are made from, I just have a few comments. I`m 54 years old and I was involved with the whole Beatles thing IN THE 60`S! Started drumming in the mid 60`s. So yes I AM AN OLD DUDE WITH BAD EARS! I bought an old Star kit (early 60`s) Put the Jonnystx "mojo" on them, (sanded the shells, lacquered the interiors and cleaned up the edges. These are 3 ply with rings. Super thin Luan! Cheap, low end as the come! I have Evans G2 coated with clear single ply Attack reso's. But, I have to say "don`t count these old cheap shells out"! I am still shocked at the sound you can get out of these old MIJ firewood shells! I`m sure you guys that are regulars here have heard this all before from Jonnystx. If you get a chance to pick up a set of the cheapo fire wood shells give it a try. I would like to hear your take on it after you do. However, keep in mind that this is coming from an old dude with bad ears. OK, enough rambling, I`m going to go play my drums now. Happy holidays to all and I really do love vintage drums! Tommy