Over here in the Uk you can pick up Premier Or Olympic drums Birch or Mahogany really cheap. I have lots of various premier and Olympic drums, kits and snare drums. Unless in tip top condition basically worth next to nothing but agree great sounding shells.

Cost. As I mentioned before, most other mahogany shells were not 100% mahogany shells, but used fillers (like Poplar). People will argue that it was for "tone" reasons, but it really was to help save on costs.

This is why Premier's African mahogany shells are my favorite, true all 3 ply's AM, and the finest you could get at the time, built by the best drum makers (imo). Add the amazing chrome, lower profile die cast hoops, sexy slotted tension rods, classy lug designs, etc...and you have an unbelievable drum.

Here in North America as well. Imo, it's criminal how underrated vintage Premier drums are, in respect and value...and I own MIA, MIE, and MIJ kits. My Premier B303 kit is my favorite of the bunch, over my Ludwig's, Slingerland's, Rogers, etc.