I love the Artist snare drums! I've had quite a few over the years, in both 3-ply and solid maple versions. My first one was a Champagne Sparkle version, which I purchased from Vintage Drum Center many years ago, back when his prices where reasonable! To my surprise, and Ned's, I was sent a solid-maple Artist. What a great drum that was! I currently have a Slingerland 1967 4pc, with a matching Silver Sparkle Artist. I had a Vaughncraft solid maple shell, 5.5x14 just sitting around, so I had it set up as an Artist drum. Moved over all the hardware from the original 3-ply drum. What a fantastic drum it is! Don't worry, I'm hanging onto the original 3-ply shell!