I've always figured poplar was a lower-end wood, which I guess is what is generally seen as.
Why is it then that it still used in the super-high end Ludwig Legacy kits (which I know are remakes of the old maple/poplar/maple kits)?
The site description puts it this way: "At [the drums'] core is a single 1/8” ply of premium Poplar for unyielding warmth and resonance."
If the poplar gives unyielding warmth and resonance, why is it a cheaper wood? Is it because they are using a "premium" poplar? Or did they just want to stick to how they did it back then and simply put a nice description for the wood used to save money?
They do describe perfecting the old drum type with modern drum-making, so I would assume that they would be willing to upgrade on the old design if they had cut some corners to save money.
Any thoughts?