thanks - I know N&C, but never heard of Carolina Drumworks. Seems like N&C is better choice? Or have you played Carolina Drumworks walnut?
Which would be better resale?
I have both Noble & Cooley and Carolina Drumworks Walnut snares and I like them both. They're slightly
different to my ear, so not knowing what exact sound you're after, it's really hard to say which is best.
They're both great companies to work with. Walnut availability and sizes are a bit more limited at Noble & Cooley.
I think Walnut may be very limited productions from N&C. Jeff at CDW is great to work with. You may be able to
get sizes from CDW that are not available from N&C.
Craviotto is another option. It's a bit breathier and more "airy" sounding, but brand new will exceed your budget.
I also have a used SOTA (State of the Art Percussion) Walnut segmented snare that is killer. Problem is if you can
ever locate one. I looked 28 years for a used SOTA Walnut shell before locating one for sale.
Noble & Cooley will likely be the better resale value--also quicker, easier to resell. But you need to trust your ears
first and foremost in the sound you're after.