I have a Sonor Phonic Reissue D515PA snare with rosewood veneer inside and out. It says "Genuine veneer" on the badge. It's Alpi veneer, as in fake. The snare has a MAP price of $1199.00 . Thankfully I didn't pay that much for it as I was fortunate to get it pre-owned mint condition. It was still expensive believe me. It's a great snare and I knew it was fake veneer before I got it. Pretty misleading if you ask me. Sure it's a "genuine veneer" but it's not "genuine ROSEWOOD veneer". I personally don't think it's a big deal but I can see how someone might. I've been to places where they say exotic dancers too but most of them looked like junkies on the nod. It's all marketing BS no matter who's slinging it.I realize that Sonor does it too, but they don't market it as "exotic" do they? I'm not saying it looks bad, it's just not what they say it is. To me its similar to the bell brass and bell bronze topic a while back.
If I were to get a kit with an exotic veneer, after I win the lottery because it would be an 8 piece kit, it would have the actual wood, not something thats printed on there. Maybe it's due to always having wrapped kits because my kit travels to shows where lacquer finishes don't do so well in that environment.
In the end, all the top end kits will produce a nice tone, and you should choose who has the finish and hardware you like best. This was said to me by a friend's dad who is/was a top drum tech in LA who worked with all the top shelf kits & companies in the live and recording world.
Just for giggles, this kit will run you $7K. It's Sonor's Alpi Rosewood high gloss. You in? Doesn't look too bad eh?