Overview
The Vavona Burlwood Snare drum is being heralded as Black Panther's latest achievement in exotic beauty and sonic perfection. There were only a handful of these piccolo versions ever made, so they're even rarer than the 200 14" versions; rumours suggest around 25 units. Another "unicorn" drum.
Because the Vavona Burlwood comes from a source exclusive to Mapex, the company will be the only drum manufacturer offering Vavona Burlwood drums. Vavona Burlwood is taken from the root area of the majestic California Redwood tree; California Redwood trees are a national treasure; however it is the Vavona Burlwood that comes from the Redwood that is truly exotic. Environmentally protected, the Redwood is not harvested, but is only removed when the tree dies from natural causes. It is the natural diseases that kill the trees that create the exotically figured Burlwood. Striking in look, the wood shows incredible strength and remarkable sonic qualities, making it an ideal wood for drum making. The Black Panther Limited Edition Vavona Burlwood Snare features black chrome hardware and the shell is finished in an oyster green tinted hi-gloss lacquer.
The 14"x5.5" first appears on the newly launched Black Panther Snares website somewhere around the middle of 2004 and is gone by the middle of 2005. The website never mentions this piccolo model, but I'm assuming they were produced at the same time, so I'm calling this a 2004 birth until I find out otherwise.
Main photo and similar courtesy of Alex Wicheard - thanks a million Alex!
Other shots courtesy of Abel Garró Gómez*, Tristan, Head of Drumattic - https://www.drum-attic.co.uk/, and Paul from anniemyles on eBay. Cheers folks - much appreciated!
*Abel had his photos saved from many years ago, but he wasn't sure where they came from. If they are yours, please do get in touch so I can credit you properly.
