Help me understand the difference between Reference and master premium

[kenshireen]

am not too familier with Pearl Snare Drums.
So help me out here.... I am looking for the top of the line wooden snare and am
confused between the Masters Custom and MCX and Reference.
Someone offered me a used reference for $400 and a Pearl Masters Premium for $350...

What are the differences in the drums and are these good prices.

Thank you

[scooterdavis]

MCX or masters custom are the same 6 ply maple shell. Reference wood snare are 20 ply birch and maple (16 birch and 4 maple plies I think). Masterworks are a custom drum, so you'll have to take a look at it.