Founded in 1912 by Henry Heanon (H.H.) Slingerland in Chicago, Illinois, Slingerland began as the Slingerland Banjo Company before expanding into drum manufacturing in 1926. The company quickly rose to prominence through its association with iconic jazz drummers Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, and its introduction of the Radio King series of snare drums and drum sets in 1936–37 cemented its reputation as one of America's premier drum makers. Slingerland also pioneered innovations such as tunable tom-toms, the Super Strainer throw-off mechanism, and the Set-O-Matic tom mount.

Beyond the Radio King, Slingerland's catalog has included the Studio King and Super Sound King lines, along with marching drums produced since the 1920s. During World War II, the company manufactured the Rolling Bomber series using wood in place of rationed metal. In the 1930s, Slingerland also briefly produced guitars, banjos, ukuleles, and other stringed instruments. Notable drummers who have played Slingerland drums include Neil Peart of Rush, Danny Seraphine of Chicago, Nigel Olsson of Elton John's band, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, Tito Puente, Bernard Purdie, Roy Haynes, and Tre Cool of Green Day.

After the Slingerland family sold the company in 1970, it passed through several owners — including Gibson and later Drum Workshop (DW Drums) — before being relaunched from Oxnard, California. The revived brand offers handcrafted drums including the Radio King and Studio King outfits and snare drums, honoring the vintage American sound that defined generations of popular music.

Slingerland has 42 products cataloged on Equipboard, including Drum Sets, Snare Drums, and Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars. Their gear is featured by 36 artists, with the strongest followings in Rock, Pop, and Folk, World, & Country. Notable users include Tré Cool, Neil Peart, and William Larsson. Slingerland's catalog spans the full price spectrum — from entry-level options to high-end flagships.