Pricing and availability
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
The Slingerland Radio King is a celebrated piece of drum history, making waves since its introduction in the 1930s. Renowned for its single-ply maple shell construction, the Radio King offers a warm, resonant sound that has captivated drummers for decades. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a rock enthusiast, this drum set delivers a tonal quality that is both versatile and enduring. Constructed with vintage flair, the Radio King combines classic aesthetics with modern reliability, making it a standout choice for both collectors and active performers.
Each component is crafted with precision, ensuring durability and consistent performance. The snare, in particular, is revered for its crisp attack and rich overtones, thanks to its unique beaded shell design. The toms and bass drum complement this with a full-bodied resonance that fills any room, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. Drummers value the subtle nuances that the Radio King brings to life, allowing for expressive play and dynamic range.
Key Features:
- Single-ply maple shell construction for warm, resonant tones
- Vintage-inspired design with modern reliability
- Versatile sound suitable for jazz, rock, and more
- Beaded shell snare for crisp attack and rich overtones
- Durable components crafted for consistent performance
- Full-bodied resonance across toms and bass drum
Videos
The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine
1940's Slingerland Radio King
1940's Slingerland Radio King
The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine
Slingerland Radio King, test
DrumsetMag DrumsetMag
50s Slingerland RADIO KING - Blue Glass Glitter
Steve Maxwell Drums
1940s Slingerland RADIO KING Drum Kit - Gold Glass Glitter
Steve Maxwell Drums
Slingerland 1940s Radio King 14x28/9x13/16x16" Drum Set - White Lacquer
Steve Maxwell Drums
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Slingerland Radio King.
Build quality
-
The new Slingerland Radio King reissues feature chrome over brass hardware, a rare choice among manufacturers known for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Source -
The 1955-59 era Radio King drums feature a single piece of maple steam-bent into shape with reinforced maple rings, noted for their excellent craftsmanship.
Source
Comparisons
-
The single ply steam-bent shells of the reissues are compared favorably to vintage models, with potential for both soft "wooly" and bright, metallic sounds based on tuning.
Source
User experience
-
An owner of a 7" Blue and Silver model praised its outstanding build quality and gorgeous finish, though they haven't played it extensively yet.
Source -
Slingerland Radio Kings, despite their quality, are often undervalued in the vintage market, making them an attractive option for collectors seeking premium drums at lower prices.
Source
Value and pricing
-
It's noted that the $1800-$2000 price point is steep, yet justified for a limited run, single ply steam-bent snare with high-quality hardware.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Solid shell snares like these are favored for their dynamic range and sensitivity, potentially making them suitable for both studio and live settings.
Source -
It's suggested to keep vintage snares in good condition for special gigs to enhance performance with their unique sound.
Source -
These drums are praised for their versatility, suitable for various musical styles due to their robust construction and dynamic sound capabilities.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Original 1964 models can be restored by unscrewing every nut and bolt, cleaning them, and lubricating threads without refinishing to preserve value.
Source -
For minor hoop dents, owners recommend using a metal shim, wrench, and cardboard to restore the shape without replacement.
Source -
The original throw-off washer was rubber, prone to drying out. A faucet washer from a hardware store can effectively replace it.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Genuine Slingerland lugs and parts are available on platforms like Reverb, making it easier to replace components while maintaining authenticity.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
Mac DeMarco uses a Slingerland Radio King drum set, as seen in the Imgur album titled "Mac drums aet."
And in Europe when I play I use a 1940 Radio King set with a big 24" bass drum, and huge tom toms.
.jpg)
In this post, Matt shows off the Slingerland radio king kit he owns. he states that he tried getting it back into working order
"Yes, it’s all Craviotto. I was hung up on vintage gear for a long time, and I had a ton of stuff in my garage. I used it all on Sam’s Town. At the end of the day I settled on Ludwig drums and various snare drums–Supra-Phonics, a 6 1/2×14 Leedy Black Elite, Radio Kings, and a Craviotto I had. But Day And Age is all Craviotto."
"But for less conventional applications I have some huge Taos drums and some old Radio Kings."
Grant is seen here playing a Slingerland Radio King. In an interview with modern drummer he stated he fell in love with Slingerlands around the time of New Day Rising.
As mentioned on the official Gibson website.
Gene Krupa was endorsed by Slingerland Drums and played nothing but Slingerland for his entire career. The Radio King set was Gene Krupa's signature drum set and left a mark on the big band era of his time. It is seen at 0:01 of the video and then once again in better view at 1:51.
Can be seen in the album cover for "Interstellar Discussion" and "The Rocks Crumble".
Frankie confirmed this was his set on his social media before his passing and has a certificate of authenticity from his wife, Regina Russell-Banali with it
Album Usage
The Slingerland Radio King has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Slingerland Radio King, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1783162919)
More Slingerland Drum Sets
.png?v=1783110491)
$3,199.00 - $6,216.90
in Drum Sets Rank
$684.76 - $899.99
in Drum Sets Rank
$999.99 - $1,111.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$479.00 - $999.99
in Drum Sets Rank
$3,199.00 - $8,476.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$1,099.00 - $1,699.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$2,427.00 - $3,911.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$4,649.98
in Drum Sets Rank
$589.04 - $747.99
in Drum Sets Rank
.jpg?v=1782886998)
$627.55 - $777.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$683.00 - $1,099.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$2,503.45
in Drum Sets Rank
$1,119.00 - $1,199.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$1,422.00 - $3,360.00
in Drum Sets Rank
-m.webp?v=1783163643)
$799.99 - $1,049.99
in Drum Sets Rank
$2,649.00 - $3,691.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$1,499.00 - $1,999.99
in Drum Sets Rank
$2,799.00 - $3,555.00
in Drum Sets Rank
$699.99 - $1,099.99
in Drum Sets Rank
$3,877.00 - $4,639.99
in Drum Sets Rank
$1,453.00 - $1,899.00
in Drum Sets Rank
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Drum Sets
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
mengxuen97Gear IQ 12162
-
