Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $3,499

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Slingerland Radio King 3-piece Shell Pack". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

Step into the rich legacy of drumming with the Slingerland Radio King 3-piece Shell Pack, where vintage craftsmanship meets modern precision. Originally introduced in the 1930s, the Radio King quickly became an icon, known for its three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany shells that deliver unparalleled warmth and resonance. This contemporary reissue continues to honor its storied past, featuring steam-bent maple reinforcement rings that enhance both durability and tonal depth.

Meticulously handcrafted in Oxnard, California, each drum in this shell pack is designed to capture the essence of Slingerland's heritage. The 13" x 9" rack tom offers rapid articulation, while the 16" x 16" floor tom adds a robust, resonant low-end. The 22" x 14" bass drum anchors the ensemble with commanding warmth and projection. These drums are not just instruments; they are a bridge to the past, offering a lush resonance suited for genres ranging from big band swing to rock.

Outfitted with nickel-plated hardware, the kit exudes a retro charm with features like Stick Saver hoops for solid tuning stability and comfort. The built-in tone control mufflers offer the versatility to fine-tune your sound without additional dampening, ensuring every performance is as crisp and clear as envisioned.

Key Features:

  • Three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany shells for warm, rich tones
  • Steam-bent maple reinforcement rings for enhanced projection and durability
  • 30-degree rounded bearing edges for a vintage feel and softer attack
  • Nickel-plated hardware including Stick Saver hoops for improved tuning stability
  • Integrated tone control mufflers for customizable sound
  • Crafted in Oxnard, CA, paying homage to the original Radio King design

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Slingerland Radio King 3-piece Shell Pack.

Features and functionality

  • The Studio King line will use a 5-ply maple/poplar/maple shell formula, drawing from early 70s to mid-80s Slingerland designs, but will be imported.

    Source
  • Cymbals are a critical component of a drummer's sound, often requiring separate purchases to ensure quality, as included ones in complete kits are usually subpar.

    Source
  • The reissues can achieve both "wooly" and "metallic" tones, depending on tuning and dynamics, similar to vintage Radio Kings.

    Source

User experience

  • Vintage Slingerland drums are praised for their sound quality, but the hardware is often described as lacking compared to modern standards.

    Source
  • Some owners believe the tonal difference between these high-end snares and $400 models is negligible for most listeners.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Slingerland kits are often recommended for more experienced drummers or collectors, rather than beginners looking for a first kit.

    Source
  • These snares are considered more of a collector's piece due to limited availability and high price, appealing to enthusiasts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Despite the vintage appeal of Slingerland kits, modern kits like Pearl, Tama, or Yamaha may be more suitable for beginners due to easier access to parts and reliability.

    Source
  • The new Slingerland kits are noted to sound amazing in marketing videos and are compared favorably to the early Slingerland formula of 3-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany with maple re-rings.

    Source
  • The reissued single ply steam bent shells are compared favorably to both vintage models and brands like Craviotto and Noble & Cooley.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Vintage Slingerland kits may require attention and care due to their age, potentially needing part replacements or repairs which can be challenging to source.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 5-piece vintage Slingerland kit with bass, snare, three toms, hi-hat, and crash cymbals can be found for around £310/$300, considered a bargain by some owners.

    Source
  • Potential buyers are deterred by high prices, with the new Slingerland kits being described as eye-wateringly expensive but still selling out due to their limited edition status.

    Source
  • The reissue's price of $1899-$1999 is considered steep, with some suggesting it's only worth $750 in today's market.

    Source

Other

  • Slingerland drums are being built by DW, leveraging their past experience with Jazz kits similar to the Cloud badge era Slingerlands, indicating a continuity in design philosophy.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's confirmed that the new Slingerland Radio King line will be made in Oxnard, California, suggesting a focus on maintaining US manufacturing standards.

    Source
  • The new hardware features chrome over brass, a rare and sought-after quality, enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Slingerland Drum Sets

Yamaha Stage Custom

$684.28 - $899.99

# 2

Rank

Jason Albertini Alan Wilder Cody Davidson
14 artists using
Pearl Export

$999.99 - $1,111.00

# 3

Rank

Mac DeMarco Matt Nicholls Mike Portnoy
19 artists using
Tama Imperialstar

$479.00 - $999.99

# 4

Rank

Mike Portnoy Bill Ward Roger Taylor
14 artists using
Gretsch Catalina Maple

$1,099.00 - $1,699.00

# 6

Rank

Alex Melton Jarrod Alexander Joe Bradley
4 artists using
DW Performance Series kit

$2,427.00 - $3,911.00

# 7

Rank

Dominic Howard Matt Greiner Chris Turner
20 artists using
Gretsch Catalina Club Rock

$683.00 - $1,099.00

# 11

Rank

Ethan Sgarbossa Ollie Judge Esben Willems
7 artists using
Mapex Armory Studioease

$1,119.00 - $1,199.00

# 13

Rank

Ethan Lambert Veronica Bellino Paul Jaton
5 artists using
C&C Custom Drum Kit

$1,422.00 - $3,360.00

# 14

Rank

Mac DeMarco J Mascis Patrick Stump
43 artists using
PDP/DW Concept Maple

$799.99 - $1,049.99

# 15

Rank

Cobus Potgieter Billie Jessica Paine
2 artists using
Ludwig Classic Maple

$2,649.00 - $3,691.00

# 16

Rank

Paul McCartney Kurt Ballou Dean Ween
37 artists using
Tama Double Bass Drum Kit

$1,499.00 - $1,999.99

# 17

Rank

Jamie Miller Brian Frasier-Moore Steve Felton
7 artists using
Pearl Export EXX Drum Kit

$699.99 - $1,099.99

# 19

Rank

Lars Ulrich Tré Cool Rivers of Nihil
12 artists using
Gretsch Renown Maple Drumset

$1,453.00 - $1,899.00

# 21

Rank

Ben Thatcher Kristina Schiano Tim Molloy
7 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides