Slingerland's Radio King Reemerges into the Spotlight
One of the greatest tales in timekeeping is that of the historic Slingerland Drum Company — and its triumphant hero is undoubtedly the Radio King! Revived to the admiration of drummers at Sweetwater, the Radio King delivers its smooth, deep, and lively 3-ply mahogany-sandwiched poplar across all drums, complete with classic Slingerland shell features such as 30-degree bearing edges and a steam-bent reinforcement ring for added strength and impact. Its handsome hardware carries period-correct charm, from the elegant beavertail-style Streamline lugs and round-top Stick Saver hoops to the trademark internal muffling system. Handbuilt with meticulous attention to detail in Oxnard, California, every inch of the Radio King promises premier tone, feel, and performance — whether positioned atop stage risers or in the studio. Whether your love of vintage drums is aesthetic or rooted in historic tone, the Slingerland Radio King offers the momentous and versatile sounds of a kit that shaped and advanced an entire generation of drumming.
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Long live the Radio King!
Few big-band drum models have garnered as much attention as Slingerland’s world-renowned Radio King lineup. Now coveted as vintage collector’s items, original Radio King drums from Slingerland’s golden era — spanning 1937 to 1957 — are widely regarded by enthusiasts as some of the finest ever crafted. From rhythmic legends such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa to modern players who still champion the nearly century-old design, the Radio King name helped cement Slingerland as one of the most iconic brands in drum building. Today, the Radio King makes its much-anticipated return, blending traditional elegance with premier performance to meet the demands of today’s musicians.
Cymbals, stands, and additional hardware not includedSlingerland’s original flagship recipe
As the Radio King resurfaces, so too does its signature sonic character. Each drum shell in this Radio King pack is crafted with a triple-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany construction, delivering a smooth, lush musical personality — punchy and lively, yet free from harsh brightness. From classic swing and jazz to pop, rock, R&B, soul, and beyond, this 3-ply formula produces a timelessly distinct tone.
Adding to its sonic depth, the core of each shell features a steam-bent maple reinforcement ring, a faithful nod to the original model. This element not only adds power to each strike but also ensures structural integrity for years of reliable performance. Finally, Slingerland shaped these shells with vintage-correct rounded 30-degree bearing edges, maximizing drumhead contact and producing a more natural, projected tone.
Fetchingly faithful hardware
Supporting the Radio King’s exceptional percussive sound is nickel-plated hardware that not only looks sharp but ensures every strike is stage-ready. Crowning each tom is Slingerland’s Stick Saver hoop, which offers all the benefits of standard triple-flanged hoops while bending inward at the top for a more forgiving feel under your sticks. All drums feature classic beavertail-style Streamline lugs and vintage Radio King badging, delivering a strikingly authentic retro vibe.
The Radio King also offers features to shape or preserve your shell tone. An isolated tom mount keeps mounted toms resonant, maintaining the shell’s full natural voice when presence is key. Integrated, quickly switchable tone-control mufflers on both mounted and floor toms allow you to tame overtones for a more controlled, dampened sound. With tone-isolating, fully adjustable floor tom legs, the Radio King is equipped to handle any percussive scenario with precision and style.
Cymbals, stands, and additional hardware not included
Slingerland: a rhythmic resurgence
Founded in 1912 as a banjo maker, Slingerland’s rise to drumming icon status is a story of rhythm, reinvention, and enduring legacy. From pioneering the world’s first tunable toms for jazz legend Gene Krupa to crafting the kits and snares that defined the swing and big band eras, Slingerland quickly became a cornerstone of 20th-century percussion. Its influence later expanded into marching percussion and surged again within the ’70s arena rock scene, favored by the likes of Rush’s Neil Peart and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine. After years of universally mourned obsolescence, Slingerland started a new chapter in 2019 when California’s legendary Drum Workshop revived the company for a new generation. Here at Sweetwater, we are excited to see this historic brand reemerge, and we look forward to offering our drumming customers a taste of the coveted Slingerland style and sound.
Slingerland Radio King 3-piece Shell Pack Features:
- A rebirth of one of music’s most heralded vintage drum sets
- 3-ply shells of mahogany/poplar/mahogany supply a smooth, lush, deep, and lively power
- Steam-bent maple reinforcement rings supply extra punch and boost structural integrity
- 30° bearing edges improve drumhead contact with the shell for greater organic projection
- Handsome nickel-plated hardware throughout, such as elegant beavertail-style Streamline lugs
- Stick Saver hoops promote triple-flanged playability with a safer surface for your sticks
- Isolated tom mount maintains full shell resonance without hardware hindrance
- Built-in tone control mufflers afford players the choice of both traditional and dampened deliveries
- Tone-isolating and adjustable floor tom legs provide complete ease of positioning
- Classic Radio King badging delivers an exceptional vintage energy
- Carefully handcrafted in Oxnard, CA
Cymbals, stands, and additional hardware not included
