Heritage Meets Innovation in the Studio King Series
The announcement of Slingerland's return created shockwaves throughout the music industry, and these Studio King shell packs mark one of the venerable drum company's most anticipated offerings. After all, it's not every day that you get to own a phenomenal instrument and a piece of music history simultaneously! Built with 5-ply maple/poplar shells, these drums blend classic craftsmanship with modern refinements. Timeless touches such as Stick Saver hoops, “beavertail” lugs, and nickel-plated hardware honor Slingerland’s storied past, while a fresh badge design, a re-engineered Zoomatic snare strainer, and 45-degree bearing edges on the matching snare propel the Studio Kings into the 21st century. The verdict? The refreshed Studio King series upholds the Slingerland legacy — now it’s your turn to take the throne.
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Maple tone with poplar enhancements
The revived Studio King series revolves around its 5-ply maple/poplar shell formula with 30-degree bearing edges. For drummers, maple needs no introduction. Its warmth, tonal balance, projection, and sustain have made it a prized tonewood for both studio and stage. The addition of poplar makes the new Studio Kings sound even smoother, with a rounded, mellow quality that vintage drum enthusiasts will fall in love with immediately. Sweetwater drummers are quick to note, however, that these Studio Kings aren’t just about vintage tones or retro styles. These drums pack a punch with a presence and power that are destined to stake Slingerland’s claim in modern music as well.
Cymbals, stands, and additional hardware not included
Cymbals, stands, and additional hardware not includedForm, function, and sophistication
Outfitting your studio with a Slingerland Studio King kit sends a clear signal of prestige to both bandmates and clients. Nowhere is this more evident than in the hardware. Classic Slingerland elements, such as the iconic “beavertail” lugs and aptly named Stick Saver hoops, meet modern updates, including an all-new Slingerland badge design. The isolation tom mount ensures each mounted tom resonates with pure, unhindered musicality, while telescoping bass drum spurs provide both stability and portability. Nickel-plated hardware not only keeps everything secure, but it also looks stunning, offering a timeless aesthetic.
A massive backbeat to match
No shell pack is complete without its matching backbeat, and the Slingerland Studio King snare drum is the pièce de résistance of these reimagined kits. Built with the same 5-ply maple/poplar construction as the shell packs, the Studio King snare features 45-degree bearing edges — compared to the 30-degree edges on the shells — providing a sharper, more focused attack that helps these kits shine in modern music settings. Stick Saver hoops make the snares a pleasure to play, protecting both sticks and hands rimshot after rimshot. A revved-up, modernized version of the Slingerland Zoomatic snare strainer completes the package, delivering striking style and exceptional functionality.
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 Studio King 4-piece Shell Pack Features:
- A renowned Slingerland series of drums reborn for modern studios and stages
- Built around 5-ply maple/poplar shells that feature the coveted sound of maple with poplar's additional smoothness
- 30° bearing edges provide mellow, rounded tones for the toms and kick drum
- 45° bearing edges give the matching snare drum some serious bite
- Updated version of Slingerland's iconic Zoomatic strainer
- Classic "beavertail" lugs provide tuning stability and lend an unmistakable appearance
- Stick Saver hoops are easy on both your sticks and your hands
- Isolation tom mount allows your mounted tom to resonate and sustain to its fullest potential
- Telescoping bass drum spurs give your kit stability in the studio or on the stage and make for easier transport
- A new badge design plants this time-honored kit firmly in the present day
- Nickel-plated hardware supports your kit and looks fantastic while doing it
Cymbals, stands, and additional hardware not included
