Slingerland

collapse expand iconDescription

A staple of the swing era and a favorite of session drummers everywhere, Slingerland is one of the most storied names in music—and now, its legacy lives on. The Slingerland Radio King 4-piece shell pack is a stunning reissue of the kit behind the dynamic sounds and expressive styles of legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. This reimagined Radio King outfit includes a 13" x 9" rack tom, 16" x 16" floor tom, 22" x 14" bass drum and 14" x 6.5" snare—each built with resonant three-ply mahogany/poplar shells, steam-bent maple reinforcement rings and 30-degree rounded bearing edges. Finished with nickel-plated hardware, Stick Saver hoops and the re-tooled Zoomatic throw-off, this set blends timeless character with modern precision, delivering the buttery feel, punchy attack and unmistakable warmth that made Slingerland a household name. More than just a shell pack, it's the rebirth of an American classic.

Resonant Three-Ply Shells With Steam-Bent Maple Re-Rings

At the heart of this Radio King reissue are its three-ply shells handcrafted with a mahogany/poplar/mahogany layup. This time-honored formula delivers the warmth, body and resonance that made Slingerland famous. To reinforce projection and tuning stability, each shell is outfitted with a steam-bent maple re-ring. The 30-degree rounded bearing edges allow the drumhead to seat perfectly, producing a buttery response with focused low end and smooth sustain. Whether tuned low for a big, thumping groove or high for articulate swing playing, these shells retain that unmistakable Radio King depth and versatility.

Vintage-Inspired Nickel-Plated Hardware and Stick Saver Hoops

No detail was overlooked in capturing the Radio King aesthetic. Each drum comes fitted with nickel-plated hardware for a distinctly vintage look, while the legendary Stick Saver hoops deliver durability and a rounder, warmer tone compared to die-cast options. An isolated tom mount ensures resonance isn't choked by the hardware, allowing the toms to sing freely. Built-in tone control mufflers provide a period-correct touch, giving players instant dampening when needed. These classic appointments don't just enhance the visual appeal—they're functional upgrades that help deliver a sound true to the original Slingerland spirit.

Iconic Radio King Snare Drum With Re-Tooled Zoomatic Throw-Off

The included 14" x 6.5" snare drum is a highlight of the set, featuring a re-tooled Zoomatic throw-off that pays homage to classic Radio King kits while offering improved reliability. Outfitted with 20-strand snare wires, this drum balances crisp articulation with the same full-bodied warmth that earned Radio King snares their legendary reputation. Its sensitivity shines in studio settings, while its punch cuts through in live performances. This snare isn't just an add-on—it's a centerpiece, built to provide the expressive range and musicality that Slingerland snares have been known for since the days of Gene Krupa.

Four-Piece Configuration Offers Versatile Tone and Timeless Playability

This four-piece shell pack provides a versatile foundation for a wide range of styles. The setup includes a 13" x 9" tom, 16" x 16" floor tom, 22" x 14" bass drum and 14" x 6.5" snare. Together, they deliver a balanced tonal spread with deep low end from the bass, warm mids from the toms, and a snare that can handle everything from delicate brushwork to heavy backbeats. From jazz clubs to rock arenas, this kit adapts seamlessly, making it equally at home with vintage-inspired grooves and modern production. It's a configuration designed to inspire creativity and withstand the demands of today's players.

A Classic Radio King Kit—Built for Today's Players

The Slingerland Radio King 4-piece shell pack is built for drummers who want to own a piece of history while embracing the present. With its handcrafted shells, vintage hardware details and iconic snare, it's a kit that speaks to collectors, working professionals and anyone chasing the timeless Slingerland sound. Step behind this kit, and you'll experience the same resonance, character and inspiration that defined generations of drummers. Rediscover a legend reborn—this is the Radio King.

Slingerland Radio King 4-Piece Shell Pack With 22" Bass Drum and Snare Black Diamond Pearl
Slingerland Radio King 4-Piece Shell Pack With 22" Bass Drum and Snare Black Diamond Pearl
Slingerland Radio King 4-Piece Shell Pack With 22" Bass Drum and Snare Black Diamond Pearl

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany shells offer punchy attack and warm tonal depth
  • Steam-bent maple re-rings enhance shell strength and lush resonance
  • 30-degree rounded bearing edges deliver a buttery feel and controlled sustain
  • Nickel-plated hardware provides durability and vintage-inspired aesthetics
  • Stick Saver hoops ensure consistent tuning and reduce stick wear
  • Isolation tom mount maximizes sustain while minimizing vibration transfer
  • Built-in tone control mufflers provide quick adjustments for live or studio use
  • Zoomatic throw-off allows smooth, precise snare wire tension adjustments
  • Classic Radio King badges evoke timeless craftsmanship and historical significance
  • Handcrafted construction ensures reliability and nuanced sound for professional players

collapse expand iconSpecs

Shells
  • Shell construction: 3-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany
  • Reinforcement rings: Steam-bent maple
  • Bearing edges: 30-degree rounded
Drum Sizes
  • Snare: 14" x 6.5"
  • Tom: 13" x 9"
  • Floor tom: 16" x 16"
  • Bass drum: 22" x 14"
Hardware
  • Hoop type: Stick Saver
  • Tom mount: Isolated tom mount
  • Tone control mufflers: Built-in
  • Throw-off: Zoomatic
  • Hardware finish: Nickel-plated

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