Slingerland

collapse expand iconDescription

The Slingerland Radio King 5-piece shell pack is a living legend—a meticulous recreation of one of the most iconic drum kits of all time. First introduced in the 1930s, the Radio King line set the standard for studio and stage performance, and remains coveted among collectors and professionals alike. This modern reintroduction carries forward that unmistakable American sound with updated craftsmanship while honoring the legacy of the originals. Handcrafted in Oxnard, California, this shell pack includes a 13" x 9" tom, 16" x 16" and 18" x 16" floor toms, a 22" x 14" bass drum and a 14" x 6.5" snare, all built from three-ply mahogany/poplar and outfitted with elegant nickel-plated hardware. Signature details like Stick Saver hoops and the re-tooled Zoomatic throw-off round out the premium Slingerland experience, making this vintage-inspired kit a powerful tool for today's drummers.

Three-Ply Mahogany/Poplar Shells Deliver Iconic Warmth and Resonance

At the heart of the Radio King reissue are its three-ply shells, built from a time-tested mahogany/poplar/mahogany formula. Each shell is reinforced with a steam-bent maple re-ring for structural integrity and cut with a 30-degree rounded bearing edge for smooth response and tonal warmth. The result is a drum set that balances punch with depth—equally suited for nuanced studio work or powerful live performance. Whether you're laying down vintage swing grooves or modern backbeats, these shells give you that unmistakable Radio King richness.

Signature Snare With Redesigned Zoomatic Throw-Off

The included 14" x 6.5" Radio King snare is a centerpiece of this shell pack, built with the same three-ply shell construction, maple re-rings and 30-degree bearing edges as the bass drum and toms. In a nod to classic Radio King design, it's fitted with Slingerland's updated Zoomatic throw-off. Revered for its smooth, reliable action, this re-tooled mechanism makes on-the-fly strainer adjustments effortless. Paired with 20-strand wires, this snare delivers crisp articulation and dynamic sensitivity, from whisper-quiet ghost notes to explosive rimshots. It's an instrument that captures the Radio King spirit while meeting the expectations of modern drummers.

Bass Drum and Toms Provide Depth, Projection and Balance

This kit's 22" x 14" bass drum delivers a commanding yet focused low end, while the toms—13" x 9" mounted and 16" x 16" and 18" x 16" floor toms—offer a broad range of tonal colors. This design gives players both resonance and projection, making it ideal for everything from classic big band setups to rock-driven stages. The combination of shell construction, bearing edges and sizing ensures you can tune for open, ringing tones or dial in a tighter, punchier sound. It's a versatile system that responds to a wide spectrum of playing styles.

Classic Slingerland Appointments for Elevated Playability and Style

Slingerland made sure this reissue carries forward not just the sound, but also the look and feel of the originals. Nickel-plated hardware provides durability with vintage-inspired sheen, while Stick Saver hoops add both strength and a comfortable rebound. Built-in tone control mufflers let you shape sustain to taste, and the isolated tom mount ensures clean resonance across the kit. Each drum proudly wears the classic Radio King badge, a mark of quality and heritage. Together, these thoughtful details give the set a timeless presence that's equally at home on stage or in the studio.

A Timeless Kit, Reborn for Today's Drummers

The Slingerland Radio King 5-piece shell pack is a stunning piece of playable history for drummers in search of vintage design with modern precision. With its handcrafted maple shells, iconic snare design and thoughtfully re-engineered details, it captures the warmth and character that defined generations of music while offering the dependability demanded by today's players. Whether you're chasing the swing-era tones of Gene Krupa, the power and precision of Buddy Rich or simply looking for a kit that stands apart, the Radio King delivers a rare blend of heritage and innovation in one inspiring package.

Slingerland Radio King 5-Piece Shell Pack With 22" Bass Drum & Snare Drum White Marine Pearl
Slingerland Radio King 5-Piece Shell Pack With 22" Bass Drum & Snare Drum White Marine Pearl
Slingerland Radio King 5-Piece Shell Pack With 22" Bass Drum & Snare Drum White Marine Pearl

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany shells deliver warm, punchy tone and smooth attack
  • Steam-bent maple re-rings add durability and enhance tonal consistency
  • 30-degree rounded bearing edges deliver controlled resonance with balanced warmth and articulation
  • Nickel-plated hardware provides long-lasting reliability and vintage-inspired style
  • Stick Saver hoops improve tuning stability and reduce stick wear
  • Isolation tom mount minimizes shell contact for improved sustain and tone
  • Built-in tone control mufflers let you adjust resonance on the fly
  • Re-tooled Zoomatic throw-off provides smooth and reliable snare adjustments
  • 20-strand snare wires produce crisp response for dynamic playing
  • Handcrafted construction in Oxnard, California ensures premium quality

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 1: 16" x 16"
  • Floor tom 2: 18" 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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