Slingerland

collapse expand iconDescription

The Slingerland Radio King 5-piece shell pack is a stunning revival of a true touchstone of American drumming. First introduced in the 1930s, the Radio King line became synonymous with the punchy attack and warm resonance that defined the sound of golden-age jazz, swing and rock 'n' roll recordings. This modern recreation honors that legacy with handcrafted construction and period-correct details while adapting to the demands of today's drummers. Built in Oxnard, California, this shell pack includes a 13" x 9" rack tom, 16" x 16" and 18" x 16" floor toms, a powerful 24" x 14" bass drum and a 14" x 6.5" snare. Each drum features three-ply mahogany/poplar shells with steam-bent maple re-rings, nickel-plated hardware and signature appointments like Stick Saver hoops and the re-tooled Zoomatic throw-off. The result is a kit that merges timeless tone with modern reliability, ready to command both stage and studio.

Three-Ply Mahogany/Poplar Shells for Legendary Warmth and Projection

This Radio King reissue is handcrafted with a three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany formula that delivers all of the warmth and full-bodied resonance of the original kits. Reinforced with steam-bent maple re-rings and shaped with 30-degree rounded bearing edges, these shells deliver smooth response and enhanced projection. The combination gives the kit a voice that's as buttery and musical as it is powerful—perfect for drummers who want vintage character with the tuning flexibility to cover swing, rock, funk and beyond.

Signature Radio King Snare With Redesigned Zoomatic Throw-Off

The included 14" x 6.5" snare is more than just part of the pack—it's a centerpiece. Built with the same three-ply construction and maple reinforcement rings as the other shells in this set, it carries the DNA of the original Radio Kings while introducing modern refinements. Chief among them is the re-tooled Zoomatic throw-off, a faithful update of the classic design that delivers smooth, reliable action. Paired with 20-strand snare wires, this drum offers crisp sensitivity and explosive crack, making it equally at home with delicate brushwork or cutting backbeats.

24" Bass Drum and Dual Floor Toms Provide Power and Depth

The 24" x 14" bass drum gives this configuration commanding low-end presence, with enough punch to cut through amplified ensembles while retaining a warm, rounded tone. Complementing it are the 16" x 16" and 18" x 16" floor toms, which provide extended range and depth for thunderous fills and a rich, balanced foundation. Together with the 13" x 9" rack tom, this setup delivers a broad tonal palette that adapts to multiple genres—perfect for drummers who need both power and nuance in one kit.

Classic Slingerland Appointments for Vintage Style and Enhanced Playability

No detail was overlooked in recreating the Radio King experience. Nickel-plated hardware gives the drums a vintage-inspired sheen while ensuring durability. Stick Saver hoops provide comfortable rebound and warmer tone compared to modern die-cast designs. Built-in tone control mufflers allow for instant sustain shaping, and the isolated tom mount maximizes resonance without hardware interference. Each shell proudly displays the Radio King badge—a timeless symbol of American drum craftsmanship.

An Heirloom-Quality Kit for Discerning Drummers and Collectors

The Slingerland Radio King 5-piece shell pack is more than a reissue—it's a bold revival of a legendary design built for modern players. With its handcrafted shells, iconic snare and vintage-inspired details, it delivers the unmistakable warmth and power that defined generations of music while standing up to the demands of today's stages and studios. Whether you're a professional chasing classic tone or a collector drawn to Slingerland's legacy, this kit offers an inspiring blend of heritage and innovation in every strike.

Slingerland Radio King 5-Piece Shell Pack With 24" Bass Drum and Snare Black Diamond Pearl
Slingerland Radio King 5-Piece Shell Pack With 24" Bass Drum and Snare Black Diamond Pearl
Slingerland Radio King 5-Piece Shell Pack With 24" Bass Drum and Snare Black Diamond Pearl

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Three-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany shells deliver warm tone and focused attack
  • Steam-bent maple re-rings enhance shell stability and sustain
  • 30-degree rounded bearing edges provide smooth response and vintage feel
  • Nickel-plated hardware ensures durability and classic aesthetic appeal
  • Stick Saver hoops reduce stick wear while maintaining consistent rimshots
  • Built-in tone control mufflers allow precise dampening for studio-ready sound
  • Zoomatic throw-off ensures quick, reliable snare tension adjustments
  • 20-strand snare wires provide crisp response for articulate playing
  • Isolation tom mount enhances resonance by minimizing shell contact
  • Handcrafted in California for meticulous build quality and authentic sound

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: 24" 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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