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.