Few snare drums are as deeply woven into the history of American music as the Slingerland Radio King, a design whose sound helped define jazz, blues and early rock recordings for generations. The Slingerland Solid Maple Radio King snare drum carries that legacy forward with a construction method and feature set that stays true to the original while meeting modern performance expectations. At its core is a steam-bent solid North American maple shell formed from a single plank and finished with a classic 30-degree bearing edge, delivering the thick, buttery response and full-bodied projection that made the Radio King famous. Nickel-over-steel Stick Chopper hoops, a 3-point throw-off with adjustable snare gates and an internal tone control muffler provide precise response shaping. Nickel-plated hardware, vintage-inspired lacquer and wrap finishes and the iconic Slingerland cloud badge complete a snare that feels unmistakably historic yet fully stage and studio ready.
Steam-Bent Solid Maple Shell With Classic Radio King Feel
True to its vintage design, the Slingerland Solid Maple Radio King snare drum is built using a steam-bent solid shell rather than layered plies. The shell is formed from a single hand-selected North American maple plank, a process that allows the wood to resonate more naturally and evenly across the entire drum. This construction contributes to the Radio King’s thick, buttery feel and rich tonal character, offering warmth without sacrificing articulation. A 30-degree bearing edge further shapes the sound, supporting full-bodied projection with a controlled response that remains clear and musical across a wide dynamic range.
Multiple Sizes and Finishes to Match Your Setup
The Solid Maple Radio King snare drum is offered in two sizes—14x5.5" and 14x7"—making it easy to choose the depth that best suits your playing style, from quick response and crisp articulation to deeper body and added low-end presence. Finish options include classic pearl wraps spanning White Marine Pearl to Maroon Glass, along with bold lacquer choices such as Blue and Silver and Black and Gold. Both depth options share the same core construction and hardware, so your choice comes down to feel, response and visual style.
Nickel-Over-Steel Hoops and Adjustable Snare Control
Hardware choices stay faithful to the Radio King legacy while delivering the control modern drummers expect. Nickel-over-steel Stick Chopper hoops provide tight, crisp rim shots with controlled overtones, helping the drum speak clearly in both live and studio settings. The classic 3-point throw-off with adjustable snare gates allows precise control of snare response, letting you move from wide-open sensitivity to a sharper, more focused snap. Additionally, an internal tone control muffler adds further shaping options without external dampening.
A Historic Snare Voice Reborn for Modern Drummers
From early jazz stages to rock and roll studios, the Radio King helped define what a snare drum could be. The Slingerland Solid Maple Radio King snare captures that same spirit with a construction method few manufacturers still attempt and a sound that remains timeless. Finished with nickel-plated hardware, classic-era lacquer and wrap options and the iconic Slingerland cloud badge, it stands as both a tribute to one of drumming’s most influential designs and a fully professional instrument built to be played, recorded and relied upon today.