For nearly a century, the Slingerland Drum Company has been a legendary name in the drumming world, celebrated for its groundbreaking innovations and unmistakable sound. From jazz pioneers to rock icons, Slingerland has been the go-to choice for some of history’s greatest drummers, including Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Cozy Cole, Louie Bellson, Bernard Purdie, Carmine Appice, Peter Erskine, Gregg Bissonnette, Tre Cool, and many more. First introduced in 1936, the Slingerland Radio King revolutionized drumming, thanks to its innovative solid maple shell design and the enthusiastic endorsement of Gene Krupa. As Krupa’s fame skyrocketed alongside the Benny Goodman band, so did Slingerland’s reputation, with Krupa’s presence gracing Slingerland catalogs for over three decades (1936–1967.) The Radio King snare, particularly with the single-ply maple shell, became the holy grail for drummers, studios, and collectors alike. More than just an instrument, this unique drum defined several eras of sound as the design […]

March 2025 Issue