Hey guys, I just joined the forum today because I'm trying to figure out when this snare is from that I have and any other info I can find!
From what I can tell, it was made 1930-33. When I got it it was in pretty rough condition, with rust on all the hardware and spray-paint on the shell (I don't know who would spray-paint a nice old Slingerland). But I fixed it up and it sounds beautiful!
Is this a Radio King? Am I right about when it's from? I'd love to hear any opinions.
Hi Eric,
Wow that is one sweet Slingy snare! There are some experts here who can help you out better than I, but Ill give it my best shot, for what its worth :).
Looks like there are the streamlined lugs on the snare; I believe these lugs were first introduced around 1936. The badge on your drum looks to my eyes like the last brass and tan cloud Chicago badge (1946-48) . Its a little difficult to tell from the picture, but it looks like the strainer is a radio king strainer. If that is correct than you would indeed have a radio king snare. Cool drum!
Let some of the experts weigh in! Cool drum Erik! Enjoy it!
James
Welcome to the VDF, this looks to be a Student model radio king from 1948-1953 is when it was in production! it was in a duco color!! she's a beauty! take a look at this link! http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/images/catalogs/slingerland/1951_catalog2_large.jpg
Man, Slingerland really used some beautiful wood on their shells!
I must agree regarding the wood - beautiful birds eye maple!
I think that is an RK. If it is a one piece steambent shell, it is. If it is a ply shell, it is not.
To me, the rims and clips point to the Student Model Radio King.
And the badge looks to me to be the cloud badge from 46-48, as James stated.
Most likely, I think, started out as a Duco finish, as VTM2000 stated, which would account for the maple exterior.
A 3-ply drum in highest probability.... some pics of the bearing edge and interior would settle that question.
Still an RK, solid shell or not....... 3-point strainer, ya know.....:)
Thanks, everyone. That's helpful. I'm pretty sure it's a 3 ply shell, It sounds great though.
she's a beauty! take a look at this link! http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/images/catalogs/slingerland/1951_catalog2_large.jpg
That's definitely it! I couldn't find that for the longest time.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
Thanks, everyone. That's helpful. I'm pretty sure it's a 3 ply shell, It sounds great though.That's definitely it! I couldn't find that for the longest time. Thanks for the comments everyone.
Yes, they do sound great !!
I have three, all younger than yours, the one on the bottom with the missing lever arm is one of my best sounding snares ..... period.
