Since Ive quite recently been getting into vintage drums especially radio king snares, I've got myself a 40s one and a 60s one, and loving the sound. You will have to excuse me cos there not as well known here in uk especially around here in the north east! Now I always and rightly so get the impression that they are 1st and foremost big band and swing/jazz drums, I would like to know with all your history and experience over in the states if they do get used in in different musical situations particularly live situations, what types of different music/bands etc. I'm playing the 40s RK in a kind of community big band that I'm in - these swing/jazzy big band situations are like gold dust here) Im wondering if I wasn't in this scene no more what else I would use them in. They are very special sounding drums. My other band is a police tribute band (metal drum for that) my rks are solid shell. Anyone care to chip in here?.
Different uses for RK snares
Geez, you're asking about one of the most iconic snare drums in American music history. Those snares are a 'must-have' in the inventory of recording studios. Everything from big band jazz to rock & roll have been recorded using Radio Kings. They are highly prized drums by all drummers regardless of the musical situation. They're just great snare drums, period. I don't think that musical style has ever stopped anyone from using one for gigs, or recording.
John
I play in two different bands A blues rock power trio and a rock four man group both groups are loud. I use my Rks live all the time with gretsch, slingerland, ludwig wood kits the only place they don't sound good are behind my stainless steel kit. I have other wood snare drums that fit that kit well, but 98% of the time my 1976 402 ludwig is behind the stainless steel kit. Radio kings are very individual snare drums no two sound alike.
I always knew it, I always knew it, yes I just wanna be in more bands now to play them, you are totaly right.
Did Neil Peart play an RK or an Artist Model?? I remembering reading that his go to snare in Rush was an old Slingy.
Did Neil Peart play an RK or an Artist Model?? I remembering reading that his go to snare in Rush was an old Slingy.
Not sure but all Neil sounds like now is "boink boink". Curse of the DW's.
Did Neil Peart play an RK or an Artist Model?? I remembering reading that his go to snare in Rush was an old Slingy.
He used a plied wood artist model that had uneven bearing edges.
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