Well last week I walked in to lessons and noticed what seemed to be a Slingerland Hollywood Ace next to the regular drum set. I asked about my teacher about it, Jack Lawton (The man with all the answers), and said it was actually was a reproduction he made using old Slingerland parts. I asked if this was possible with a radio king and he said sure, and showed me one he did and had in his collection (not a exact replication, some different parts.)
So let's say we did this, got a solid maple shell and maple reinforcement rings, get some good condition parts of ebay, 3 point strainer, a Niles badge, and a nice fresh white diamond pearl.
I always wanted a Radio King, after Gene Krupa play on one in so many recordings, I was convinced I want one.
So the question is, would I get the same sound of a typical 50s Radio King with a newer one custom made? Or would it better to take the vintage path.
The thing that concerns me is I don't know how Slingerland did their bearing edges at the time, and that they lathed their shells down so it wasn't always exact, meaning the shell being used will at be at best just, really "close."
I should also add about that the price will be a good amount cheaper then Slingerland produced Radio Kings of today. ($700)
Thanks.