The Radio Kings of the '30s and '40s had relatively sharp bearing edges, compared to '50s and '60s drums.

If you want the old radio king sound, I'd recommend getting an old radio king.

They can often be had for less that new repro models, and if you get one you don't like you can easily re-sell it.

I see Radio Kings go for $500 in good condition, that would actually be more expensive then reproducing, which will be costing about $450 at most I believe. That and knowing it will last for the rest of my years. Anything can happen to a drum after 50 years..

I did forget all about Keller, the company that made the shells to begin with. I am going to check on their prices. 30 degrees was the typical Slingerland edge right? So that is what I would specify when ordering was well as a roundover?

please excuse me numerous amounts of question, I'm only young!

WHAT? For $50.00 more, you can get the REAL thing and yet you would rather have a new reproduction because "anything can happen to a drum after 50 years.."? I'm sorry to disagree, but how about this logic, instead:

"Any drum that's still around and in-demand after 50 years has more than proven it's value."

Personally, I don't like reproductions of old classic drums. All of them are made in China or assembled from parts that are made in China. A vintage Radio King is an American-made drum. The fact that it's an American-made drum from an era in American history when American-made goods were seen as the very best in the world, reassures me that the quality is likely there. Anything can happen to ANY drum after 50 years or after 50 hours, but, for my money, I'd rather spend the extra 50 bucks on the sure thing.

Burger Kin

The only thing new is going to be the shell... and maybe the strainer. So most of the parts are going to be that "quality American-made parts."

A good Radio King doesn't come around often, most common place is ebay, and from experience I can tell you that the pictures and descriptions do not always tell the whole story. Plus, depending on who wants it at the time and how good the condition it is, it can go way past $500.

But you do raise a good point, I am starting to question rather If I want a new one or to go vintage. I'll have to see when I raise the money...

Hey MichaelSJ!...

Please look up the "Can you help me with a vintage drum purchase" thread as I have some info for you, but put it in the wrong thread! I meant to reply HERE. Sorry 'bout that!

Tommyp

Got it Tommyp and already emailed ya.

A little update in case any one is interested.

I got the solid maple shell from Vaughncraft, 30 degrees with roundover. I also had custom snare bed specs (thanks to Tommy) to match that of a 50s RK. Overall they did a superb job.

Now I just bought a 3-pt strainer (complete!), stick saver hoops, and 8 lugs (once again, thanks to Tommy).

I only have a few things left before it is complete:

hole drilling

White pearl finish (this and hole drilling done by Jack Lawton)

Tension rods

Slingerland badge

And that will do it for the most part. Get some puresound wires and a snare side head and I am good to go.

I'm curious, as a sort of newbie, how much $$$ do you have invested in it right now? I never thought of repro's until reading this thread. Very interesting.

Why would you put a Slingerland badge on a drum that isn't a Slingerland?

Reminds me of the guys in the '60s and '70s that would put Ludwig bass drum heads on their import drum sets.

[IMG]http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc232/tradjazzS/17_15A.jpg[/IMG]

To the left is a snare that Jack threw together, it isn't official Slingerland either and is no where near the closeness of mine. It has some ludwig parts and isn't a solid shell. (This was a picture taken at the 07 drum show in October)

If it is good enough for Jack to do, it is good enough for me. I think the better question is why not? It is a repro of a Slingerland Radio King after all