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Buying advice: Slingerland Radio King

50s radio king slingerland
Posts: 32 Threads: 7

Hi all!

Im looking at a mid 50s Radio King single ply maple 14 x 7 .

The drum sounds great. The shell looks good from what I can see from looking through the bottom head and vent hole and there looks to be a good deal of "birdseye" patterns all throughout the inside. HOWEVER, all the lugs are new reproduction chrome beaver tail and not nickel. The strainer and butt is an old LUDWIG (probably 50s-60s) and there are new holes drilled to fit the stainer of coarse. The hoops are original with engraved logo but has several dents in various spots and a good amount of tarnish. And the white marine wrap has yellowed quite a bit and has what looks like vertical "crazing" cracks but not ripped and is tight to the shell. they are asking $625.

Im thinking because all that has been done to it $625 is a little high, but it does sound great. Sorry I didn't think to get pics.... but what do you say fellas? Is its worth it? the only other vintage snare I have is a mid 50s ludwig 15 x 6.5 3 ply concert model which is a completely different sound from the Radio King.

69" Champagne Ludwig Rock Duo: 2 14"x20" 12",13",16"
70s Copper Slingerland Concord 2-14"x24" 12", 13",14", 15", 16" 20"
05' Craviotto snare 14x5
09' Keplinger Black Iron snare 5x14
10' Keplinger Brass 7x14
17' Kiplinger Black Iron 15x8
50s Ludwig White Marine 15x6.5
Mid 50s Istanbul made K. Zildjian hats 15"
Posted on 5 years ago
#1
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

Sounds a bit high for this one. If you end game is to replace the incorrect parts and make it original you'll spend a good $400+ to make that happen. So then your $1000 into it at that point. For that money you can find a nice original drum.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 5 years ago
#2
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

If you want the sound of a Radio King snare then none of what you mentioned should matter in that regard, although all these details would factor into the price you should pay, and that seems high given these alterations. If you want a pristine example then this isn't it. Players grade will give the sound but never be worth as much as an un-tampered with all original drum.

Posted on 5 years ago
#3
Posts: 1077 Threads: 3

+1 with the others. Too much considering the modifications and multiple condition issues. Have patience, you can do much better.

Posted on 5 years ago
#4
Posts: 32 Threads: 7

Thanks guys! Good Advice. its a consignment drum.. so I asked them to ask the owner if he'd go down to 500. even still I think Id feel better around $400.

69" Champagne Ludwig Rock Duo: 2 14"x20" 12",13",16"
70s Copper Slingerland Concord 2-14"x24" 12", 13",14", 15", 16" 20"
05' Craviotto snare 14x5
09' Keplinger Black Iron snare 5x14
10' Keplinger Brass 7x14
17' Kiplinger Black Iron 15x8
50s Ludwig White Marine 15x6.5
Mid 50s Istanbul made K. Zildjian hats 15"
Posted on 5 years ago
#5
Guest

$400-$450 is reasonable, IMO.

Posted on 5 years ago
#6
Posts: 268 Threads: 44

That’s too high, especially with the extra holes drilled in it.

thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 5 years ago
#7
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

If you're still looking for a Radio King snare drum I have a very nice late 40's Radio King Hollywood ace model 7x14"

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 5 years ago
#8
Posts: 681 Threads: 81

That should be a great playing drum. I wouldn’t let the alterations bother me if it sounds great. I would source some 50’s-60’s chrome or nickel over brass triple flange hoops and enjoy it. $400-$500 wouldn’t be out of line, and if you can get it for less, great.

Posted on 5 years ago
#9
Posts: 92 Threads: 5

Extra holes, non-original parts, wrap imperfections, and dented hoops? Personally, I'd go $300 max or walk away. You can find better drums than that.

Posted on 5 years ago
#10
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