Hi. I've been getting back into drumming. I spent some hours cleaning my basement, and I found the old snare I used to play back in junior high and high school.

It's a Slingerland black diamond pearl bearing a brass and black oval badge that says (among other things) "Niles, Illinois U.S.A." in smaller letters -- no serial number. I believe this badge was used from April 1961 to September 1962 (according to Internet source with pictures).

The shell is natural wood which, by color, I would judge to be maple.

I cannot see any plies. The shell seems to be one solid piece, and there are reinforcing rings of the exact same color. Looking at Internet pictures, I believe this shell was used from 1955-1964.

The drum has a 3-point strainer which, according to Internet pictures, was used in 1962 and 1963 on Radio King snares.

From this I conclude that the snare was manufactured in 1962 -- this badge and this 3-point strainer make 1962 the only possibility. I entered high school in 1963, and I know I owned the drums before that, so 1962 fits with my personal knowledge of when I got the drums.

I always loved this snare. It had a great sound. Now, whether it's just that it was my first snare, or whether the snare is one of the great-sounding Radio Kings -- I'm not sure.

I would like to know:

1) Is this a Radio King snare?

2) How good is it considered to be? As good as the older Radio Kings?

3) I need to replace the snares. Where might I be able to find original

replacements?

I can't believe I've had this thing just lying around in the basement. I want to take care of her and get her back in the game.