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My Radio King solution Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 197 Threads: 27

Hi guys, This may be heresy for some but here's the story. I picked up a late 50's Radio King off eBay for not a ton of money. It had 4 extra holes, the wrong strainer, butt and muffler and was missing the butt side snare bridge.

The last single ply snare I had was a late 80's Noble & Cooley which I regretted selling so I was excited for this one. Turned out that while the reso side of the shell was in-round the batter side was not and normal batter heads didn't fit at all right, even the Aquarian vintage ones.

Rather than sell this off and disappoint someone else I decided to make it work. I made a wood flesh hoop that exactly fit the batter side and tucked a nice new calf head from Jeff Stern. I didn't want to pay vintage prices for the correct 3 point strainer and missing snare bridge so I opted for a new strainer (the repo Slingy 3 point strainers from Gibraltar do not match the old mounting hole locations). The one I ended up with was the DW with the magnetic flip down throw off and 3 position butt plate. I have to say that thing is really cool! The flip down part reminds me of the old Noble & Cooley strainer and the 3 position butt plate is very handy.

I know I've added yet more holes to the shell but at least now it plays and sounds great. Very happy with the results. This is the first time I've used calf on a snare and I'm really happy with the sound and feel.

Steve

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1967 Slingerland 12,13,16,20 White Satin Flame
1968 Slingerland 12,14,16,20 Light Blue Pearl
Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 639 Threads: 28

Yep, that was a no no for sure. Most of us go the adapter route. A plate of some sort that adapts a new strainer to the existing holes. Just relaying info. I ain't mad at you. . .James

Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 1170 Threads: 108

Single ply shells are fantastic! It's a shame you had to drill even more holes, but as long as it works for you and you don't plan on getting much money back if you ever decide to sell it, then no harm. Looks good behind the rest of the kit, though...hope you play the hell out of it!

- EMD
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 197 Threads: 27

I guess I figured that since it already had 4 extra holes when I got it that it would never be collectable and really didn't warrant that kind of effort. I can't say I regret doing it on this particular snare. A clean shell and I'd agree with you.

Steve

1967 Slingerland 12,13,16,20 White Satin Flame
1968 Slingerland 12,14,16,20 Light Blue Pearl
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

Really nice job Steve. And nice it's LBP to match your kit~! It's great you were able to tuck a head and make it work. I have one in WMP and I just love the sound of the solid maple shells. Mine can go low n fat or high n tight. It's sweet spot is a nice medium tone. All around a excellent drum. I like the throw too and having it work nice n smooth is key. Great job!~!

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

I think it's an excellent save! The drum looks great and it plays well. That's more than it was doing before the refurbishing.

You did good! Nice job saving that one.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 197 Threads: 27

Thanks guys. My guilt and shame wore off fast after playing it for a while. So different sounding than the 6 lug student snare that came with the kit (also nice but different).

Steve

1967 Slingerland 12,13,16,20 White Satin Flame
1968 Slingerland 12,14,16,20 Light Blue Pearl
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 1296 Threads: 208

Good Job, can't beat a single ply snare of any type... Look for PEARL Custom Classic the next time you are in the market!

Never play it the same way once.
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

Since the shell was already altered,it was a good save.Now the drum is a playable instrument again.Hotrodding original ,unaltered drums is something else entirely,as is turning vintage drums into lamps,and calling it art.

Steve B

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
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