What's the finish? Thanks.

The finish is a chrome wrap (the real chrome, and not the later '80's plastic chrome). No rust or oxidation. Originally I thought of re-wrapping it in WMP, BDP, or Red Glass Glitter, but it's in such nice condition, I think it's better to leave it original and just enjoy it. I'm impressed by the overall great condition of the drum. The only real "defect" is the rubber grommet on the strainer tension adjust knob is dried/cracked, but it doesn't seem to affect functionality.

The snare wires are currently attached to the butt end and throw-off using thick plastic/Mylar straps. I remember the originals using black woven nylon straps. Does anyone know where to get that material?

All in all, this should be a good complement to the two restoration projects I have going on now (1979-80 Slingerland Cut-A-Ways tom set, and late '70's Slingy jazz/bebop set). I had been looking for a 12 lug TDR with the regular TDR (not Slapshot) strainer, but the RK shell and 4 vent holes make it all the more interesting.

"The snare wires are currently attached to the butt end and throw-off using thick plastic/Mylar straps. I remember the originals using black woven nylon straps. Does anyone know where to get that material?"

Slingerland used filament tape strips! You can make some yourself using strapping tape.

Even on the TDR strainers? Why am I thinking of that black nylon woven strap. Maybe it's the marching version I'm remembering........

OK, now I see it. Just checked out the 1979 catalog scans over on the Vintage Drum Guide site. The wire snares use the tape straps as you describe and the gut snares (with individual strand tuning) use the nylon strap like the marching TDRs. Thank you!