This is a white marine pearl Slingerland Radio King drum set from the late 1940’s. Over the years it was converted to a rock set. I was in the Peanut Butter Conspiracy in the 60’s and have had this set since 1968 in my studio. It was played by many great drummers including: Jeff Pocarro, Russ Kunkle, Pete McQueen, Kelly Shanahan, Eddy Tuduri, Jim Voigt, and many others including myself.
Evidence of the updating is as follows:
The bass drum rim has filled holes where the old spike hardware used to be. New spikes were added sometime in the early 60’s I think. They are mounted through the shell. I have the front wooden rim and the tuners, so all it needs is a head if you want one in the front. The dual tom tom hardware on the bass drum has been changed twice it seems by the holes under the present flange that are hidden but tell me there was another mount previously.
The dual tom toms have filled holes where hardware was removed – probably the felt dampeners that adjusted the tone somewhat. Also, different mounts for the previous bass drum mount I’m assuming.
The floor tom has the least amount of change over the years. Perhaps, however, the legs were added at sometime?
All of the toms are missing the bottom rims and threaded tuning-rods. The lugs are there, however. This was typical of many rock sets. I never had them and never changed anything over the 40+ years I’ve owned the set. I changed pedals, cymbals, hi-hats, etc. but nothing on the Slingerland Radio King set. Only cleaned and polished.
There are no badges. The wraps have yellowed with age and have some dings and evidence of provenance. See pictures.
This is a great live drum set and also for recording. It includes:
BASS DRUM – 24” X 14” DEEP W/SPIKES & MOUNT FOR 2 TOM TOMS
(2) TOM TOMS – 13” X 9” DEEP
FLOOR TOM – 16” X 16” DEEP
This set was always in the Hollywood, CA area and I wish it could talk but it can’t. I wish I knew what big band drummer owned them but haven’t been able to trace them back past the 60’s. Easily could have been Krupa! Or Rich!
I would like to sell these and would appreciate any help in what they're worth. I have pictures and will try attaching them now. I tried but can't see them here - help.
