New drum kits from Slingerland

As we have already informed this year (see: HERE), the Slingerland brand is coming back, and it’s being revived by DW Founder Don Lombardi and his team.

Earlier this year, they kicked off with the Radio King Limited Edition Snare. Now, it’s time for two drum kit lines: the Radio King™ Outfit and Studio King™, plus a selection of spare parts and accessories.

The Radio King continues the rich tonal legacy of its predecessors and benefits from both modern precision craftsmanship and build. The U.S.A.-built 3-ply shells are constructed with a mahogany-poplar-mahogany formula for a punchy attack with a buttery feel, warm tonality, and lush resonance. They are finished with authentic 30° rounded bearing edges, reinforced with steam-bent solid maple re-rings, and the classic Radio King cloud badge. The nickel-plated hardware includes “Stick Saver” hoops, classic Beavertail lugs, isolation tom mounts, and internal mufflers, standard in both snares and mounted toms.

Based on the original iconic configurations, the new Radio King series of drums offers twelve shell pack choices, featuring bass drums in sizes 18” to 24” and toms from 10” to 18”. The drums are available in four finishes, two wraps: White Marine Pearl and Black Diamond Pearl, and two lacquers: Black & Gold and Blue & Silver.

Radio King White Marine Pearl
Radio King White Marine Pearl
Radio King White Marine Pearl snare

Inspired by the popular 1970s 5-ply shell, which became a workhorse of the studio era, the Studio King has a 5-ply maple-poplar construction. This combination of woods produces a sonically focused attack, warm, versatile tone, and medium resonance: these drums thrive under a studio microphone. Crafted in Taiwan by a trusted, long-term partner, these heritage-influenced drums feature the company’s hallmark 30° rounded bearing edges, Nickel-plated hardware, incorporating “Stick Chopper” hoops, classic Beavertail lugs, road-ready folding bass drum spurs, isolation tom mounts, and a newly designed oval badge.

The new Studio King drums range offers eight shell pack configurations, 18” to 22” bass drums, and 10” to 16” toms. Del Norte Black, Lunar Blue, Ventura Sand, and Royal Crimson are the four high-gloss lacquer finish options.

Studio King snare

In addition, especially for enthusiasts and collectors, Slingerland introduces a new range of spare parts and accessories for both vintage and modern Slingerland drums. Perfectly suited for restoring original drums to their former glory or handy spare parts for the new Oxnard-era Slingerland drums, the new parts catalog includes throw offs, beavertail lugs, spurs, tension rods, internal mufflers, snare wires, Nickel over steel “Stick Saver” and “Stick Chopper hoops”, drum keys, and logo drumheads.

Spare parts and accessories

New Slingerland artists have been talking about the drums, and these include John ‘JR’ Robinson, Grammy Award winner and one of the most recorded drummers, who said “From the legendary Radio King snare drums to the timeless three- and five-ply shells, Slingerland embodies a sound that doesn’t just speak—it sings. These drums carry stories, traditions, and an authenticity that resonates deeply with anyone who embraces this American icon. I’m thrilled to rejoin the Slingerland family and continue sharing its legacy with the world.”

Eric Hernandez (Bruno Mars) commented, “The Slingerland drum sound is classic and timeless. The iconic drum company is back like they never left, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it!’

John Sparrow (The Violent Femmes) added, ‘The wait is over, not just for me but for the music world. Slingerland is synonymous with quality, sound, and rich in history. Slingerland was the sound of Gene Krupa, the first drum hero. Now Slingerland will be the sound for the next generation’s Gene Krupa. The legacy continues.”

Sarah Jones (Harry Styles) said, “The new kits have a classic look and feel with modern road worthy durability. They sound great, I’m so happy to be joining the Slingerland team.”