Many people have asked me if, or when, Slingerland was going to make a new, more affordable true Radio King snare drum? Well, the answer is now.
I would like to introduce you to the newest line of a more budget friendly Slingerland Radio King snare drums. This line has been dubbed, simply, Radio King, and unlike the first Radio King snare offerings from Slingerland, the “Limited Editions”, these beauties don’t come with all the frills and add-ons. This strategy from the Slingerland brand allows for a more basic and lower cost purchase for the consumer while still delivering all the best attributes that make a Radio King what it is and should be.
This line of Radio King snares, for the purposes of this review will be described in detail of their traits and features while occasionally doing a comparison to the Limited Edition. Most importantly, for me, they sport the solid one-piece steam bent North American Maple hardwood shell with hand cut maple re-rings. The immediately recognizable three point adjustable strainer, adjustable butt plate and the nickel over steel (NOS) stick chopper hoops. The dual pad tone control, beautiful Slingerland cloud badge. The top hoop and strainer arm are embossed with the vintage style “Slingerland Radio King” script logo. Both are equipped with 20-strand wires.
Available in two sizes, 5.5” x 14” and 7” x 14”. The photos here show two of the six finish options, Maroon Glass wrap and Gold Glass wrap. Other available finishes are the Black Diamond Pearl wrap, the White Marine Pearl wrap, Gold and Black lacquer and the Blue and Silver lacquer. Personally, I dig the Maroon Glass wrap but think they should call it Blood Red Sparkle, it fits!
The 5.5” model comes equipped with the double ended streamlined “cigar” lugs. The 7” comes with the traditional single “beavertail” lugs. Both are nickel plated as is all the hardware. The 7” model also comes with the Slingerland stamped washers under the lug mounting screws, the 5.5” model does not. All new 2026 Oxnard Era Radio King snares have Slingerland Radio King stamped REMO Coated Ambassador batter heads and Slingerland Radio King stamped REMO Hazy Snare Side heads installed and tuned. Both sizes and finishes have the incredible Radio King sound you would come to expect. Pick the option that works best for your circumstances. Unlike the earlier “Limited Edition” models these drums have a much lower price point that will make them very appealing to the working and frugal minded drummer.
Less frills, meaning these models do not come with the heavy carrying case. They have nickel over steel hoops instead of nickel over brass. No extra Radio King calf batter head. The subtraction of those premiums translate to a base retail price of only $1199. as opposed to the Limited Edition base price of $1999., a significant savings.
In conclusion, I don’t really have any concerns to place in the “cons” list other then more color/finish options (I’m told they are in the works as you read this) but many attributes to place in the “pros” list as I now own several of these models myself, and appreciate every hit and rimshot I make on them! As always, I thank each and every one of you for reading my column and I especially enjoy reading the comments. Keep them coming!
Stay tuned…
Edward Tucker
Studio 3T