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Looking For A Little Help

Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

I've got a vintage Slingerland snare that I'm going to be selling in the immediate future since the drum simply isn't being utilized.

It's in what I'd consider an eggshell (?) color, with a 56-59 Chicago badge, eight lugs, rim clips and 3-point strainer. I'm attempting to properly identify the drum so that I don't provide any misleading information to potential buyers. Here are a few of my concerns:

1. I originally thought the model was the Student Model Radio King. However, based on the research I've done I noticed that this model came with the 3-point strainer in Slingerland's 1955 catalog but with the Rapid strainer in the company's 1959 catalog. Since the badge on my drum indicates a date of manufacture of 1956-1959, shouldn't mine have the Rapid strainer in lieu of the 3-point? Can one of you Slingy experts verify that this particular drum is, in fact, a Student Model Radio King?

2. Is the eggshell painted finish on the drum factory issued? I've seen some Slingy drums in this color but I'm not sure if the shells were painted this color or whether it was a plastic wrap I was viewing.

3. Please have a look at the grommet in the pics from the interior of the shell. Is this how they were installed during this era or does the grommet appear to have been tampered with in some way?

4. From the pics of the interior shell you'll see two types of screws and washers. Do any of you know which of these was original to the drum?

5. Are there any other "questionable" issues that you notice on the drum that should be brought to my attention prior to me listing it for sale?

6. I don't believe in parting out a perfectly functional drum. However, in this particular case, would it make more sense to sell the 3-point strainer and/or any other components as "stand-alone" items? I only ask because I doubt that this particular finish would be considered desirable to players or collectors. Am I mistaken in this regard?

THANKS in advance for your time and your help. I appreciate it!

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

oldschool. it's 100% original grommet is usual slingerland and it is indeed a student model radio king. transition year is what this is. all parts are correct. 3 ply shell.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 556 Threads: 39

I'd be surprised that they would have used 2 different lug mounting screws on the same drum. I suppose anything is possible, though I thought that the hex headed screws were not featured until sometime in the 60s.

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 776 Threads: 114

Other than the screws, I agree wth Mr. More. I had one just like it. I believe you get most any color with a special order. Mine was a blue lacquer.

I don't see why it ought to be parted out.

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 2197 Threads: 202

I don't think the hex screws are original-

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

The screws in question look like the lug was replaced. Possibly a few other lugs (2 lugs on the right side of the butt end pic look chrome) unless I'm not seeing the pic right. The lug w/ different scews looks chrome plated while the others look nickle plated. Either way beautiful drum and good luck with the sale!

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 229 Threads: 15

I believe that 1958 was the last year of production of the "student model" Radio King strainer, however the 58 to 61 catalogs show that the student model drum sets came equipped with the student model snare featuring that student radio king strainer. Your snare drum probably was part of the "swing-master" or "swingster" student model drum sets. All of the hardware should be chrome plated. The hex screws are not original but the pic clearly indicates(outline of original washer) that they were added later. IMHO...this drum is an original Student Model Radio King. Good Luck!

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 6524 Threads: 37

I`m with VM2K,..It`s a 55 Student Radio King, Maybe he didn`t catch the lug with incert or tension knob being replaced,

Nickle plated, 8 lug, 3 ply, quick throw, laqure, and the 55 cat. has both the cloud and oval badge on the same page !!

The inside of the gromett was F`d with and they gave up, don`t look pulled to me !!

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 229 Threads: 15

Yup..you're right oddball and ffr. They must have discontinued nickel plating in 56 or 57?

Posted on 12 years ago
#9
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