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Broadcaster? Radio King? Im excited either way. Last viewed: 0 seconds ago

Posts: 1625 Threads: 294

Hey guys!

I just got this snare today in a trade from a friend here in Madison and I am curious if the Slingy experts can tell me exactly what it is. I have some good information, but based on all the research I have done I can't figure out if it is a late 30's Radio King or maybe a slightly earlier Broadcaster?

Here are the specs:

"Streamline" lugs with NO inserts. The lugs themselves are threaded.

The snare came with an unoriginal top hoop. I put this 50's RK chopper on. It matches very closely to the bottom hoop but not exactly. The rod holes are slightly more rounded on the bottom hoop. The bottom hoop also has the skinnier snare gate with the flat head screws holding it onto the hoop.

Someone along the way thought they would "update" their drum by taking off the 3 pt strainer and adding a clamshell. DOH Not sure why anyone would do that, but at least they put on authentic Slingy parts. The holes that were there from the original 3 pt were definitely the TWO hole extension brackets which are the earliest as far as I can tell based on the info on this site.

The badge looks to be the earliest brass and tan enamel version. Can anyone tell me different from the pic?

The muffler is green felt, but it is a single "squarish" pad. Not the dual round sort that you normally see on these. It could be that this is a replacement of sorts as well. Anyone on that?

The clamshell definitely has some sort of weird home made (ish) looking lever. The guy who owned this drum back in the day sure liked to mess with stuff, but was also handy and did a good job drilling the strainer holes etc.

Anyway...any info anyone can toss out to tell for sure what this drum is would be great. I already checked out the Slingerland section on this site and Rob Cook's Slingerland book. The closest I can get is that this drum is pre-40's.

Would the correct top hoop for this drum have "Slingerland Radio King" engraved or not?

Thanks for any help. Check out the pics below! This drum perfectly matches the kit I just bought recently (even though the kit is from the late 40's). Even with the extra holes, I am stoked. It sounds great and really give the kit an authentic look!

-Adam

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Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Adam, I can't see the badge grommet, It looks like it's been re badged?? I'm asking not stating, also the green Dodd muffler would be correct to the Professional strainer this would be one of the first radio king snare drum sir if all pans out! the top rim would be correct also! so 1936 or so is the date you could be looking at.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 1625 Threads: 294

Hey VM!

Here is a better pic of the badge/grommet. Doesn't look messed with to me. I tried to get a pic from the inside. Doesn't look messed with on the inside either, but there is something written in pencil behind the grommet. Could say "Chicago"?? Looks like "Ch" something...

The top hoop is a 50s chopper I put on...but it's close.

So you think that muffler is legit?

Adam

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Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Adam, absolutely, take a look at this Rk tom I have it is from around the same time period mid 30's.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 1625 Threads: 294

Rad.

What do you think about that grommet? Pics showing up now?

Thanks!!!

Adam

Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

It looks factory from the pics.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
Posts: 1625 Threads: 294

So you think 36 maybe? Pretty awesome. What differentiates this drum from a "Broadcaster"? Would it essentially be just a "broadcaster" engraved hoop?

Makes me wanna find the correct throw and brackets. Probably ridiculous in price if you can even find them though huh? The clamshell would offset the cost a little...but...I don't know. Probably just leave it as is and play it with my kit. It's so cool!!!

By the way, it is a 6.5" deep shell.

Thanks for your help VM. Anyone else?

Thanks again!

Adam

Posted on 14 years ago
#7
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

Post some pics of the Inside of the shell if you will?

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#8
Posts: 1625 Threads: 294

Here you go!

Thanks!

Adam

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Posted on 14 years ago
#9
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

The "CHI" prolly says "Chrome".........

I have a few snare extenders left......

PM me........

Blair

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 14 years ago
#10
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