Chrome! YES! That makes perfect sense! Would that mean it was an early RK that needed a reminder that it HAD to be chrome, or a second or third year drum when Nickel was also offered? Hmmm...

Ill have to think about the bridges. Not sure if I want to drop a huge pile on this drum or not yet. Ill PM you for a price just to check it out.

Thanks!

Adam

Adam, that is actually probably the final Inspectors signature. Oh and as the Brodacaster and rk, yes the same drums different era, basically a name change

I have a hard time telling chrome from nickel in a lot of cases (unless it's really obvious). Going back and looking though, the lugs on my drum seem like nickel. Bottom (original) hoop does too.

Makes sense that it could just be the inspectors signature. Maybe "Charlie" or something.

So basically what you are saying, is without the original top rim, we'll never know if it's a broadcaster or early RK. Oh well I guess. Either way it's a very cool drum, and sounds great!

Thanks for all your help VM!

Adam

I have seen RK drums with "chrome" written in it more then once,so I'm still going with "chrome" !

Definitely possible. I think the "Chrome" or "Charlie" or "Chauncy" or whatever and the original hoop engraving being "Broadcaster" or "Radio King" just might have to go down in the "we'll never know" category on this one. Thanks for all the help guys! Really appreciate it!

Blair-please drop me a PM about your prices and parts!

Thanks again,

Adam

Original hoop was located by the dude I got this drum from. It has a repaired crack, but it sounds like it says "Radio King" (I don't have it yet)...so part of the mystery is solved! Now for that darn employee handwriting legibility!

-Adam

Adam, the lugs on your Rk are chrome, also the rim you have already replaced is the correct one, get the Rk brackets, also the professional strainer, it's called a three point by us drummers, collectors but the factory called it a professional strainer, those extra holes would and will have an adverse effect on resale, as I understand your gonna use the drum any way!the size will make this one smoking snare drum. One more question what kind of butt end is there on the drum?

The butt is the clamshell adjustable butt....so the ex holes would show pretty bad on the back side if I got the original bracket.

Chrome? Really? Man...I am an idiot I guess. I swear even now looking at it that it is nickel. I need a lesson on this obviously! Would make sense that it says "Chrome" on the inside then right?

The batter side counter hoop on there is from a 50's drum. The "ears" where the rods go through are slightly different from the bottom one (the bottom ones are a little smaller and more rounded). Ill show you what I mean when I get the correct hoop....even though I probably won't use it because it has been repaired.

Id love to get the original parts if they become available at a reasonable price, but everything I have seen on ebay etc is just plain crazy for 3 point stuff....and not even this early of one. It would be rad to see this thing in all its original mojo (even with the extra holes). For now though, it plays great and looks fine IMO. As you correctly stated....not planning on getting rid of it. It sounds fantastic!

-Ad

Adam, yeah a professional strainer will be stupid money, the brackets not so much they are fairly available, the shell Interior is stupid beautiful really sweet!!! here is a pic of nickel hardware big difference also the tom I showed you is chrome, take a gander!

Still kind of hard for me to tell the difference. (I know hard to believe right?) I mean if you tell me thats nickel, then I can see the smooth/blue dullness to it that is obviously different than chrome...but if you put that pic up and said "guess which this is" I bet I would have a hard time.

Lets try again. Put up another random pic of nickel or chrome and let me try to guess!

Adam