Krupa Model Radio King Snare Drum
On loan from Charlie Benton (Loan 1-2006)



7x14 Slingerland Krupa Model Radio King Snare Drum in White Marine Pearl finish.

The Gene Krupa model "Radio King" snare drum, manufactured by the Slingerland Drum Company, was their top-line professional model snare. It began production in the 1940s and was available for several decades in a multitude of sizes and designs, always capitalizing on the popular name of Gene Krupa. The early design of the drum featured a solid maple shell with reinforcement rings, full flanged die-formed metal hoops, the Radio King snare strainer with a 20-strand set of snares, an internal tone control, and self-aligning rods and lugs.

In 1951, the 14-inch diameter drum was manufactured in 5 1/2-,
6 1/2-, 7-, and 8-inch depths, was available in pearl or lacquer finishes in a variety of colors, and had list prices from $54.00 to $74.50 depending on the size and finish. This specific drum, which features the popular white marine pearl covering, was acquired by Charlie Benton from Mrs. Krupa via Charlie Donnelly in 1975. It is a 7 x 14 size and the badge shape suggests a manufacturing date of circa 1940. It features the Radio King three-point strainer, has a 16-strand set of wire snares, and an internal tone control. This drum also has the "streamlined" lug design and the prominent "Slingerland Radio King" trademark stamped into the nickel-plated counterhoop.

--James A. Strain, PAS Historian, and Otice C. Sircy, PAS Museum Curator and Librarian

Interior view from the bottom of the drum showing the internal tone control.