Steve Smith's Journey, David Frangioni Collection, Slingerland "Jamo Special"- 5.5x14" Radio King. SIGNED! #073. (DF2 Sling #1)

David Frangioni Collection, Steve Smith's Journey, Slingerland "Jamo Special"- 5.5x14" Radio King. SIGNED! #073. (DF2 Sling #1)

Legendary drum tech and drum builder, Paul "Jamo" Jamieson built this hot rodded Slingerland Radio King snare drum for Journey drummer, Steve Smith in preparation for the bands 1983 Frontiers tour.

Jamieson started with a vintage Slingerland Radio King 5.5x14" single ply snare drum. He modified the bearing edges, replaced the original throw off and butt plate with a modern Sonor model, added Gretsch die-cast hoops top and bottom and finished it in his signature honey-amber sunburst lacquer finish. He carefully filled any of the original "extra" holes with dowelling. The ring of gaff tape around the edge of the batter head was final finishing touch that gave this drum its magic sound.

This 5.5x14" drum includes a brass badge stating "This drum was custom made for Steve Smith by Paul Jameson #073, 3/83". The drum is also hand inscribed "Paul Jamieson 7/4/82, L.A".

Paul Jamieson made a very small number of these customized Radio King snares known as the "Jamo Special", that became the secret weapons of dozens of rock drumming's elite.

This is one of two Jamo Special snares Steve Smith played on Journey's 1983 Frontiers tour. You can see Steve Smith playing what appears to be the deeper 6.5x14" version of this snare in the live Journey photos and video attached.

Acquired directly from Steve Smith. COA, head and shell signed by Steve Smith. Featured in DRUM! magazine, June 2013.