The original Radio King.

The Radio King was a defining sound of 20th century popular music and the artist who played it, Gene Krupa, made it legendary. Limited to 200 units, the new Slingerland Gene Krupa Radio King Snare Drum was built with similar passionate drive and craft that inspired Gene to bring drums to the front of every stage he played on, all the way to Carnegie Hall.

  Inspired by an icon.

The Slingerland Gene Krupa Radio King Snare Drum features a steam-bent, solid North American maple shell handcrafted at Craviotto Music City Workshop and cut with a 30-degree rounded bearing edge for rich and deep warmth.

Faithfully built in Oxnard, California with Nickel-plated period-correct hardware, 3-Point Strainer and signature badge, this snare delivers both vintage aesthetics and classic performance.

Pay tribute to the mighty Gene Krupa with a collectible 6.5x14” snare that’s sure to captivate players and music fans everywhere.

Solid Maple Shell

Made from a single hand-selected American Maple plank, fitted with hand-cut reinforcement rings.

  Signature Badge

Gene Krupa signature cloud badge unique to these 200 limited edition snares only.

  Gene Krupa Shell Label

Signed and numbered limited edition label inside every drum.

  Nickel-over-Brass Hoops

Solid brass “stick chopper” hoops anointed with the unmistakable Radio King script logo. 

    Heavy-duty Radio King Case

This durable snare case offers superior protection with a padded interior and sturdy exterior. Designed for easy transport, it features reinforced handles, adjustable straps, and secure closures, keeping your snare safe on the go.

  Product Overview

One cannot mention Slingerland Drums without mentioning the mighty Gene Krupa. Continuing in the iconic brands rebirth, Slingerland Drums is proud to release the Limited-Edition Gene Krupa Radio King Snare Drum.

Considered the first superstar of the drum set, Gene Krupa endorsed Slingerland Drums for his whole career and became nearly synonymous with the brand. Limited to 200 units, Gene's collectible 6.5x14 snare drum will feature a period-correct design starting with a steam-bent, solid North American maple shell handcrafted at Craviotto Music City Workshop and cut with an original 30-degree rounded bearing edge for rich and deep warmth.

Complete with nickel-plated hardware featuring the vintage 3-Point Strainer for precise snare wire control, Nickel-over-Brass Stick Chopper hoops, and engraved Radio King logos, this snare delivers both vintage aesthetics and classic performance. Each snare will be numbered, shipped with a calfskin head, a custom Radio King-branded case, a certificate signed by DW founder Don Lombardi, and a Gene Krupa Postcard.

This snare will be available in one color and size, so dont miss an opportunity to own part of drumming history. Thank you, Gene. *

Features:

• Steam-bent solid Maple shell

• Period-correct Nickel-plated hardware

• Nickel-over-Brass Stick Chopper hoops

• Ships with premium calfskin batter head

• Includes Radio King snare case

 

STORIES

Gene Krupa and Slingerland: An Iconic Partnership

Join us for a deeper look into the lifetime relationship of innovation, dedication, and craftsmanship between two of the most important names in the history of drumming.