Used Slingerland 8x14" 5-ply Magnum 702

Used Slingerland 8x14 5-Ply Magnum 702 Snare Drum

This Used Slingerland Magnum 702 8x14 snare drum is a classic deep-shell American snare built for power, projection, and full-bodied tone. Known for its commanding size and professional-grade construction, the Magnum 702 was featured in Slingerland catalogs through the 1970s and early 1980s as a serious performance instrument for players who needed more depth, volume, and authority from their snare drum. With its 5-ply maple shell, 10 full-length lugs, and deep 8-inch profile, this drum delivers the kind of strong, resonant voice that made larger-format vintage snares a staple for rock, studio, and stage work.

Condition & Build Quality

This snare is in Very Good condition for its age, with normal cosmetic wear including scratches and marks on the shell consistent with a used vintage instrument. The shell itself is in very good structural condition, and the chrome hardware presents well overall. The 10 full-length lugs are intact and provide balanced tension across the drum, contributing to stable tuning and even response.

Some components are not original and are disclosed here clearly. The original Stick-Saver batter hoop has been replaced with a standard triple-flange hoop, giving the drum a more traditional feel under the stick. The snare-side hoop remains the original Stick-Saver hoop. The snare wires have also been replaced and function correctly, though a few wires are bent and may be worth replacing in the future depending on the player's preference. The internal muffler is functional but is not original to the drum.

The Slapshot strainer operates smoothly and reliably, with precise snare wire adjustment. All moving parts are functional, and the drum remains ready for use as a player-grade vintage snare. These replaced parts do not prevent the drum from performing as intended, but they do affect originality and should be considered by collectors looking for a fully original example.

*Please note: we do not accept returns on consignment or used products. Item is sold as-is.

Sound & Playing Feel

The 8x14 Magnum 702 delivers a large, warm, and forceful snare voice with the kind of depth and presence expected from a vintage deep-shell maple drum. The 5-ply shell gives the drum a resonant, woody foundation, while the added depth brings extra body to backbeats and rimshots. It has a bold attack, a wide tonal footprint, and enough sustain to sound full without feeling unfocused.

The replaced triple-flange batter hoop gives the top head a slightly more familiar and open playing feel compared to the original Stick-Saver design. Combined with the original snare-side hoop, the drum retains a strong vintage identity while offering comfortable response for modern playing. The full-length lugs help the drum tune evenly, and the deeper shell rewards medium to higher tunings with a powerful crack while still offering a fat, low-tuned voice when desired.

Because a few snare wires are bent, the current snare response is functional but could be optimized with a fresh set of wires. As it sits, the drum remains playable, musical, and very usable, especially for players who want a vintage Slingerland snare with serious presence rather than a museum-grade collectible.

A powerful vintage Slingerland snare with deep-shell authority, honest disclosures, and plenty of player-grade character.

Applications & Use Cases

• Ideal for rock, roots, and classic-style setups where a deep maple snare adds body and authority
• Well-suited for studio work when a warm, full snare tone with vintage character is needed
• A strong live option for drummers who want projection and size without moving to a metal shell
• Great for players seeking a usable vintage Slingerland snare rather than a fully original collector piece
• Useful as a contrasting snare voice for drummers who already own shallower or brighter drums

Why Choose West Coast Drum Shop?

At West Coast Drum Shop, every used and vintage snare drum is carefully inspected by experienced drum techs for structural condition, playability, hardware function, and honest representation. We understand that originality matters with vintage gear, so replaced parts and condition details are clearly disclosed to help buyers make informed decisions.

Our staff works with used and vintage drums every day, from player-grade instruments to collectible pieces, and that experience shapes how we evaluate and describe each drum. Whether you are shopping locally in Bellevue or ordering from across the country, we pack carefully and ship with the goal of getting your instrument to you safely and exactly as represented.

For more information on Slingerland's drum history, visit: