In 1936 the Slingerland Drum Company introduced the Radio King drum line. “Ace Drummer Man,” Gene Krupa was Slingerland’s elite endorser. Krupa set the jazz scene on fire with his flamboyant and bombastic drumming style. He was the premier jazz drummer of this era and a major contributor to the overall Radio King drum design.
His vision included top and bottom lugs for separate head tensioning on all of the tom-toms. This important innovation drastically changed the early trap kit into the modern drum set that we know today. Slingerland initially produced the Radio King Krupa model snare for Gene Krupa. This snare was 6.5” x 14” in size with the popular white marine pearl finish. The shell construction was made of a solid 1-ply maple shell. Both rims were made of brass. The three point strainer along with two early bridges and extended snare wires were all key ingredients to contribute to the awesome sound dynamics.
However, there was also another innovative Artist on the scene that endorsed Radio Kings: the “Dean Of Swing”, Ben Pollack. He also made significant contributions to the Radio King drum line. Pollack had envisioned a snare drum design that was ten years in the making, prior to joining Slingerland. He wanted to utilize solid maple, wooden counter hoops, top and bottom. He incorporated rim shots into his style of drumming. Rim shots were primarily played by drummers on metal rims at this time, but Ben wanted a unique and distinctive sound that could only be achieved using wooden hoops. He did not want a “metallic ring”, but a “pop” sound. The Slingerland drum company collaborated with Ben Pollack to create this unique model.
Here is the description from the Slingerland 1936 catalog:
The “Dean Of Swing” Ben Pollack designed this model over ten years ago. When this drum was originally presented it was made with solid wood hoops, shell size 6 ½”x14” with conventional strainer. The new Radio King incorporates all of Pollack’s original specifications, plus his new ideas. This, like the Krupa model, is only supplied in Marine Pearl—with Pearl inlaid counter-hoops and in the 6 ½”x14” size with metal parts all chromium plated. The wooden hoops are included in the assembly for the purpose of rim shots for which Ben Pollack is famous. The wooden hoop,s specially when contacted with the sticks produce an especially fine “pop” without the usual metallic ring so often heard when played on metal hoops.
According to Slingerland’s catalogs, the “Ben Pollack “Radio King” model was only produced for two years, between 1936-1938. This is a significant reason why this model is extremely rare and desirable. Also, the drum consumers of the day were placing overwhelming orders to Slingerland for the Krupa model. All of this was certainly because of Gene Krupa’s major popularity and drumming success.
As of this date, I have confirmed a total of only three Ben Pollack models that have surfaced or exist. There is a distinct possibility that one or two more may be in private drum collections, or undiscovered and unaccounted for.
Here are the Details and Specifications:
The bearing edges are cut at a forty-five degree angle that have a very precise surface. This design gives this snare tuning stability for a powerful attack and quick response. Most importantly, this snare drum really has a dynamic range and great tonality. The snare beds are specially cut with a half-inch depth, three inches in length for complete accuracy of snare response. These factors combined allowed for great snare response to capture staccato articulation and sensitivity.
Lugs:
In 1936, the early lugs were tapped or threaded directly into the lug. But, around 1937-38 Slingerland added lug inserts with springs to prevent cross threading or stripping. This particular model was made between those two years. The lugs are Streamline center lugs with a distinctive “art deco" design. This certainly adds to the aesthetic appeal and beauty of this snare drum. There are eight springs loaded to hold the swivel inserts to accommodate the tension rods. The lugs are specially machined to obtain a thick wall to maintain strength. However, some of these early streamline lugs varied in design through Slingerland’s formidable years. They were made out of a pot metal variety and sometimes prone to breakage under years of tensioning.
Hoops:
The special top and bottom hoops on this snare are what makes this Radio king so unusual. They are Pearl inlaid counter-hoops, constructed of solid maple wood, with three quarter inch white marine pearl inlaid strips. The bottom hoop is very unique, as it has a wider snare gate with a beautiful design. The gate opening is approximately two by one half inches with semi-circle and rectangular channel design.
This snare gate is the first “wooden” generation “Radio King” design and would later transition over to Slingerlands “War Time” Rolling Bomber Radio King snare design.
Bridge Extensions:
The two adjustable bridge extension gates are the early four screw variety. Slingerland patent pending is embossed in both adjustment housings. This unique design incorporates two wheel adjusters to help align and position the extended snare wires.
Claws:
Sixteen Radio King double claws are installed for Top and Bottom wooden counter-hoops.
Mostly all Chromium Plating on the parts and the remainder are nickel plating.
Factory Drum Key Holder:
Slingerland Factory, Radio King Drum Key holder with Engraved Slingerland Drum Key installed.
Internal Tone Control:
The very early single green felt, rectangular pad. Attached with two machine screws, this muffler is controlled with a knurled knob adjuster and threaded shaft, utilizing a spring-load design.
The Ben Pollack Radio King model snare drums are extremely collectible and highly sought after. Only a handful of these great drums have ever come to light and still exist. The top and bottom wooden counter hoops on this snare drum really add to the unique tonality and dynamic rim shots to project that great vintage drum sound. The next time you are searching for the ultimate vintage snare drum, you may just want to add this beautifully crafted snare drum to your wish list of vintage drums (if you can find one!).