Debuting at NAMM 2026

The legacy of the Radio King continues.

After the first limited batch of Solid Maple Radio King snares debuted in 2025, Slingerland is officially expanding the lineup for NAMM 2026, bringing back one of the most historically significant snare drum designs ever made—now with new finishes and refined modern consistency, while staying true to its vintage soul.

These new Solid Maple Radio King snares are not reissues in name only. They are built to capture the unmistakable warmth, articulation, and projection that made the original Radio Kings legendary, while benefiting from modern precision manufacturing and durability.

Built the Way Radio Kings Were Meant to Be

At the heart of every Solid Maple Radio King is the defining feature that set the original apart:

• Steam-bent solid North American maple shell, formed from a single hand-selected plank

• Rich, warm tonal character with exceptional sensitivity and dynamic range

• Nickel-plated hardware for classic aesthetics and durability

• Nickel-over-steel “Stick Chopper” hoops for crisp rimshots and authoritative backbeats

• Internal tone control muffler, just like the vintage originals

This construction delivers a sound that’s open and resonant, yet controlled—perfect for everything from big band and jazz to studio work, roots, and modern genres that demand character.

New for 2026: Gold Glass & Maroon Glass Finishes

While the 2025 launch reintroduced the Solid Maple Radio King to a new generation of players, NAMM 2026 adds two striking new finishes that feel both period-correct and boldly fresh:

• Gold Glass – Deep, reflective, and vintage-luxurious

• Maroon Glass – Rich, dark, and unmistakably classic

These finishes join the timeless White Marine Pearl option, giving players both iconic looks and statement pieces.

What We Have In Stock at Sims Music

We’re excited to have both shell depths and the new Glass finishes available now, including: