Rare 1940-1942 Slingerland Radio King 14x22" Bass Drum - Factory Black Lacquer - with original wood hoops, nickel plated T-rods, casings and claws, and fasteners.

Up for sale is a very rare, pre-war survivor: a 1940–1942 Slingerland Radio King 14x22" separate-tension bass drum. My research points to this highly collectible drum being manufactured right before WWII.

Specifications:

  • Size: 14" Deep x 22" Diameter
  • Shell: Original 3-ply Mahogany/Poplar/Mahogany wood construction with solid maple reinforcement rings.
  • Finish: Factory-original Black Lacquer (NOT a re-wrap or a modern repaint).
  • Hardware: 16 single-sided small "Super" (scalloped) metal lugs. No flaking of the original nickel plating. Comes complete with all 16 original T-handled tension rods ("Tympani handles") and claws.
  • Hoops: Original wooden hoops (without the center inlay strip).
  • Condition: Pure "virgin" shell, no extra holes drilled, no modifications, and no built-in/internal mufflers, spurs, or cymbal holders.
  • With the original badge (which still shines).
  • The heads are not original.

This is a beautiful example of a used and somewhat worn, but clean, un-drilled pre-war Radio King shell. It sounds great! I have owned this drum for about 40 years. In that time it has seen its share of street parades, sporting events and used as a part of various drum and percussion set-ups; not stored outdoors. It has been kept up with periodic lubing and tensions without hinderance. Perfect for a period-correct setup, for restoring or to own as-is for a piece of early-1940s drum history.

Price: $495.00. Trades not likely.

Buyer pays shipping.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

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Listed8 hours ago
ConditionGood (Used)
Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Radio King Bass Drum
Finish
  • Black Lacquer
Categories
Year
  • 1940-1942
Made In
  • United States

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Kevin Coggins Drums

San Jose, CA, United States
Joined Reverb:2026

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