Slingerland Drum Company
| File:Slingerland drums logo.png | |
| Formerly | Slingerland Banjo Company |
|---|---|
| Company type | Privately held company (1913–late 1970s) Brand (late 1970s–present) |
| Industry | Musical instruments |
| Founded | 1913 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA |
| Founder | Henry Heanon Slingerland |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Drum kits, electric & acoustic guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles |
| Owner | Drum Workshop |
Slingerland is an American drum manufacturing company established in 1912. It achieved significant recognition in the music industry up to the 1980s. After halting production in the early 1980s, the brand was purchased by Gibson, which briefly revived it before transferring ownership to DW Drums in November 2019. DW Drums announced intentions to bring the brand back to market. Slingerland is famously linked with legendary jazz drummers such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, who favored its distinctive instruments. Although predominantly a drum manufacturer, during the 1930s Slingerland also produced guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos, and ukuleles.
History
The enterprise originally known as the "Slingerland Banjo Company" was established in 1912 by entrepreneur Henry Heanon (H.H.) Slingerland (1875–1946). The firm began by manufacturing banjos and importing ukuleles from Germany before developing its own production facilities to satisfy demand. By 1926, in response to competition from Ludwig & Ludwig entering the banjo market, Slingerland expanded into snare drum manufacturing.
H.H. Slingerland built a wide-reaching dealer network throughout the United States, Hawaii, and China. Following his passing, management was assumed by his wife Nona and son Henry Jr., with production operations moving from Chicago to Niles, Illinois.
While primarily recognized for drums, Slingerland also manufactured electric and acoustic guitars during the 1930s. The Songster electric guitar (1936–39) ranks among the earliest solid-body Spanish-style electric guitars. Production of electric instruments ended in 1940 as the company concentrated solely on percussion products.
Remaining under family ownership until 1970, Slingerland sustained its industry prominence through the 1970s. However, after introducing the Magnum series in 1982, the company experienced decline and ultimately ceased operations in 1986. The brand changed ownership several times until Gibson acquired it from Gretsch in 1994. Gibson's attempts at revitalizing the brand encountered difficulties due to high pricing and unfavorable economic conditions.
In 1998, Slingerland launched a Gene Krupa signature drum kit model. After Gibson filed for bankruptcy in 2018, remaining inventory—including drum shells and hardware—was sold privately and through online liquidation.
On November 25, 2019, DW Drums purchased the Slingerland brand from Gibson. At NAMM 2025, Slingerland made a comeback with limited-edition Radio King replica snare drums handcrafted in Oxnard, California, marking a new phase of growth and strategic direction under DW Drums' leadership.
Radio King
The Radio King series, introduced between 1936 and 1937, stood as Slingerland's premier offering and maintained its prominence until 1957, with a short revival from 1960 to 1962. These drums are highly prized among vintage drum enthusiasts. Prominent artists such as Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich were notable users of this line.
The Radio King snare drum is distinguished by its distinctive one-piece steam-bent maple shell, reinforced internally with solid maple rings—contrasting with the typical multi-ply mahogany shells prevalent during that era. This design produces a bright, resonant sound. For bass drums and tom-toms, Slingerland employed mahogany shells reinforced with maple hoops, resulting in a warm, "thuddy" tone characterized by rapid decay.
Even with newer artist endorsements emerging over time, many professional drummers continue to favor vintage Radio King snares, highlighting their enduring appeal in the market.
Rolling Bomber
During the resource-scarce period of World War II, Slingerland adjusted its manufacturing approach by introducing the "Rolling Bomber" series. Due to metal shortages, these drums incorporated wood components in place of traditional brass, chrome, nickel, and steel parts. Today, these wartime models are highly collectible and symbolize the company’s strategic adaptation to material limitations.
Rock and Roll
The surge in rock and roll's popularity throughout the 1960s and 1970s significantly boosted Slingerland's sales. While competitor Ludwig gained visibility through endorsements like Ringo Starr, Slingerland secured influential artists including Buddy Rich, Danny Seraphine from Chicago, Nigel Olsson who played for Elton John, and Neil Peart of Rush.
Slingerland briefly produced acrylic drum kits inspired by Ludwig’s Vistalite line but discontinued them following a patent infringement lawsuit. These limited-edition acrylic drums have since become sought-after collector’s pieces.
Marching drums
Slingerland’s presence in the marching drum market began in the 1920s and expanded considerably by the 1970s within marching bands, college ensembles, and drum corps. Key innovations included the TDR marching snare drum featuring an innovative strainer mechanism and synthetic-gut snares. Additionally, the introduction of cutaway multi-tenors in 1977 was embraced by notable groups such as the Santa Clara Vanguard and Oakland Crusaders.
Despite early leadership in marching percussion products, corporate instability in the early 1980s led to a decline in technological advancement. By the late 1980s, competitors like Ludwig-Musser and Pearl had increased their market share, reflecting challenges Slingerland faced in maintaining growth and innovation.
Manufacturing
Before the 1970s, Slingerland’s production methods lacked the uniformity that characterizes contemporary large manufacturers. Components were frequently reused over multiple years—even those officially discontinued—indicating a flexible yet inconsistent approach to product classification.
Legacy
Slingerland drums have earned a significant legacy within rock music history. Musicians such as Jean-Paul Gaster of Clutch and Neil Hennessy from The Lawrence Arms are known for their use of vintage gear. Veteran drummer Jamie Oliver of UK Subs along with Jean-Marc Butty of PJ Harvey also prominently incorporate vintage Slingerland instruments into their performances.
Noteworthy Musicians
- Artimus Pyle – Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Barrett Deems
- Bev Bevan – Electric Light Orchestra
- Bill Ward – Black Sabbath
- Bill Stevenson – Descendents, Black Flag
- Buddy Rich
- Bun E. Carlos – Cheap Trick
- Carmine Appice
- Chad Wackerman
- Danny Seraphine – Chicago
- Gene Krupa
- Irving Cottler
- Jay Bellerose
- Jean-Paul Gaster – Clutch
- Johnathan Norton – Eels
- Lee Kerslake – Uriah Heep
- Levon Helm – The Band
- Louie Bellson
- Neal Smith – Alice Cooper
- Neil Hennessy – The Lawrence Arms
- Neil Peart – Rush
- Nigel Olsson – Elton John
- Peter Erskine
- Phil Rudd – AC/DC
- Ray McKinley
- Remu Aaltonen