About Slingerland
Welcome to the legacy.
Steeped in rich American heritage, Slingerland Drums is back to inspire you with meticulously recreated masterworks.
From big band to arena rock, Slingerland is a classic American sound. Now, Slingerland Drums are reborn for the next generation of drummers, with the same passion-fueled craft and grit that made the brand a 20th-century icon.
The Next Chapter
Don Lombardi and José Medeles chat about the next chapter of Slingerland.
A Legacy of Innovation.
1920s
H.H. Slingerland and family open first factory.
Slingerland purchases Liberty Drums.
Patent filed for a “Geisler” snare drum.
First Slingerland drum catalog published.
1930s
Slingerland produces the first tunable Tom Tom.
Gene Krupa becomes the first brand endorser.
Radio King brand drums are launched.
Endorsers include: Buddy Rich, Cozy Cole, Dave Tough, Ray McKinley
1940s
Rolling Bomber outfit features Rosewood and Walnut lugs due to WWII material constraints.
Super Strainer “Clamshell” introduced
Double flange hoops introduced.
Endorsers include: “Big” Sid Catlett, Barrett Deems, Lionel Hampton, Louie Bellson
1950s
Slingerland acquires Leedy Drums from Conn Instruments.
Company relocates operations to Niles, IL.
Flush Base hardware launched.
Endorsers include: Jack Sperling, Tito Puente, Roy Harte, Haskell W. Harr
1960s
Launches Super Sound King snare drum.
Introduces Set-O-Matic tom mount.
Zoomatic Strainer.
Buddy Rich returns to Slingerland as endorser.
Endorsers include: Jake Hanna, Roy Haynes, Roy Burns, Ed Shaughnessy
1970s
CEO “Bud” Slingerland retires.
TDR Strainer introduced.
Cut-Away marching percussion line launches.
Endorsers include: Teri Lyne Carrington, Peter Erskine, Ollie Brown, Sonship, Danny Seraphine
1980s
Company changes hands from Mardan to Sanlar to Fred Gretsch.
Magnum and Spirit drum setups introduced.
Endorsers include: Carmine Appice, Emil Richards, Walfredo Reyes, Grady Tate
1990s
HSS (1990-1994).
Gibson purchases Slingerland.
Introduces Studio King & Legends Signature Series drums.
Endorsers include: Bernard Purdie, Mario Calire, Greg Bissonnette, Tre Cool
2010s
DW purchases Slingerland (A gift from Chris Lombardi to Don Lombardi).
2020s
Roland purchases Drum Workshop, which includes DW Drums, DWe, PDP, LP, and Slingerland
The Oxnard era of Slingerland begins.