| The Legends Series Gene Krupa Signature Drum Kit by Slingerland (1998)
The Slingerland GK Signature Kit released in 1998 was designed to represent the configuration Gene used through most of his career. He occasionally used smaller or larger bass drums(22", 26", 28") and a 5 1/2" snare. Slingerland issued several Gene Krupa drumkits over the years(see below) as well as Gene Krupa model snare drums(Radio King and Sound King). During the 60's and 70's, Gene often played a GK Model chrome-over-brass snare(5 1/2" and 6 1/2"). -6 1/2"x14" Gene Krupa Artist Radio King snare drum. -9"x13" tom, 16"x16" floor tom(additional 16"x18" floor tom available), 14"x24" bass drum. -Gene Krupa signature plate mounted on bass drum, exclusive serial numbering on each drum. -Exclusive Gene Krupa Signature drumheads, GK crest monogrammed on front bass drum head. -Classic White Marine Pearl finish & Slingerland Classic cloud badges. -Set-O-Matic tom holder. There are only a few instances when Gene ever played drums made by any other company. The legendary Billy Gladstone built a snare drum for Gene in the early 1950's, which he used on occasion. When Rogers designed the Dyna-Sonic snare drum for Buddy Rich, Gene was so impressed that he sent for one of them without any hardware. Slingerland hardware was installed on the drum to make it look like his usual snare. Unfortunately, someone spotted the unique Dyna-Sonic snare frame protruding underneath his drum. Slingerland understandably put a halt to this immediately and Gene went back to playing his Radio King. |
| Original Slingerland Gene Krupa Drumkit Ensembles click to enlarge |
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 Super Radio King Deluxe - 1941 |
 Deluxe Radio King - 1948-1955 |
 Deluxe Ensemble - 1957-1973 |
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Gene's 1950's Zildjian Cymbal Setup: 14" Hi-Hats (medium) 16" Fast (medium) 8" Splash (paper-thin) 24" Ride (medium-heavy) 16" Crash (medium) |
