Solving the Radio King Snare Drum Mystery: When we think of the great vintage Slingerland Radio King drums we always think of the one ply "solid" maple shell drums. However, it is true that Slingerland made snare drums that carried the radio King name, but were NOT one ply solid shells. In general, the solid shell Radio King snares with the snare extension support brackets on both the strainer and butt side, while the ply shell Radio King snare drums generally did not have these. However, we have seen several fine examples of ply shell Radio King snare drums where the snare extenation supports were present. So, in order to be sure that you don't pay more than you should, keep this in mind: The Radio King snares that sell for the highest value are the solid shell drums. If you have a chance to buy a Radio King, and it has the snare extension brackets, there is a good chance that it is a solid shell. But, don't pay solid shell prices until you know for sure that the drum is a one ply solid shell. The reality is that the ply shell version with snare extension brackets is still a fine drum, but it sells for roughly half the price of a true solid shell Radio King. And, as always, the three point solid shell strainer Radio Kings always sell for about twice as much as those with the troublesome "clam shell" (actual name: Super strainer) that made its debut in the 40s.