It is said that Gene Krupa's long affiliation with The Slingerland Drum Company began one day in 1935 when Gene successfully solicited an endorsement deal from company president H.H. Slingerland. That deal, for Gene to receive a brand new set of drums at wholesale, was the same offer that the Ludwig Company had earlier refused.

Whether the above is true or not, from that day in 1935 on, Gene continued to play Slingerland drums exclusively and together they both enjoyed a enormously prosperous affiliation. During the 30's and 40's as Gene became increasingly popular as an entertainer, so did drumming - and the drums Gene used: Slingerland and Radio Kings brand. Gene and his drum kits became so popular in fact, he was offered a ten-year contract agreement from Slingerland, which included a stipulation for Gene to receive a share of the profit from every single drum Slingerland sold!

The success Gene enjoyed with the Slingerland Company was unprecedented. He was featured on the cover of every catalog from his first in 1936 - the same catalog that introduced the Radio Kings - to his last in 1967. His name and likeness was also featured in countless ads and promotions for Slingerland. One such promotion sponsored in his name was a Drummers' contest which was eventually won by a young 18 year old drummer by the name of Louis Bellson! Eventually Slingerland drums sets, snares and sticks also carried the Krupa name and it is reported that Gene was the main inspiration behind their development of the tunable toms.

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In 1998 as part of their 70th year anniversary celebration, Slingerland announced the release of the new Gene Krupa Signature Drum Kit as part of their new Legends Series drum sets. Available in basically the same configuration as his original kit shown below, it carried a list price of $5,295 for the 4-piece set including hardware.

The Legend Series Gene Krupa Signature Drum Kit

• Inspired by Gene Krupa, "The Pioneer of the Modern Drum Set."
• Gene Krupa signature plate mounted on bass drum.
• Exclusive Gene Krupa Signature white coated drumheads; GK crest is monogrammed on front bass drum head.
• 6½"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 in classic Slingerland white marine pearl finish, with exclusive serial numbering on each drum & Slingerland classic cloud badges.
• Chrome-plated Stick-Saver Rim Shots hoops.
• Magnamax hardware pack (snare stand, drummer's throne, 3 straight/boom cymbal stands, Dynamo hi-hat & Tempo King bass pedal.)
• New, improved Set-O-Matic tom holder system.

Drums: Slingerland "Radio Kings" 1). 6½"x14" Snare 2). 9"x13" Tom 3). 16"x16" Floor Tom 4). 14"x26" Bass Drum	Cymbals: Avedis Zildjian a). 11" Hi-Hats b). 13" Crash c).  8" Splash d). 14" Cymbal e). 16" Crash
Finish: White Marine Pearl Accessories: Cow Bell, Greeko/Wire Brush Cymbals Sticks: Slingerland Gene Krupa Model

Over the years Gene's set-up basically remained as above, with the exception of the occasional use of a second floor tom and switching to a 24" and eventually a 22" bass drum.