[1][2] Slingerland is strongly associated with jazz drummers, such as Gene Krupa[3] and Buddy Rich, who played signature instruments made by the company.

Although primarily known for its drums, in the 1930s Slingerland also produced electric and acoustic guitars, violins, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles.

As its name indicated, the company started out producing banjos while importing ukuleles from Germany, but set up its own production because it could not meet demand.

The company's manufacturing plant was later moved from Chicago proper to Niles, a suburb in Cook County, Illinois.

Gibson revived the brand, but had limited success, due to premium pricing and poor economic conditions.

A departure from the standard Slingerland product line occurred during World War II when wood was used to manufacture drum parts that had traditionally been made of brass, chrome, nickel, and steel.

They stopped production quickly after their introduction due to a patent infringement suit and a cease and desist warrant from Ludwig regarding Slingerland's foray into acrylic drums.

The cutaway design was first used in 1977 by the Santa Clara Vanguard under drum captain Fred Sanford and the Oakland Crusaders under Tom Float.

Famous drum corps such as the 27th Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps of Revere, Massachusetts under Charlie Poole, the Bridgemen of Bayonne, New Jersey under Dennis Delucia, the Chicago Cavaliers under Gus Barbaro and Brian Callahan, the Pittsburgh Royal Crusaders and the General Butler Vagabonds all used Slingerland equipment in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

In the early 1980s, Slingerland was gaining significant market share, but the company was sold, and corporate finances fell apart.

By the late 1980s, Slingerland had fallen behind technologically, and Ludwig-Musser, and especially Pearl drums, began to pick up its market share.

[11] Jamie Oliver, veteran drummer of English punk rock band UK Subs, frequently appears live with his beloved vintage silver tone Slingerland.