The percussion family constitutes a broad range of pitched and unpitched instruments. Some of the most renowned instruments that make up this group are the bass drum, cymbals, and tambourines.
A lesser-known instrument is the Cajon. Though it’s started gaining popularity just recently, it has a pretty rich history.
Want to try your hand at playing this instrument? We’ve got you covered. In the following guide, you’ll find reviews of the best Cajons, a detailed overview of their benefits, and how to use one. Let’s dig in.
What is a Cajon?
The Cajon has one of the most intriguing backgrounds. Its origin can be dated back to the 19th century at a time when the African slaves living in Peru had been forbidden to play music.
Undeterred and motivated by their passion for music, they decided to make the cajon, which could easily be mistaken for a box or stool. In fact, “cajon” translates to “box” in Spanish.
While the construction of this instrument has been refined over the years, the basics are fairly similar. At its core, it’s a wooden box-like instrument that’s constructed using hardwood and an additional layer of plywood attached to the front part.
The front side, which is also referred to as the tapa or the face, serves as the striking surface. So to produce sound, a percussionist sits on the top of the cajon and uses their hands to hit the striking surface. A round sound hole drilled on one of the sides allows sound to escape.
How to Use a Cajon
If you’re planning to buy a cajon, you may be wondering about how it’s played. Well, there are two main playing styles, and each one produces a distinct type of tone. The two tones that a cajon can produce are bass and high-pitch.
If you’re looking to produce a bass-heavy tone, then you’ll want to slap or hit the cajon on the section that’s about half a foot down. This lower part resonates, creating a deep and rich bass tone.
Learning to produce this specific tone may seem a little hard at first. This is because it requires you to reach down and still maintain a consistent rhythm. But as is the case with playing other instruments, you’ll get the hang of it when you practice consistently.
If you want to create a higher-pitched or sharper tone, then you should hit the parts close to the edge/corners of the box. Tapping on these areas produces less vibration, causing the pitch produced to be sharper than hitting the middle or bottom part.
Benefits of Cajons
Music is one of those arts that brings calmness to the mind.
Playing percussion instruments like the Cajon not only boosts your mental strength but also gives you an intense physical workout. Here are some of the benefits you stand to gain from playing Cajons:
Types of Cajons
Peruvian
The Peruvian cajon is the original version of this drum box. Being the first of its kind, it wasn’t a perfect instrument. In fact, it wasn’t as sturdy as modern-day cajons, and it didn’t produce a very refined tone.
To add to this, these original cajon drums weren’t designed with any string or snare effect. So the emphasis was placed on the tone of the wood.
If you’ve encountered the Peruvian Cajon, you may have noticed that the majority have fixed tapas that result in the production of heavy overtones.
Usually, this drum box is constructed using hardwood to which a sound hole is drilled in the middle of the back panel. For the front panel, manufacturers used thin laminated wood.
Cuban
The Cuban cajon boasts one of the most unique constructions.
Unlike conventional cajons, this one lacks the usual “sit-on-the-top” design. Instead, it’s meant to be held by the Cajon drummers. Like the Peruvian model, this drum box also lacks a snare effect.
Also crucial to note is that four of its sides are made of wood. These sides flare in an outward direction. The bottom of the drum box is left wide open so it serves as the soundhole.
The Cuban cajon is available in an array of sizes. The concept behind this is to vary the sound produced by each cajon. On that note, the differently-sized cajons go by specific names such as Quinto (the smallest), Conga, and Tumba (the largest).
Flamenco/ Snare
Following improvements on the earliest box drums, that is, the Peruvian and Cuban, other kinds of cajons were invented. The Flamenco was one of them.
Also referred to as the snare cajon, this instrument has risen to become one of the most prominent cajons globally.
This is not too surprising considering the modifications and advanced elements that it features. These include a controlled snare response, rounded corners, diffusers for internal sound, and more.
Types of Wood for Cajons
It is no secret that cajons are made primarily of wood. What makes them different is the specific type of wood used in their construction.
It’s important to pay attention to this factor as it determines not just the type of sound produced but also durability. If you go for a drum box made of very light wood, it probably won’t withstand the pressure exerted by your weight. Instead, go for materials such as:
Maple
The best Cajon is made of maple, and for good reason. For one, maple is a very durable wood, enabling it to withstand the user’s weight for a long time.
Secondly, a maple build translates to a very balanced sound output. This wood does an excellent job of radiating sound, a factor that enhances the production of bright tones.
Birch
If you’re aiming for a more dynamic sound range, consider cajons made of birch.
This is a very dense wood; hence, it provides a decent level of durability. And when it comes to sound, it produces high tones with rich bass.
Mahogany
Mahogany offers a fairly similar level of durability as maple. But what makes it particularly ideal for a cajon’s construction is its capability to achieve heavy bass and sharp tones.
Oak
Although rare, it’s not unusual to find some Cajons that are made out of oak as well. In fact, it’s the best choice of material if you’re looking for volume. That said, oak is more delicate than other wood species; hence, requires extra care.
How to Choose the Right Cajons
If you’re looking to buy a high-quality drum box, there are a couple of points that you should keep in mind. These include:
Purpose
One thing you should think about is how you’ll use the Cajon, especially in terms of location.
If you’re looking to play for a crowd, then invest in a Cajon that has great projection. However, if you’ll only use it for practice sessions, then a small, compact Cajon that can shore up your weight is good enough.
Sound
Undoubtedly, the sound is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing the best Cajon drums. The primary reason for buying a Cajon is to create music, so you’ll want to ensure that it has exceptional sound quality.
One thing that determines the type of sound produced is the material used to make the soundboard. For the best outcome, this part should be constructed using a slightly thin but sturdy piece of wood.
The density of the wood has a significant impact on the soundboard’s ability to amplify sounds. MDF material does a good job of reflecting and amplifying sound. However, it’s not that sturdy, which is why experts recommend either hardwood or hardwood plywood.
Snare/ String System
There’s one more factor that impacts the sound quality, and this is the snare/string system used in the Cajon.
Depending on the string system, Cajon drums fall into two categories: string and snare.
A string Cajon contains two or up to four guitar strings. These serve as a snapping component along the back of the striking surface.
On the other hand, a snare drum contains snare wires that rattle when the front plate is struck.
For a punchy and rattling sound, go for a Cajon fitted with spiraling snare wires. However, if you prefer a gentler, sort of quieter sound, then opt for the string instrument.
Wood Quality
As mentioned earlier, the quality of the wood used to make this instrument also matters. Here are a couple of guidelines to help you make an informed decision:
Size and Space
The last thing you should account for is the size of the drum box.
Standard Cajons have a height of 18 to 20 inches with a 12” by 12” square. If you’re looking for something more compact, you can go for something smaller. This also means that it will be easier to transport and occupy smaller storage spaces.
But, remember that you’ll be sitting on top of the Cajon. So even if it’s small, it should be able to support your weight without succumbing to pressure.
Reviews of the Best Cajons
1. Roland EC-10 ELCajon Electronic Layered Cajon
Have you been searching for the best electronic Cajon? If you have, consider the Roland EC-10 EL.
Since it’s electronic, you’d expect it to have certain limitations when it comes to the power supply. Contrary to this, Roland has put measures in place to ensure that you can play your cajon drum box at any time.
This is made possible by the fact that it can run either on batteries or AC power. The six AA-size batteries can power the box drum for at least 12 hours.
Alternatively, you can plug it into the nearest electrical outlet to get it running. The only problem with this second option is that you’ll have to purchase a cable separately.
The fact that it’s electronic makes this the best Cajon for beginners. If you’re a newbie, you don’t have to learn a ton of things since the box drum comes fitted with sound-enhancing features.
For instance, the top plate contains numerous controls that you can scroll to choose a specific sound category. There’s also a rear-mounted volume knob to help you regulate volume and a trigger balance knob that lets you control the balance between the edge and head sounds.
Another feature that makes this the best Cajon is its build. The front plate is made of Sapele wood that makes for easy playability and durability.
Pros
Cons
If you’re the kind of musician who’s big on instrument design, then you’ll be impressed with the Latin Percussion Matador Cajon. As implied in the title, it comes in a whiskey barrel shape, which makes it look pretty attractive.
That said, this barrel design does more than just make the Cajon look good. The circular shape of the belly and the small-sized top result in an extensive sonic range with distinct slap tones and improved resonance.
Aesthetics aside, you’ll be impressed with the longevity of the Cajon drum. It’s made of a New Zealand-sourced pine shell, providing optimal durability.
To add to this, the Matador Cajon isn’t overly heavy. It tips the scales at 10 lbs., which makes it light enough to carry from your home to gig destinations with ease.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking for the best Cajon for acoustic rock? If you are, you will love the Meinl Percussion Cajon Box Drum. This cajon comes with internal snares and a bass tone that’s perfect for acoustic music.
One of its biggest selling points is the use of Baltic birch in its build. This material is typically reserved for a high-end drum set, so you can be sure that you’re investing in a durable Cajon.
The Baltic birch also has exceptional traits that help with sound production. Percussionists love it for its punchy low tones, balanced highs, and outstanding projection.
This material also makes the front plate quite sensitive to finger rolls, giving you an extensive range of sounds to play around with.
Another thing you’ll like about the Meinl Percussion Cajon Box Drum entails its compact structure. This makes it the right instrument for when you’re performing on a small-sized stage, such as on open mic nights and jam sessions.
The 4-inch round port that is drilled into the Baltic birch body pulls a double-duty role. For one, it allows air to escape the instrument. Secondly, it can be used to attach a microphone if needed.
Pros
Cons
The Pyle String Cajon does not come from a particularly renowned brand. But in-depth research of its features reveals that it’s a very reliable and worthy Cajon to invest in.
One of its biggest highlights is its effective guitar string system. Thanks to this, the Cajon produces an acoustical and very bright sound.
The system in question consists of four strings, which are strategically positioned at two points. This makes them very easy to tune, if the need arises.
Another impressive feature of the Pyle String Cajon is the front plate. If you look at it keenly, you’ll notice just how well it’s constructed, resulting in excellent response and playability.
You also won’t have to worry about its durability. The manufacturer has used birch wood, providing unparalleled longevity. And even then, the birch construction doesn’t add too much to the cajon’s weight that weighs less than 10 pounds.
Also worth mentioning are the cajon’s rubber feet that keep it stable while you play. The rubber feet also help with minimizing vibrations that would otherwise interfere with sound production.
Pros
Cons
When buying a cajon, one thing you should keep in mind is the range of accessories that it comes with. If you’re looking for an all-inclusive drum set, the Donner Cajon Box is precisely what you need.
The instrument we’re reviewing here measures 9.05” by 9.45” by 14.56” and weighs just slightly over 5 pounds. This means it’s very compact and lightweight, making it easy to travel with.
That said, if you prefer a bigger drum box, Donner has got you covered too. They have a bigger cajon measuring 11.81” by 12.13” by 18.9”. This one tips the scales at 9.6 pounds, so it’s heavier.
Whichever instrument you decide to buy, one thing you can be certain about is durability. Each Cajon includes a high-quality 10-mm padded nylon for extra protection. This is particularly useful if you travel with your drum kit often.
Another factor that contributes to its portability is the provision of a cajon bag. Most manufacturers never include a bag so the fact that this drum kit includes one is a big plus!
Pros
Cons
How to Make a Cajon Sound Better
If your cajon doesn’t sound good enough, there are a few things you can do such as:
Picking the right materials
One element that makes a significant difference to how a Cajon sounds is the array of materials used in its build.
Overall, one that’s made of premium-quality hardwoods like beech, birch, and marine ply sounds pretty good. Birch wood, in particular, does an excellent job of producing a wide range of tones.
Tweak the snare
Hitting the front plate of your cajon box drum causes it to produce snare sounds. So one of the ways you can make it sound better is to adjust the snare wires.
More specifically, loosening the screws holding the snare wires in place can make your instrument sound better.
Incorporate a cajon port
Adding a port to your cajon drum is another technique that can improve its sound. This will help you to reduce its resonance and increase its sonic range; resulting in an extensive frequency spectrum.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions in relation to Cajons are our responses.
How to play the cajon drum
The technique you use to play this instrument depends primarily on the kind of tone you’re hoping to achieve. The main tones that you can produce are either bass or high tones.
If you’re looking to produce a bass tone, then you’ll want to strike the tapa using a bigger portion of your hand. Strike it between 5 and 6 inches down, from the top of the drum. Ensure that your entire hand is lying on the front panel, meaning that none of it should be hanging over the upper edge.
Conversely, producing high tones calls for a different playing technique. In this instance, your goal is to achieve the higher-pitched notes of a snare drum.
To produce this tone, focus on striking the drum in the corner sections. In terms of posture, your hand should be pulled up a bit, allowing your palm to align with the upper edge of the cajon. Then as soon as your palm strikes the top edge, your fingers should land on the drum face.
How to tune Cajon
One of the greatest advantages of a Cajon is the fact that it can be adjusted to produce a variety of sounds.
The one thing you can tweak is the snare section around the edge. This is where the crack or slap sound is produced.
To adjust the edge or slap sound, navigate to the farthest edge of the faceplate. This will enable you to tweak it from a slow or loose tone to one that is more pronounced.
To adjust this to your preferred sound, first, get your hands on a Phillips head screwdriver. Next, look for the screw attaching the edges together and turn it slightly to the right. This will cause the gap to tighten; hence, minimizing the crackle effect.
If you don’t mind the crackling sound, then you can eliminate it altogether by spinning the screw all the way to the right. On the other hand, if you want to get more crackle, then turn the screw to the left instead. Adjust till you achieve your desired sound.
How to adjust Cajon snare
By now, you probably know the different playing techniques. In summary, hitting the Cajon down low generates a bass tone whereas hitting it high up produces a slap and snare sound.
But how can you adjust the snare to achieve your desired tone? Well, the trick is to loosen the screws holding the faceplate just enough that it produces the perfect snare sound.
Start by loosening the screw in the top left part then move on to the top right one. Next, slightly loosen the screws in the top middle left and top middle right sections.
You can then start tightening the screws at a gradual pace till you achieve the right sound.
When you finish adjusting all four screws, you can sit on your cajon and do a test run. Listen keenly to the sound produced and conduct further adjustments if you deem it necessary.
Is it possible to add a cajon to a traditional drum set?
Yes, it is. However, you’d need to buy a special kick drum pedal, and place it on your left side. This way, you’ll be able to configure the cajon adjacent to your hi-hat. You can then play the cajon by placing your left foot on the kick drum pedal.
Conclusion
Have you been searching for the best Cajons? If you have, check out the Roland EC-10 ELCajon Electronic Layered Cajon.
The EC-10 has all the features you’d want in a high-quality drum. One reason why it’s considered the best Cajon drum is its hybrid design.
It’s an electronic and traditional Cajon all under one roof. Put simply, it’s equipped with electronic controls that make it incredibly easy to produce sound. And if you wish, you can turn off these controls and play the Cajon in the traditional way.
As an electronic Cajon, you’ll have access to features like an in-built speaker, volume knob, and trigger balance knob. The best thing is that you can choose to connect it directly to the main supply or run it on batteries in case of a power outage.
That said, keep in mind that the EC-10 is on the high end of the price range. So if you're looking to spend less money, you may want to look for an alternative.
