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The Ultimate Guide to Cajons for Curious Drummers

Remember that one friend of yours that first introduced you to the cajon?

Remember how you thought “wow, this thing sure sounds good, and you can sit on it too!”…

Many people like the sound of the cajon, but it seems as though drummers come to develop a special relationship with the instrument…

Maybe because some model have a real snare built-in, maybe because you can actually turn it into a true portable drumset …

Or maybe simply because it’s a percussion instrument.

But whether you’re an experienced drummer looking for a way to perform in reduced live settings without sacrificing your playing or just a curious newbie…

Cajons have their way to fascinating, as well as to raise questions…

After all, how complicated could choosing a wooden box be, right? Well, you’d be surprised…

So, in order to answer all these questions, I created for today’s article a guide to help you better understand the cajon and choose the right model for you.

Ready? Then let’s begin.

First up…

What is a Cajon?

The Cajon is native from Peru and is said to have been created by African slaves which were prohibited from playing music…

Therefore coming up with an instrument that could be mistaken for a box, or a stool. That is for the history part.

The cajon is a wooden box that’s made out of :

  • A striking surface made out of a thin layer of plywood called “tapa”
  • Thicker wood on the rest of the box
  • A sound hole
  • Often a snare inside, but not always.

Wood being the main material used for cajon…

Let’s dive in a bit more into this matter (pun intended)…

1. Construction

Cajons can either be made out of:

  • Plywood: which refers to various thin layers of wood sticked together
  • Solid wood: which refers to a unique piece of wood used for the whole instrument

The general consensus is that hardwoods produce the best sounds. Softwoods (like pine) don’t project as much sound and are much less sturdy.

Here are the 4 most common cajon woods:

  • Mahogany
  • Oak
  • Beech
  • Birch

Now, you might read that different woods produce different sounds…

Which is definitely true for other wooden instruments.

But the truth is, with cajons, it’s actually very difficult to hear these differences, and the only type of wood that might produce a big enough difference is oak, because it’s one of the hardest wood on the planet, which results in a louder sound.

So as long as your cajon is made out of one of these hardwoods, you’re good.

Got it? Good.

Next up…

2. The Front Plate, or “Tapa”

The front plate is called the “tapa”. It is the (main) striking surface of the cajon.

The tapa can be screwed, glued or sometimes both to the cajon, which doesn’tmake any real difference in terms of sound, so you can just disregard this detail.

The characteristics of the tapa that do influence the sound are:

  • How loose from the body it is: the looser the tapa, the louder the “slapping” sound
  • How thin the layers it’s made from are, and how many there are: the more and the thinner the layers, the crisper the sound
  • The material it’s made from: which is usually wood, but can sometimes be fiberglass or carbon fiber.

Carbonfiber and fiberglass tapas are much more durable and resistant and also produce a louder sound.  But they’re also heavier and more expensive.

Got it? Then let’s continue…

3. Snares

There are 2 types of snares, for 3 types of cajons:

  • Peruvian cajons – which have no snare and are the original instrument, just a wooden box.
  • Flamenco cajons – which use guitar strings as snare.
  • Snare cajons –  which use real drum snares.

Each one of these models has a very distinct sound and in the next part I focus on them with more details, so you can figure out which model you prefer.

Starting with…

Peruvian Cajons

Nowadays refered to as Peruvian Cajons, snareless cajons are the way original cajons were made.

They’re mostly made out of solid wood and are basically a hollow wooden drumbox.

The sound of Peruvian cajon not being as “rich” as the one of snare cajons, it’s not unusual to see Peruvian cajon ensembles.

In fact, while snare cajons have a big enough sound range to accompany a guitar or even a larger band, Peruvian cajons tend to sound better when played together.

You can hear what it sounds like in this video:

Anyway, if you’re looking for the original instrument…

This is it.

Peruvian cajons are definitely the less popular type of cajon out there and for that reason they’re pretty difficult to come by…

As only a bunch of specialized Latin brands still make them.

But if this is the sound you’re looking for, check out my recommendations:

  • A Tempo Percussion Peruvian Classic – (Amazon)
  • Gon Bops Alex Acuna Special Edition – (Amazon)

Now…

If you’re looking for a cajon that can produce that typical “slap” sound, you’ll probably want a cajon with some type of snare.

And so, next up we have…

Flamenco Cajons

Flamenco cajons gained their name thanks to Paco de Lucia, probably the most famous flamenco guitar player ever.

While on tour in Peru in the 1970s, he was gifted a cajon and thought it would fit flamenco music.

Guitar strings were added to add more texture to the sound and that’s how the flamenco cajon was born.

Here are the main characteristics of flamenco cajons:

  • Guitars strings are stretched across the back of the tapa, producing a sizzle
  • Sound is tight and precise
  • Allows for a more technical (fast/controlled) playing than any other type of cajon.

On the image beside you can see a few examples of the string setting but the truth is there are many more ways of displaying these strings. The most relevant shape is the diagonal setting though, and that is because…

After players started complaining that no matter where you strike the tapa, the snare would vibrate.

And so to address this issue, some brands started stretching the strings diagonally accross the corner making them vibrate only when the top corners are played, and leaving the bass completely “buzzless”, keeping a clean, deep sound.

Here are the models I recommend:

Also check out this model by Meinl which features a fiberglass tapa:

For a fully synthetic cajon, check out this model which is made ouf of acrylic for the body and fiberglass for the tapa:

Snare Cajons

Snare cajons typically produce a wider sound, and therefore don’t allow for an overly technical playing, unlike flamenco cajons.

Snare cajons offer :

  • The same snare as the one found on a snare drum
  • More flexibility: you can switch the snare off
  • The more wires, the more sizzle
  • Sound is not as “tight” as a flamenco cajon
  • Great for emulating a drum kit

Each manufacturer has its own number of snare, but you’ll most commonly see two sets of snares, each one made of many little wires, just like on the picture on the right.

Check out this video to hear what it sounds like:

So if you want to find that drumsnare slap sound on your cajon, that’s the type you’re looking for.

Here are my recommended snare cajons:

Adjustable

Thanks to a knob or pedal, adjustable cajons allow you to change the snare response by simply loosening or tightening the snare wires/strings/brushes.

You can also turn it off completely.

Check out this video to see this cajon in action:

Here are the models I recommend:

Adjustable Snare Cajons :

Adjustable Flamenco Cajons :

4. Position of the sound hole

The position of the soundhole also influences the sound of the cajon.

It is most often placed on the rear plate as it is the quickest way out for the sound, but sometimes you’ll find it on one of the sides.

Now here is how the position of the soundhole affects the tone of the cajon:

  • Rear Off-center: More sustain and depth, less volume.
  • Rear Centered: Higher volume, less sustain.
  • Side: A good choice for small live settings in the case the cajon is not mic’d.

More Cajons

Nowadays you can find all sorts of new cajons types, and brands are always innovating toward more versatile instruments.

Here are a few of the most relevant examples.

Starting off with…

Acrylic Cajons

Acrylic cajons are considered the most durable cajons. The sound you’ll get out of them is not as warm as a wooden model, but it’s not necessarily a downside, especially if you gig a lot.

So far the only brand to produce these cajons is Tycoon and as you can see on the picture on the right, the tapa is actually still made of wood

They have a very crisp and bright sound, which can suit some situation, such as live settings.

Now, these are some very expensive cajons, but if you appreciate their sound and can afford them, definitely go for it as reviews seem to indicate an amazing sound.

You can hear what they sound like in the video below:

If you dig this sound, check out the models I recommend:

Schlagwerk Agile Dual

Can’t make up your mind between a Peruvian cajon and a snare cajon?

Then try this cajon…

Its sound hole is placed on the side — as opposed to the back for most cajons — which allows you to play on both front and rear plate.

One of the plates has a snare so you can choose between a snare cajon and a more traditional Peruvian cajon.

You can also take the snare out and put it on the other plate, which will change the pitch of the cajon.

With this model you basically get 2 instruments in one.

Check out this video by Schlagwerk to hear both sounds of this cajon:

If you like this concept, check out this similar cajon from the Peruvian brand A Tempo :

  • A Tempo Dos Voces – (Amazon)

Roland EL cajon (electro-acoustic cajon)

This Cajon is the first electro-acoustic cajon.

It’s a flamenco cajon with built-in amplification and battery, as well as a Roland sound module.

It works on regular batteries but can also be plugged into an electrical outlet.

This cajon offers a bunch of useful features such as :

  • Ability to switch between elctronic and acoustic sound while playing.
  • Adjustable sensors sensitivity
  • 3.5 jack input 
  • Ability to turn on and off a specific trigger (bass or snare)

If you’re a drummer you probably already know Roland for their electronic drumkits, which are considered to be among the best in the world.

Check out this comprehensive video explaining all of its features :

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/B&H/GuitarC/MusicianF/Thomann)

 Meinl Slap-Top Cajon

Here is a cajon that you do not sit on.

This cajon was made to be played on the top plate, while being secured between your legs.

Here are its main features :

  • 1 bass port and 2 top ports, all placed in the FRONT of the cajon
  • 2 snares on each end of the top part

The main advantage of this design is that the sound is projected forward, as opposed to backwards on a regular cajon.

Rave reviews and a relatively low price are two added assets of this cajon.

Check out this video to see what it’s capable of :

Click to compare prices – (Amazon/Thomann/GuitarC/MusicianF)

If you like this cajon, check out this similar model:

Finally, check out the Meinl BassBox which is basically a kick drum cajon:

Cajon Accessories

Surprisingly, you’ll find that there are actually A LOT of cajon accessories on the market…

And that might be due to the fact that the cajon is such a “simple” instrument.

Now, cajon “purists” will tell you a cajon should never be played with any added accessory…

But the tuth is some of them will definitely extend your range of sonic possibilities. Just like when you add a new element to your drum kit.

So here is my list of the 5 best cajon accessories:

  1. Meinl Cajon Accessory Pack
  2. Retractable Cajon Brush
  3. ChromaCast CC-CPDL Cajon Pedal
  4. Kickport CajonPort 
  5. LP Cajon Saddle

First up…

1. Meinl Cajon Accessory Pack

This bundle by Meinl includes three small percussions:

  • Meinl Foot Tambourine
  • 4 egg shakers with different sounds
  • Aluminium Fingers jingle

Click to see current price – (Amazon/GuitarC/MusicianF)

2. Retractable Cajon Brush

If you’re a drummer and already play with brushes, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that there are actually brushes specifically made for cajons.

At least that’s what the brand Meinl claims.

But since nylon brushes already exist for regular drums, it’s very likely you could just as well use brushes that are not labeled “cajon brushes”, especially if you already own a pair.

Anyway, I didn’t know you could play the cajon with brushes, but the result does sound good and it looks like they really add to the sound.

To get a better idea on how to use these and what they sound like, check out this video :

3. Cajon Pedals

Cajon pedals allow you to turn your cajon into a bass drum, whether you use it in a kit or while playing guitar, for example.

Designed by drummers, this pedal provides the same feeling as with a regular kick drum pedal.

  • ChromaCast Cajon Pedal – (Amazon)

A recurring problems that seems to affect cajon pedals is the cable breaking. Meinl appear to have understood this issue and came up a “wireless” pedal. Check it out :

4. LP Cajon Saddle

Sitting for hours on a cajon can become challenging once you start doing it on a regular basis.

With this accessory, not only do you get to sit more comfortably, but you also get a quick access to your other percussion accessories thanks to a brush holder and a pouch placed on each side.

5. Meinl Cajon Drum Set

Here is the ultimate solution if you need a truly “portable” drumkit.

This set includes :

  • A snareless Meinl Cajon, for the kickdrum
  • A Meinl kick pedal
  • A Cajon Snare
  • Hihat

Probably the best alternative to a “real” drumkit if you need to play in smaller venues, or any other place where a regular drumkit is too loud.

Check out this video to see the Meinl Cajon Drumset in action :

That’s It

So there you go guys…the Ultimate Guide to Cajon.

Hopefully, with everything we covered, you’ll be able to take an informed decision when shopping for your cajon.