Cajon drums are a percussion instrument that is typically made of wood. They are usually played by striking the drum with one hand and using the other to hold onto it or place it on the floor. The cajon’s unique sound has led to its use in many genres of music, including jazz, Latin, funk, blues, and world beat.
The meinl cajon is a cajon that has a great sound and is made from the highest quality materials. It’s also affordable for most budgets.
At 12:46 a.m. on April 3rd, 2020, this page was last updated.
My roommate introduced me to the Cajon while I was in college, and I fell in love with it right away. This instrument is a must-have because of its simplicity of design and the sound it can produce, particularly if you love or play acoustic music. As Cajones becomes more popular, we’ll have more choices with various characteristics to select from. So, how do we determine which Cajon is the best?
While there are many excellent choices, ultimately it will come down to what you want in a Cajon. Don’t worry, we’re here to assist you. In 2019, we’ve compiled a list of the finest Cajon choices on the market. Let’s take a short look at what this instrument is before we get into it.
What exactly is a Cajon? (Drum in a box)
This is the simplest way to explain what a Cajon is. It’s a basic percussion instrument that combines a drum, a stand, and a seat into one compact package.
The Cajon’s origins may be traced back to the 16th century in Peru, when African slaves made these instruments out of old packing crates to replace the native drums they played back home. Cajones come in a variety of styles these days, with various tones, features, and sensations. We’ll go through this in more depth later.
Overall, it’s a straightforward instrument that works well with acoustic music and performances. They’re a lot of fun to play and make excellent backup instruments.
When purchasing a cajon, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Features
When searching for a Cajon, one of the most essential factors to consider is the features. As previously said, we now have a selection of Cajones to pick from, each with its unique set of functions, sound, and appearance. If you want to alter the tone of your instrument to suit various musical requirements, consider the adjustability options. Some Cajons include characteristics that enable them to transmit their sound more clearly and loudly towards an audience. There are even features available in various designs that may completely change the way you play the Cajon. Before making a choice, check through the features that each Cajon has to offer, regardless of your budget. You’ll want your Cajon to have everything you’re willing to spend money on.
Tone and Sounds
Another thing to think about is the kind of sound and tones you desire. You’ll notice that each Cajon has its own distinct tone. The changes may be little or significant, and you’ll notice them more when you consider more expensive alternatives. Determine what kind of sound you want before going through the many choices available. Is it a bass-heavy track or a snare-heavy one? Perhaps you’re searching for a well-balanced item. You may be searching for something that sounds completely different from conventional Cajons. With so many choices to select from, try to figure out what kind of sound would best complement your musical style.
Also, bear in mind that the Cajon’s design, the wood it was made with, and its distinctive characteristics may result in a range of various tones. When considering your choices, pay careful attention to the tone produced by each model. This will guarantee that you receive the ideal Cajon for your present and future musical requirements.
Price
Last but not least, think about your budget. Cajon prices range from low to high, with low-cost versions offering basic amenities and higher-end choices available for those willing to spend more. Of sure, you get more bang for your buck, but it doesn’t imply you have to spend a fortune on a Cajon to get all you need. There are a number of excellent affordable alternatives available if you’re shopping on a budget. You can get a beautiful Cajon for a reasonable price. Take a look at what they have to give for the amount they are asking. Take a look at the premium alternatives if money isn’t an issue for you. More expensive versions have more features and diversity, but be sure you know what you’re looking for.
We’ll discuss our suggestions for the top Cajon choices presently available now that you have a better understanding of what this instrument is and what to consider.
Here it is: our comprehensive Cajon buyer’s guide!
Please keep in mind that the items on our list are not in any specific sequence.
Let’s Get This Party Started!
The Eight Best Cajons on the Market
1. Meinl HCAJ1NT Cajon (Entry Level)
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The Meinl HCAJ1NT Cajon is the first to make our list, and it’s a favorite option among many. We chose this model to begin our list since it is widely regarded as one of the finest entry-level Cajones on the market.
Meinl is renowned for producing high-quality instruments, so you can expect this Cajon to live up to their expectations. What distinguishes this drum box from the many others on the market is how professional it sounds and feels while being reasonably priced.
The loudness on the Cajon is excellent, and it offers a variety of tones that can be created from the front panel and sides. It has a rich, deep tone that is well balanced between the snare and bass.
The coiled metal strings on the snare may also be adjusted with the hex wrench found within the instrument to change the tone. Tighter strings create a more concentrated snare sound, while looser strings add slack and give a lax snare impression. The top corner screws may also be adjusted, enabling you to choose the amount of “slap” sound you get.
To top it off, a gritty non-slip sealant has been applied to the top sitting surface of this Cajon. This ensures that the surface won’t slide when you’re sitting on it and that it’ll be pleasant enough to use for long periods of time.
Overall, the Meinl HCAJ1NT Cajon is a fantastic pick, particularly if you’re seeking for a low-cost alternative. The quality and construction are great, and the pricing is reasonable.
2. Pyle’s Jam Wooden Cajon (Great Value)
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Pyle did a fantastic job with their PCJD18 Jam Wooden Cajon, making it one of the finest values for money. We just had to include it on our list because of its low price and strong sound. Of course, we must point out that this is yet another excellent entry-level choice for people who are just learning to play this instrument.
This Cajon has a wonderful mix of deep tones and pleasant highs. A pair of guitar strings press on the inside of the front wood plan, going from top to bottom, producing the snare sound. The hex wrench placed within the hole may be used to modify the sound. You may change the tone of your instrument, exactly as the first Cajon we described. This is accomplished by adjusting the screws that secure the wood plank to the box’s front. The sound produced by smacking the corners may be changed by loosening/tightening the screws. A hex key is also included in the body, which may be used to adjust the Cajon’s strings.
Pyle also added rubber-capped feet to this model to eliminate any vibration interference. This ensures that you get the greatest possible sound when playing.
The craftsmanship on this model is excellent, and the sound this instrument can produce for its price is very impressive. Pyle’s PCJD18 Jam Wooden Cajon is a wonderful choice to consider, particularly if you’re looking for something that’s not too expensive but yet has a good sound.
3. Two Voices (Two Voices) A Tempo’s Cajon (Variety of Sounds)
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The A Tempo Dos Voces (Two Voices) Cajon is of excellent quality and can produce two different sounds, as its name implies. It’s also great to note that A Tempo is a tiny company based in Peru, where the instrument originated.
The capacity of this Cajon to produce two different sounds sets it apart from the other choices on this list. On one hand, the sound generated is typical Peruvian in nature, with no snare drums. It has a warmer, mellower sound with a clean bottom tone, making it ideal for gentler tunes and acoustic performances.
The other side, on the other hand, has a snare setup with snare strings going from top to bottom against the back of the playing surface. This results in a punchier and more forceful tone. For louder concerts and shows, this side of the instrument would be ideal.
It offers a great deep bass with the possibility of adding some raspiness by striking the Cajon further up on its body.
These Cajons are wonderfully crafted and have a very sturdy construction. Keep in mind that this is one of the more expensive choices, but you’re getting a higher-quality Cajon straight from Peru with unique characteristics. Overall, I suggest that you try out the A Tempo Dos Voces (Two Voices) Cajon since it has several unique characteristics that you won’t find in other Cajons.
4. Meinl Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon (Loud and Bassy)
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The Meinl SUBCAJ5WN Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon is next on our list, and this monster packs a punch. It’s Meinl’s largest and bassiest Cajon model, and it’s one of their more expensive choices. This variant has a considerably deeper tone and a lot louder sound than the previous model. It’s ideal for players who want to get greater volume out of their instrument.
The bass reflect mechanism on this Cajon’s subwoofer distributes sound waves and air via various channels before projecting out of the bigger sound ports. As a consequence, frequencies have more time to develop within the instrument’s body, resulting in a deeper bottom tone. You’ll also notice that the sound ports are positioned to the front. This directs more sound toward your audience, resulting in improved sound quality and a better overall experience. The walnut front plate is very responsive to gentle finger rolls, allowing players to experiment with a broader variety of dynamics.
Another point worth mentioning is that, despite the fact that this Cajon is big and loud, it is still simple to regulate the level. It’s a fantastic percussion component to add to your performance, and it’s ideal for larger audiences.
Overall, if you’re seeking for a higher-quality bass subwoofer with a higher volume, Meinl’s Cajon bass subwoofer is a great choice.
Schlagwerk CP408 2inOne Series Cajon (Tighter Sound)
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If you’re searching for a drum box with a tighter sound, Schlagwerk’s CP408 2-in-1 series Cajon is a good option. This is another more expensive choice, but the quality of this instrument more than makes up for it.
With a precise snare and excellent lows, the bass on this model is more on the boomier side. Of course, you may modify and tune this instrument to make it sound the way you want it to. It’s also important to note that, although this Cajon already has a great sound, many people believe that the tone improves with time.
The inner snare wires may be removed to totally alter the tone of this Cajon, making it a two-in-one instrument. It will have a deeper, woody tone when the snare wires are removed, which is more Peruvian in style. While you may remove the snare to alter the sound, many people have found that the sound with the snares in situ is excellent if you want a contemporary Cajon sound.
It’s worth noting that this instrument’s hole is smaller than that of other Schlagwerk versions. This means you’ll have to be more cautious while removing the snares to avoid damaging the snare wires.
Aside from that, the craftsmanship is perfect, and the overall sound it creates is comparable to a higher-priced Schlagwerk Cajon. It is a less expensive model when compared to their other choices, yet it performs well within its price range.
6. Meinl Slaptop Cajon Box Drum (Variable/Unique Design)
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Meinl’s Slaptop Cajon is the next Cajon we’d like to discuss. This model is the only one on our list that is designed to be played upright. Because the slaptop surface latches onto your legs, you may simply put the instrument on top of your lap.
This model provides a richer sound with fuller tones, which players will perceive. The snare drum generates crisp, clear highs, resulting in a well-balanced sound that works well with the bottom tones. It makes a “conga”-like sound towards the center of the instrument. This is a fantastic way to expand the sounds that this Cajon can produce. You’ll also notice that the bass is powerful and cuts right through everything.
It’s also worth noting that playing the slaptop Cajon with brushes, similar to a snare drum, is simpler while you’re standing up. This is something more to consider while considering the model’s flexibility.
The forward-facing sound ports guarantee that your notes are clearly projected to your listeners. It’s convenient to have separate ports for the bass and snare drum. This enables each port to prioritize the kind of sound it produces.
Overall, due to its unique characteristics, this Slaptop Cajon is a lot of fun to play with. It has a pleasant tone and does an excellent job of balancing the sounds. One of the main features that distinguishes this model from the competition is its flexibility. It’s a new method of playing the Cajon, but you still get the beautiful percussion you’d expect from a good one.
7. A Tempo’s Percussion El Artesano Cajon (Well-Balanced Sound)
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The El Artesano Cajon, another model from a Peruvian small company, enters our list as a high-quality premium choice. The El Artesano is a conventional and Flamenco Cajon that combines the finest of both worlds. As a consequence, the bass has a warm, booming tone, while the snare has a sharp slap tone.
The snare wires’ design, which reduces their sound while playing the bass, allows for this equilibrium. It does all of this while retaining the snap of a slap tone. The overall sound is clean, with a booming bass that is nicely complemented by a sharp snare. The tone becomes deeper and more resonant as you go down the Cajon.
Every panel of the body is pieced together using individual pieces of hardwood, which adds to the Cajon’s workmanship. It’s then put together with dovetail joints and given a sturdy satin finish. Everything was made by hand in Peru.
The El Artesano is a high-quality Cajon that is well-made and has a lovely finish. With its many wood hues and designs, it is a really appealing instrument. Overall, we like just much everything about A Tempo’s El Artesano. They’ve done an excellent job of creating a well-balanced Cajon with a pleasant tone and a pleasing appearance.
8. Meinl JC50LBNT Compact Cajon (Budget-Friendly)
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The JC50LBNT model from Meinl is the last Cajon we’d like to talk about. It’s a fantastic choice for people looking to save money. Despite being the most affordable choice on our list, you still receive a high-quality instrument that performs well. Keep in mind that this is another entry-level Cajon, so the included features are rather typical. Despite its reduced size compared to previous versions, it is still large enough for a full-sized adult to sit and play on.
This type has internal fixed snare wires and is constructed completely of Birch Wood, which is frequently seen in high-end drum kits. This Cajon can create cutting snare slaps, deep and powerful bass beats, and sensitive finger rolls thanks to its design. The metal snares used in this model are the same as those used on snare drums, resulting in a realistic snare sound.
The sound port on the rear serves to enhance the instrument’s tone. As you play the Cajon, it lets air to escape, amplifying all of the frequencies that are generated. You may also tweak the Cajon to get the desired tone. A screwdriver is used to adjust the front plate corners on the playing area.
Overall, we are extremely pleased with Cajon’s low-cost choice. It produces warm tones with a concentrated forceful assault, and it’s extremely flexible and small. We enjoy the way this model is built and are impressed by its excellent natural acoustic characteristics. If you’re searching for a low-cost, high-quality Cajon, this model is a good option.
Accessories for the Cajon
Let’s speak about some Cajone accessories that you should absolutely consider adding to your kit now that we’ve gone through our list of suggestions for the finest Cajones available.
1. Meinl Cajon Pedal
Meinl’s Direct Drive Cajon pedal is an excellent addition to your instrument. The pedal is designed for natural foot placement and comfort, allowing musicians to play the bass on their Cajon with their feet. It has excellent responsiveness and operates similarly to a bass pedal for a conventional drum set. This pedal’s soft beater is intended to get the best bottom tones out of your Cajon. It also has a cradle-style attachment that fits all popular Cajones and keeps the pedal from sliding off.
Using a separate pedal for bass notes frees up your hands to concentrate on complementing the bass with the snare. It may make it much simpler to reach the bass while playing, giving you additional options with your Cajon.
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2. DW Lowboy Hi-hat Stand With Cymbals (5000 Series)
The DW 5000 Series Lowboy Hi-hat Stand with Cymbals is the next Cajon item we’d like to discuss. It’s an excellent addition to your acoustic instrument collection, enabling your Cajon to function more like a traditional drum set.
This Hi-hat is smooth and easy to play, giving your set-up even more flexibility. This Hi-hat may be used in conjunction with the bass pedal we previously discussed to create the ideal Cajon kit for your acoustic concerts. It’ll certainly give your song a more drum set feel.
Overall, this is a nice item to have and, when utilized correctly, may possibly offer more variety to your sound.
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Meinl’s Foot Tambourine is another excellent Cajon item that enhances your overall tone. With a tap of your foot, it provides a light jingle sound that can be utilized in any musical context, mostly acoustic performances.
It’s simple to use; just strap it to your foot and tap away while playing. The foot tambourine is a light, flexible instrument with a tone that isn’t too loud. Check out this foot tambourine if you want to add some additional percussive color to your Cajon playing and overall song.
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The Meinl Percussion Foot Shaker adds even more flavor to your Cajon playing, much like the last item we covered. This foot shaker lets you perform rhythms on your instrument while adding a shaker accent that moves with your foot.
Another excellent Cajon attachment for adding percussive hues to your live or studio performances.
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Meinl Retractable Nylon Brushes for Percussion
Meinl’s Percussion Retractable Nylon Brushes are the last Cajon item we’d like to discuss. These are excellent tools for Cajon players who want a clear tone that can be utilized in a number of musical styles. Light sweeping movements or full strokes for backbeats may be used to create this sharp sound with these brushes. You can even make light/treble effects that sound like shakers and snare drums. As they go into the lightweight grasp, the hefty nylon wires are completely retractable.
Overall, they provide definition and clarity to your Cajon while being safe to use. These brushes offer your Cajon a lot more flexibility and let you choose what type of sound you want to make with it. This is something you should think about include in your Cajon set.
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Last Thoughts
That’s all there is to it. In 2019, we’ve compiled a list of the finest Cajon choices accessible. Again, before making a final choice, we strongly advise you to find out what kind of characteristics you need. Every Cajon has its own own tone and characteristics that must all be taken into account. It’s a wonderful instrument for concerts and jam sessions since it adds a lovely layer of acoustic percussion to your sound. We hope that our recommendations have aided you in your quest for the finest Cajon for your requirements. Have a blast!
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