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This string cajon has a beautiful Makah-burl frontplate with Siam oak body. Padded seat and adjustable top corners on the Meinl Cajon allow for customizing the amount of "snap."

The cajon is an authentic Afro-Cuban wooden box percussion instrument. Meinl cajons are completely handmade from start to finish. They work perfectly for flamenco or world music and deliver a wide range of sounds, from loud, deep bass tones to cutting high overtones. Drummers and percussionists appreciate the cajon for its diversity of sound. They're also perfect for unplugged gigs or sessions.

The cajon is one of today's most popular percussion instruments because it very easy to play, and provides a great feel and rhythmic foundation to any musical situation. It is fun to experiment with and is popular in literally every musical genre as it is often used during unplugged gigs or softer songs to replace an entire drum kit.

After just a little practice, basic beats and grooves can be achieved. It can be used by drummers as a substitute for their throne, playing on it with one hand, while the other hand keeps time on the ride or the hi-hat.

Many drummers also use the cajon during unplugged gigs, certain songs, or spontaneous sessions as its ability to emulate many sounds serves as an excellent substitute for a complete drum set.

Traditionally, cajons are played by sitting on the padded top of the box while slightly leaning backwards. The frontplate is struck with the bare hands. Various playing techniques help to create different sounds ranging from deep bass tones to cutting highs and slaps.

A nice effect can be achieved by sliding the foot up and down the frontplate when playing the cajon, in effect changing the pitch of its tone.

A unique and inspiring sound is achieved when playing the cajon's frontplate with a pair of brushes or rods.

The history of the cajon

The cajon, which is the Spanish word for box, has been part of Afro-Peruvian music since the 19th cfentury. The instrument originated in colonial Peru, when the slaves, whose African drums had been forbidden by their masters, used wooden boxes intended to hold fruits or overturned drawers to play their rhythms on. Later the cajon was officially added to the instrumentation of the vals criollo, or "creole waltz." It is now a national emblem for Peruvians, and an indispensable part of any ensemble that performs the traditional folk music of Peru.

The cajon's later development can be clearly traced back to one man, the flamenco guitar player Paco de Lucia. In the early 1970s, the Spanish embassy in Lima, Peru hosted a party for Paco de Lucia, where they had a traditional Peruvian band perform utilizing the cajon. Flamenco music comprises many different rhythms which are normally played by the guitar player striking the body of the guitar. At that party, Paco de Lucia asked his former percussionist Ruben Danta to play the "Buleria" on the cajon, which is one of the rhythms used in flamenco. Consequently, Paco de Lucia took the cajon with him back to Spain. The short staccato sounds that can be played on the cajon make it perfect for flamenco music, because that sound naturally relates to the footwork and hand-claps ("palmas") used in Flamenco. Since the cajon's historic migration from Peru to Spain, its use has spread worldwide.

Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate Features:

  • Beautiful Makah-burlwood frontplate
  • Siam oak resonating body
  • Built-in sizzle effect
  • Padded seat
  • Adjustable top corners for customizing the amount of "snap"
  • Wide sound options
  • Matt finish
  • Includes Allen wrench

The sounds of Afro-Peru delivered to your door! Order today.

Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate Specifications:

  • 19-1/2"H x 11-3/4"W x 11-3/4"L

Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate

Write A Review

Average of 8 User Ratings

Overall

Overall: 9.33

Quality

Quality: 9.33

Features

Features: 8.89

Value

Value: 9.33

Customer Reviews

Overall

Overall: 8

Quality

Quality: 8

Features

Features: 7

Value

Value: 9

Great snare sound!
Posted by JustifiedByFaith from Omak, WA on Dec 2, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Some Acoustic Guitar experience
Reviewer's Play Style: Reggae Pop
This is my first Cajon. I like it very much. Although one of the snare adjustments striped out on the wood it connects too and no longer works yet I managed to use the other side to my satisfaction. I think the instrument all-in-all is made well and would recommend the product.

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 10

Value

Value: 8

excellent
Posted by drums301 from NY on Mar 1, 2008
Experience w/product: I have heard about it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: everything
This cajon is excellent. I bought it after hearing one played in a concert. Though my experience with cajons is very limited, my aux percussion setup really benefited from the addition of a cajon.

Still, before buying one its really best if you play around on a couple first. A cajon is not going to replace your drum set. I find that this cajon works really well for quiet live acoustic latin music or other situations where loud volumes are a problem. It also records very well and I have used it in recording Latin and Celtic music. The bass sound becomes a lot fatter when you play it with the port pointing toward a corner.

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 10

Value

Value: 10

great cajon
Posted by Dman from california on Feb 13, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: hobbyist
Reviewer's Play Style: all styles
i just got this cajon a few days ago and love it. i have never owned one before but played a couple and this one is better than all of them. great slap on the snare and good bottom end. all together this is a great drum for a great price. i would strongly recommend this to anyone wanting to get their first cajon.

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 10

Value

Value: 10

Great Buy
Posted by korris10 from Chicago, IL on Jan 18, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active
Reviewer's Play Style: Indie/acoustic, Country, Worship
I bought this cajon a few days ago and I love it. I have never owned one before, but it was the best one the store had to offer. After watching just a few videos of people playing the cajon, it's easy to learn.

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 10

Value

Value: 10

Great Percussion
Posted by MDP Drummer from Sacramento, CA on Jan 13, 2008
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Hobby, Working Band
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock
I bought this model a few months back and have been very pleased with it's sound, look, and overall performance. You have some good control over the tuning of it: there is a plate that you can adjust the tension of the string on the bottom of the cajon, as well as loosen or tighten the top of the front plate. By spending some time with it, you can adjust the snap of the snare. The low end is decent, I think Fat Congas has a better bottom end, but it didn't have the snare sound I was looking for. So I chose the Meinl and haven't regretted it. If you are looking for world percussion and don't want to go the conga route, check this out!

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Meinl Siam Oak String Cajon with Makah-Burl Frontplate

Overall: 9.33Read 8 Reviews

$159.99

MSRP: $265.00 Savings: $105.01(39%)

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