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Internal Snare Wires

The Meinl Cajon features a Siam oak body with a frontplate of American white ash, innovative adjustable internal snare wires, adjustable top corners to control "snap," and padded seat.

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.

To equip a cajon with fully adjustable snare wires is an original Meinl innovation. The snares touch the frontplate from the inside and deliver the classical cajon sound, which is requisite in flamenco music. A knurled knob adjusts the amount of pressure used to press the snare wires against the frontplate. Rattling ranging from light and sensitive to very loud can be achieved through adjustment. The entire snare unit can even be turned off completely.

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 Snare Cajon with White Ash Frontplate Features:

  • Siam oak body with a frontplate of American white ash
  • Adjustable internal snare wires
  • Adjustable top corners
  • Padded seat

Perfect for a variety of world music grooves! Order now.

Meinl Siam Oak Snare Cajon with White Ash Frontplate Specifications:

  • 19-1/2"H x 11-3/4"W x 11-3/4"L

Meinl Siam Oak Snare Cajon with White Ash Frontplate

Write A Review

Average of 7 User Ratings

Overall

Overall: 9.00

Quality

Quality: 9.14

Features

Features: 8.43

Value

Value: 9.14

Customer Reviews

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 9

Value

Value: 10

Sounds Great
Posted by jman from Atlanta, GA on Oct 20, 2007
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist/Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: All sorts
I was kind of skeptical at first because I hadn't done that much research, but I am very pleased with it. It sounds awesome and the tones are very distinct. It sounds good hooked up to a mic as well. The only problem I have noticed is that when the snares are off, they sometimes jingle a little bit when you are playing. But there are ways to fix that. Other than that, I love it, and i can't wait to play it with some guitar.

Overall

Overall: 8

Quality

Quality: 9

Features

Features: 7

Value

Value: 10

Fits the price
Posted by anonymous from Lakewood, CA on May 25, 2007
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Rock and Worship
This cajon is great for the price. if you are looking for a good cajon and don't want to spend a fortune on it buy this one! it works great with all music styles. the adjustable snare works ok. It could use a little more bass too. But overall it is a great cajon for a great price.

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 9

Value

Value: 8

Very Beautiful and functional.
Posted by Anonymous on Jun 17, 2006
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active Musician
Reviewer's Play Style: rock, alterative, latin, and world
The wood on this cajon is beautiful. It's very nice and high quality. The sound is just what I was looking for: it has a good snap to it when the snares are on. When the snares aren't on, it has very good bass sounds and sounds very nice. The top isn't as cushy as I thought it would be, but it is still better then sitting on bare wood!

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 10

Features

Features: 9

Value

Value: 10

The best you can get
Posted by Drummer4eva from golden state on Feb 24, 2006
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: rock
This cajon, in my opinion, is the best you can get. The snare wires in it is awesome. you get a very nice snare noise out of it, as well as bass and tom. I would highly reccomend this cajon to anyone. It is worth the money. Especially if you are playing unplugged acoustic gigs. It's awesome.

Overall

Overall: 10

Quality

Quality: 9

Features

Features: 9

Value

Value: 10

Great sound!!!
Posted by BoundFree member from Fonda, NY on Feb 16, 2006
Experience w/product: I own it
Reviewer's Background: Active musician
Reviewer's Play Style: Christian
This cajon has a deep base sound and can produce a number of different tones. The quality of this Meinl product is outstanding. It is well constructed and beautifully finished. The padded seat and adjustable snare strings add greatly to the value of this product. My only complaint is not with the product, but rather Musiciansfriend's customer service, which was very poor in my experience. This is the first and most likely the last item I will purchase from them.

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Meinl Siam Oak Snare Cajon with White Ash Frontplate

Overall: 9.00Read 7 Reviews

$189.99

MSRP: $320.00 Savings: $130.01(40%)

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