Best Cajon Drum – Ultimate Reviews of 8 Best Instruments Available Now
Hello, Cajon enthusiast! In this article, I am going to tell you all about this musical instrument, providing you with in-depth and honest reviews as well as answers to some common questions regarding these items.
However, before I get into that, there is a need to introduce myself. My name is Chad, a 28-year-old with a passion for music, cultivated since I was eight. On numerous occasions, I have managed to play in dozens of various bands in different roles, given my perfect skills in playing an array of instruments.
That said, my love for music has also seen me create this dedicated blog, where I write extensively about accessories for drums, drum kits, electronic drum kits, cymbals, microphones, software, monitors, etc. I intend to offer valuable information here that helps any American interested in instruments make an excellent choice when in a dilemma or any form of doubt.
With that cleared out, today, I cover Cajons, instruments invented in Peru towards the end of the 1800s. Despite their age of existence, these instruments have only become quite popular today, leading to many of them being availed in the market. So, if you are looking to buy one, my reviews below are sure to help you identify a quality Cajon amidst the “noise.”
My Reviews of the Best Cajon Drums You Can Purchase
Contents
Before creating the list of best Cajons right below, I spent a lot of time playing these instruments. Of course, I had to move from place to place at times since the locations where these items were varied.
Also, I took the time to go through multiple customer Cajon reviews, taking a keen note of the positives and negatives of the various models and comparing them against the information I had gathered from my first-hand experience. As such, I have come up with detailed reviews that can act as the perfect guide to any buyer wishing to acquire a Cajon.
My reviews provide good descriptions of the items, a highlight the stand-out features of each model, and their pros and cons. Go through my assessments to pick the perfect Cajon.
1. PylePro Cajon: Best Cajon Drum With an Impressive Design
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Pyle USA manufactures this instrument. It is a renowned company that deals in a diverse range of products, among them musical accessories. In line with that, some other items this brand offers include guitars, banjos, ukuleles, microphones, turntables, mixers, and so forth. You can find the different items this company makes in retailers such as Amazon.com, Walmart, Sears, etc.
Back to Cajons, this company manufactures the PylePro string Cajon, my top choice on the list. Regarding appearance, this instrument boasts of an excellent lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to move around on stage or during practice sessions. Furthermore, it has a hand-crafted wooden panel box frame made in traditional instrument style. Therefore, you can expect an excellent exterior, polished to a sheen that is sure to wow you just as it did to me.
The product has several guitar strings that you can adjust. As such, it allows you to make any necessary changes that will ensure that you play rhythms that are an exact match to what you have in mind. When it comes to tuning the strings, all adjustments can be made from the lower part of the instrument.
What’s included:
- Pyle String Cajon
Personally, the one-year warranty this item comes with gives me much peace. It means that in case you come across any defects in the design, you can always return the item to the manufacturer and get any suitable solution as stipulated in the document.
Features:
- Internal adjustable guitar strings
- Rubber-capped footing
- Hand-crafted wooden panel box frame
- Classic design
- 1. Vibration-resistant;
- 2. Excellent bass sound;
- 3. Good snare sounds;
- 4. Quality footing;
- 5. Impressive design.
- 1. No free bag.
2. Meinl Cajon Box Drum (Compact Size): Best Small Drum Box
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Meinl Percussion, a company founded in 1951 in Germany, produces this excellent compact size Cajon. This brand is known for creating quality products from good materials. For instance, this specific Cajon drum box is made out of Baltic birch wood. That said, this company has specialized in musical instruments. They have products starting with almost any letter of the alphabet.
Back to the Cajon mentioned above, as already stated, the first thing you will notice is the compact size. It has measurements of 10.2 by 10.2 by 15 inches and only weighs five pounds. Regarding its exterior, the item is entirely made out of Baltic birch, a premium material often associated with quality drum sets. This wood is also known for its impressive natural acoustic property, for instance, excellent tones and heavy attacks.
For toning and amplification purposes, there is a sound port at the back of his Cajon. Regarding the former, it makes it possible for air to move out from the instrument during use, thus, boosting the frequency of the Cajon. On amplification, the sound port provides an excellent place where you can put a microphone, therefore, increasing the sound.
On the underside, there are four rubber-capped feet. As such, since rubber acts as a good insulator, these feet help to avoid unwanted vibrations from interfering with the sound quality. Also, though not often appreciated for this role, these rubber-capped bottoms assist in keeping the instrument stable during use.
What’s included:
- Meinl Percussion Cajon Box Drum with Internal Snares and Bass Tone for Acoustic Music
Features:
- Baltic birch wood;
- Compact size;
- Rear port for microphone placement.
- 1. Sturdy enough to support adults;
- 2. Produces snapping snare sound;
- 3. Heavy bass notes.
- 1. No padding.
3. Meinl Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon: Top Rated Cajons for Bass
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The Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon is yet another product from Germany-based Meinl Percussions. It is the largest and also the “bassist” line of Cajons from the company. Upon my first sit down with the item, I quickly noticed a subtle punch on playing this Cajon. It is all possible given the extra width and depth of this instrument, characteristics that make it excellent for developing low notes.
When compared to the other items on this list, this jumbo Cajon is incredibly large. It has measurements of 13.5 by 13 ¾ by 19 ¾ inches and weighs twenty pounds. Considering these attributes, I can safely conclude that they can support any adult. That said, another area where this instrument exemplifies its might is the sound, given it delivers the heaviest.
What’s included:
- Meinl Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon with Internal Snares
Features:
- Jumbo size;
- Strong MDF exterior;
- Walnut front plate.
- 1. It has an enhanced bass tone;
- 2. Straightforward volume control;
- 3. Two ports for projecting more sound.
- 1. The snare sound is negligent.
4. A Tempo Percussion Dos Voces Cajon: Recommended in Many Cajon Drum Reviews
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This instrument is manufactured in Peru, the place where it was first invented. The words “dos voces” translate to “two voices” as a reference to the dual playing surface on the Cajon. Unlike many other Cajons, this instrument has a sound port on the side. As such, this item wins in versatility while also providing a traditional playing area on the opposite side. The third side becomes a Flamenco playing space.
What’s included:
- A Tempo Percussion Dos Voces (Two Voices) Cajon with Free Gig Bag
Features:
- Two playing surfaces;
- One side has no snares;
- Made out of furniture-grade panels.
- 1. Pure bass tone;
- 2. Warm and subtle sound;
- 3. Two unique sounds.
- 1. A little pricey.
5. Meinl Cajon: Acoustic Drum Box (Full Size)>
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This Cajon box is Meinl Percussion’s third instrument on the list. Meinl is a German manufacturing company that’s well-known for making a lot of percussion instruments, some of which include tambourines, bongo drums, maracas, timbaus, berimbaus, and, of course, Cajons. This standard-sized Cajon measuring about 17 inches tall and 12 inches wide is a great instrument for both young and adult players, whether experienced or a little skilled.
It’s made entirely of Baltic Birchwood, which enhances its deep bass and high tones. It’s also powerful, almost anyone can sit on it and play with no trouble. Its wine-red color makes it look quite elegant too. This Cajon box is fitted with snares internally on the inside of the drumming surface to produce a similar result as if you were playing the snare drum. A mesh strap is placed inside the Cajon to hold these snares in place. It also features a microphone port on the rear end if you want to amplify your sound.
What’s included:
- Meinl Cajon Box Drum with Internal Snares and FREE Bag
Features:
- Made from firm birch wood;
- Comes with a high-quality gig bag;
- Maple Frontal plate produces deep and clear sound;
- Sleek wine-red finish.
- 1. Lightweight;
- 2. Spacious enough to sit on;
- 3. Nice exterior & interior construction;
- 4. Great price.
- 1. It can be loud.
6. Meinl Percussion: Adjustable Wooden Box Drums
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This string Cajon, also from Meinl, is a great hardwood instrument for any studio or performance music. It produces snare and bass sounds on different spots on the playing surface. If you, for example, want to achieve a deep bass sound, you can play near the center of the surface. The corners of the box, on the other hand, produce sharp tones, like what you’d get from a snare drum.
This percussion box is made of hardwood and is fitted with four stable rubber stands that raise it slightly off the ground and prevent vibration. The wooden body produces superb tones when played at the center and corners. The front surface gives out a full-spectrum base and helps to cut out snare slaps. It is also durable and resistant to wear.
Now, what makes this instrument different from the previous Meinl product on this list? It is a fact that you can tweak the snare tones you produce by adjusting the metal strings that are fitted on the inside of the drum (from the bottom of the box). You can also adjust the top corner sounds by loosening or tightening the screws put there.
What’s included:
- Meinl Cajon Box Drum
Features:
- Adjustable metal strings on the inside;
- Adjustable screws on the top corners;
- Four solid rubber feet for stability;
- Hardwood exterior in natural color.
- 1. Can achieve several tones;
- 2. Non-slip seating top;
- 3. Customizable snare effect;
- Balances snare & bass.
- Not loud enough for larger or noisy event.
7. LP Aspire Accents Wire Cajon Drum With an Excellent Sound Quality
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This dark, wooden Cajon, from Latin Percussion (a fairly popular brand that makes classic percussion instruments), is a very nice and versatile drum for any percussionist or drummer. Its sides and the playing surface is made of Poplar/ Birch, and the top is textured to provide comfortable seating. The corners are rounded, adding to the comfort and aesthetics of this Cajon, and the finish is a dark three-step streak. Below, the Cajon is fitted with four wide rubber feet.
This Cajon produces a wonderful sound without the need to adjust the snares. It is also quite easy to get around, making it great for kids and those who are trying out a Cajon for the first time. You can use it for acoustic-style performances in small events (it’s not too loud and wouldn’t be ideal for concert-size performances).
What’s included:
- LP Aspire Accents Wire Cajon Dark Wood Streak
Features:
- Fitted with multi-strand snares;
- Rounded edges and textured top for comfort;
- Dark streaked exterior;
- Produces different sounds depending on where it’s hit.
- 1. Gorgeous finish;
- 2. Excellent sound quality right out of the box;
- 3. Easy to play;
- 4. Well-constructed.
- 1. A little pricey;
- 2. It doesn’t come with a case.
8. Latin Percussion Box Cajon With a Sleek Design
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This black Latin Percussion instrument, also from LP, is a compact and portable Cajon that you’ll love. At a relatively low price, this box produces great tones and is quite durable. The frontal surface, where you hit to produce the sounds, is made of Baltic Birch/ Poplar material. It produces a similar sound to a snare drum when hit in the middle and is quite easy to play. The shape, as well as the color, is nice and laid-back.
What’s included:
- Latin Percussion Cajon
Features:
- Black, matte finish;
- Compact design for easy carrying;
- Fixed snare wires;
- Distinct bass and snare.
- Nice, sleek design;
- Durable;
- Reasonable pricing.
- A bit small and not so loud for a big performance.
Additional Information and Verdict of Cajon Drum
Do you have questions about Cajons that you would like to be answered? Check out my answers to the most asked questions on the topic:
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, as you shop around or consider buying a Cajon, you may have some things you’d like answers to first (like how it works, if it is easy to learn, etc.). Here are the best answers to the most common questions:
How Does a Cajon Drum Work?
A Cajon is a rectangular wooden drum with a playing surface made of plywood. The drummer or percussionist sits on the top surface and beats the plywood front surface, also known as the tappa, with their hands in rhythm to produces sharp and bass tones. You can also use sticks or brushes. The sound escapes through a port/ hole that is cut out in the back. Most Cajons produce different tones depending on the spot you beat on the playing surface. Cajons also come in varying shapes, sizes, and prices, and all produce unique sounds.
Where Is the Cajon Drum From?
The Cajon originated from coastal Peru around the 16th century. It is thought to have been brought to the Americans by slaves from Africa. After becoming popular in Peru, the instrument then spread to the rest of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
Is Cajon Easy to Learn?
The learning curve for a Cajon is relatively easy. All you need is to understand the upper snare and middle bass sound to make your first best. You can also find lots of video tutorials online for beginners to help you master it faster.
What Is Inside a Cajon?
It depends on what type of Cajon it is. The flamenco Cajon typically has guitar strings behind the playing surface, which give it its characteristic sound. Snare Cajons, on the other hand, have snare wires inside them that make it sound like a snare drum. The original Cajon, known as the Peruvian Cajon, has neither strings nor snares and is usually completely sealed except for the hole at the back.
Which Wood Is Best for Cajon?
Hardwoods like birch and beech are best for making Cajons. That’s because they are strong, rarely split, and produce a broad range of high and deep tones.
