{"id":37554,"date":"2017-01-13T18:45:44","date_gmt":"2017-01-13T17:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/?p=37554"},"modified":"2024-04-18T13:35:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T11:35:23","slug":"everything-need-know-cajon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/blog\/en\/gear\/everything-need-know-cajon\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about the Cajon"},"content":{"rendered":"

This wooden box is extremely popular among drummers and percussionists, as well as others.\u00a0The cajon is an instrument for all.\u00a0Whether for musical education or corporate seminars, everyone loves the cajon.\u00a0Stay tuned to learn more about this wonderful instrument.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Where does the cajon come from?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The cajon originated in Peru and was first mentioned in writing in mid 19th century, but dates two centuries earlier. When slaves, who were from Africa at that time, were forbidden to drum and so were forced to look for alternatives. The first cajon could have been something as simple as a fruit\u00a0crate. It was Paco de Lucia, the Spanish flamenco<\/strong> guitarist, who introduced the now developed wooden box, to Europe in the late 1970s. As from the 90s and the big wave of “MTV Unplugged”, cajons became increasingly popular.<\/p>\n

Advertisements<\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/div><\/div>

Why does the cajon interest so many people?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The cajon is a very practical instrument, it\u2019s portable, doesn\u2019t take up much space and is relatively easy to learn, so the barrier to entry is low. You can play seated, and after learning the basic snare (upper edge) and bass sounds (middle), the first simple rhythms are well on their way. Playing with other drummers, together in a group makes the whole experience even\u00a0more fun.<\/p>\n

What are some common types?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Nowadays, cajons<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0are mostly around 48 x 30 x 30 cm in size and primarily made of birch or beech plywood, while some high end models are made of solid wood.<\/p>\n

In commercial cajons, you either have string-cajons or snare-cajons. String cajons<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0have two or four guitar strings as a snapping element along the back of the striking surface. This model comes from Spain and has a sensitive snare response, as well as a rather dry overall sound with an excellent bass and snare separation.<\/p>\n

For something a bit livelier and perfect for drum set grooves, take a look at a snare-cajon<\/a><\/strong>. These are equipped with snare wires against the back of the striking surface which rattle when struck.<\/p>\n

Sela<\/a><\/strong> has significantly improved this mechanism with its switchable snares on the Casela Pro<\/a><\/strong> models, and the adjustable and detachable snares of the Schlagwerk<\/a>\u00a0Super Agile Cajons<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>are a clear upgrade to the simple snare cajons.<\/p>\n

The third version of the Cajon is less common and represents the original archetype. These Afro-Peruvian cajons<\/strong> have no strings or snares inside, and with their very woody sound are very popular in flamenco.<\/p>\n

Travel-Cajons, Cajons for children and Cajon kits<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"SchlagwerkIn recent years manufacturers have come up with some interesting variations, in addition to the above-mentioned cajons with standard dimensions. For children, there are special cajons in smaller dimensions<\/a><\/strong>. The Cajonito<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0by Schlagwerk<\/a><\/strong> or the Meinl Slap-Top Cajon<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0are great choices for those who love to travel. Those who\u2019d rather DIY their own cajon, will find joy in Cajon kits<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Hybrid Cajons – acoustic play with electronic sounds<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The latest developments mix the cajon\u2019s acoustic sounds with electronic samples. Behind the striking surface of the Roland EC-10 EL Cajon<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0there are triggers, which in addition to the acoustic signal will activate sound depending on playing dynamics. The Spanish company DG DeGregorio<\/strong><\/a> has launched its own hybrid cajon called Centaur<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0with three side-mounted trigger surfaces and the possibility of importing its own sounds. If you are interested in experimenting with electronic sounds and already have a cajon, take a look at Roland’s EC-10M<\/strong><\/a>, a sound module with a clip-on microphone that easily mounts to the cajon.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n

You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube<\/strong>. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.<\/p>\n

More Information<\/a> <\/div>\n

Unblock this content<\/a> Accept required service and unblock its content<\/a> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Accessories<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When traveling, always store your cajon in a bag<\/a><\/strong>. There are many practical and innovative accessories. If you like your hands free to play other instruments or wish to play a\u00a0cajon in a percussion setup, consider a Cajon pedal<\/a><\/strong>. Add additional sounds with the Heckstick One<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0or the Cajon Cabasa<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which can be easily attached to the Cajon with Velcro fasteners. You can use a Cajon brush<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0made from nylon, against the surface to generate rich sounds, or play a shaker<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0in one hand while the other hand plays the cajon.<\/p>\n

Popular models<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\t\t