Cajon Buying Guide

Get Started with Your Cajon

How to Play the Cajon

Foot Percussion Techniques for Cajon

When shopping for a cajon drum, it's important to first identify what you want from the drum sonically which is determined on how and where you'll be playing. After reading the X8 Drums Cajon Buying Guide, you'll be able to narrow down the endless list of possibilities to a few finalists that meet your requirements for aesthetics, sound and price.

Section 1: A Brief Introduction to Cajons

The cajon drum comes from Peru where slaves from Africa used small container crates utilized for carrying fruits and vegetables to play rhythms and percussion grooves. They would take the empty crates, turn them up-side-down, sit on them and then play drum beats on the side panels.

Since then, Peruvians have adopted the instrument and engineered the concept into professional quality instruments that have enormous dynamic range. Craftsmen around the world are taking the basic box concept and elevating its potential by adding snare effects, bells and multiple playing surfaces that provide percussionists numerous options for playing styles. It is not uncommon in modern music performances to see a cajon drummer playing bells and tambourines with their feet while playing the drums with their hands. This style fills out the full percussion range for an acoustic performance.

Choosing a Cajon

Drummers shopping for cajons will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the current selection offered in the market. All of the mainstream brands manufacture the instrument, most of them offering at least 20 different models. The price ranges are also pretty extreme, starting at just below $100 for entry-level or junior models and exceeding $500 for hand-crafted professional cajons. Like most instruments, it is best to understand the type of sound you want from the instrument first, then start test driving models that fit your requirements. For example:

Where will you be playing this drum most often?

In a recording studio
You want a well-constructed cajon with controlled, clean sound. Look to Kopf for high quality USA construction and consistent full response. We especially like the Tycoon Percussion Intercontinental Series Wenge Cajon.
In an acoustic ensemble
You want a model that projects well and has good resonance. In the budget-range, the X8 Booming Bass Snare Cajon is a great choice. A higher-end model would be the Toca Extended Range Cajon which is larger than standard models with great response.
In an amplified setting
Ready to rock? Check out the Tycoon Percussion Acrylic Cajon. Great volume and full, bold sound. This model begs to be amplified. Take a look at the Tycoon Double Overhead Chamber Cajon as well - it offers two sound ports that you can mic separately.
With friends at drum jams
Several cool options here: Check out the Toca Triple Conga Cajon that you can play standing up or our own affordable Endeavor Cajons.

2. How much snare response do you want from your drum?

No snare at all
This style cajon is called the Peruvian Cajon and it produces a dry, tight response. We recommend the Gon Bops Alex Acuna Signature Peruvian Cajon. Many other cajon models offer options to silence the strings and snare to create a Peruvian effect however we have noticed that most models that offer this dual playing option often have a slight bleed from the snare or strings even after turning them "off".
Tons of sizzle
The biggest and baddest sizzle effect is going to come from the A Tempo Flamenco Noche Cajon. Very dynamic instrument that will wash you in resonance.
Light snare
If you want a more mild snare sound, shop for string cajons. These models feature guitar strings that run along the inside surface of the front plate offering some response but not as bold as the snare response. The LP Accent String Cajons have a rich string response at an affordable price. The A Tempo Jaspé Dos Tonos Cajon offers the ability to tune each string.
I want to change the snare effect while I play
Couple of options for players that want to change their snare effect on the fly. We've tried some pedal cajons. You can change the snare with your foot while you play although it lacks in precision control. Others offer models where the snare can be adjusted by hand while playing... again precision control is lacking. Options include the LP Adjustable Snare Cajon and the Toca Wood Cajon.

3. What the overall vibe you seek?

Big, bassy sound
There are many "bass cajon" models available. We love the LP Matador Whiskey Barrel Tumba Cajon. Wow!
Tight, controlled sound
Again, for studio cats or musicians that require pristine sound, there is a manufacturer for you! Check out A Tempo or Gon Bops. Both brands produce incredible models for distinguished performers.
Somewhere in between
Our favorites for this category include the X8 Drums Booming Bass Snare Cajon, LP Cajon or the A Tempo Performance Cajons.

4. What is your price range?

Just messin' around
Playing for fun doesn't mean you have to sacrifice sound quality! Check out the X8 Endeavor Model, Toca Colorsound Series or Tycoon's Twilight Cajon.
Taking lessons. I want to be good at this!
Making a commitment? We like the Tycoon 35 Series Birch Cajon With Zebrano Front Plate, Tycoon 29 Series Finn Cajon and the LP Cajon.
I'm a pro and and am happy to pay up for perfection.
We're finding that pro players are very happy with the A Tempo El Artesano Snare Cajon, Tycoon Intercontinental Series Wenge Cajon and the Alex Acuna Special Edition Cajon.

Taking time to consider these questions and referring back to the buying guide should provide a clearer path to finding a cajon that not only connects with you aesthetically, but will also deliver the sound you are seeking. Have questions? Give us a call! We have played all of the cajons and can answer any specific questions you may have about the brands or models.