Types of Cajon Drums

Cajon drums are rapidly increasing their unique sound and style in all types of music today. These drums can be found in all venues and recording studios, replacing the need, at times, for a standard drum set and giving the acoustic sound of drums a unique flavor that only serves to add to the overall tone and presentation of a song. For such a seemingly simple instrument, the Cajon drum is a powerful force in the world of music and rhythm today.

Cajon drums were originally constructed from leftover crates, drawers and boxes, giving them the familiar shape known today. However, as with most instruments, technology and time have created several unique versions of the Cajon drum, as well, combining some of the best parts of drums and percussion instruments into innovative instrumental designs.

Cajon Drum: The standard, rectangular-shaped drum that has the greatest connection to its initial creation in peru. The standard Cajon drum is six-sided, constructed from a variety of wood, with a hole on its back panel. Today’s Cajon drums can also have snares or other enhancements for volume or recording purposes.

Slap Top Cajon: An evolution of the Cajon, this variety brings the playing surface closer to the musician for comfort, allowing for longer play time and a different sound as it projects toward the audience.

Bongo Cajon: Bringing the best of both worlds together, the Bongo Cajon is a wider version of the Cajon, but with the ability to play two different tones on its surface, imitating the sound and style of bongo drums.

Cajon Djembe, Bata Cajon and Cajon Ashiko: The replications of these wood and animal skin indigenous drums known throughout the world bring a different sound and tone to a performance or drum circle with a familiar playability.

Tube Cajons: While somewhat stoic in appearance, these Cajon drums imitate the sound of Congas beautifully, enhancing the sound of all Latin-inspired music everywhere.

Udu Cajon: This drum is versatile in its ability to mimic both the traditional Udu drum that is played by manipulating the hole, or the Middle Eastern doumbek or darbuka drum for a dramatic tonal quality unlike any other.

Whether a fan of the Cajon, or just curious about the possibilities this drum can bring to a performance, recording or drum circle, the variety of drums available can suit the needs of musicians and percussionists everywhere.