Best Box Cajon Buying Guide
Cajon is ruling the world of music these days. Most youngsters come across this amazing instrument in their college life and fall in love with it instantly. The simple design and the impeccable sound of a Cajon make it a must-have musical instrument. As it is getting more popular with every passing day, various new features are being added to the product and so you have a wide range of options to choose from. Thus, the problem is how to figure out the best box Cajon in 2021. Sorting through the hay and finding your perfect product is a tough job, but this is where we come to your help. As you read till the end of the article, you will have figured out what kind of Cajon you need and how to make sure that it is the best pick.
What to Consider When Buying a Cajon?
Features
The most vital thing to consider when you plan to buy a Cajon is the list of required features. As mentioned earlier, there is a range of features offered in the latest Cajon, and each has its strengths and drawbacks. The design, the sound, and the ease of use can change according to the type of Cajon. However, you need to make your pick according to the sound that you require. It is best to get a Cajon that offers adjustability features, so if you are looking forward to changing the sound for various musical needs, you can do it with ease.
Similarly, the best box Cajon can project the sound with clarity and volume, while others are not fit for use in a large gathering. You can also use the different features that accompany different designs as it alters the tone of music completely. Experts suggest that you put aside the price factor and look keenly at all the features offered by a Cajon and choose the one that meets or exceeds your needs.
Sounds and Tone
The next most important thing to consider while buying the best box Cajon is the tone and sound of the device. If it is your first time shopping for a box Cajon, then closely observe how the sounds vary in different instruments. While the difference can be drastic in some devices, others may have slight changes only. Before you set on finding the perfect tone, you must think about the sound that you need. Do you want a box Cajon with high bass, or are you looking for a snare focus?
Similarly, some people can be looking for a balance between snare focusing and dominated bass. Some customers are looking for a Cajon that has an entirely different and appealing sound. Hence, it all depends on your requirements.
It is also important to note that the tone of a Cajon can differ according to the design of the Cajon. Secondly, it also depends on the type of wood used for making the Cajon. Later, we will look at these factors closely.
Four Types of Cajon
Peruvian Cajon
You can say that Peruvian Cajon was the first-ever type of Cajon produced. The invention of these Cajon dates back to the 17th century when the slave musicians used shipping crates to create different musical tones. You might have figured out by now that this type of Cajon did not include a snare sound. Furthermore, the musicians were required to have advanced techniques to get the best sound from the Cajon.
Flamenco Cajona
The next type of Cajon is Flamenco, and the musical instrument gained importance and recognition with the invention of the type. The famous Paco De Lucia got a traditional Cajon on his way back from a trip to Peru. Creativity began to flow in, and people used guitar strings at the backside of the playable surface that provided a standard flamenco sound. Within a few years, this new style of Cajon became the heart of the musical world, and these days, Latin American music is incomplete without it.
Snare Cajon
Another type of Cajon is a snare, and it is the most common type available in music shops these days. The device mimics the backbeat of a kick, so it is mostly used in popular genres of music. Further advancements took place with this instrument as the guitar strings (in flamenco Cajon) were replaced with real snare wires.
Cuban Cajon
The last type of Cajon is Cuban, and it is a five-sided Cajon that the musician can place between his legs and play on it like a drum. It does not include any snares, so it has an open sound and is usually a part of Afro-Cuban music.
Woods used to make Cajon
Manufacturers produce all Cajon from plywood or hardwood. However, the different types of hardwood have various sounds, so you need to know the commonly used hardwoods and their type of sound.
- Beech: It is a high-density hardwood, and it is an excellent choice for all types of sounds as it includes all lows and highs.
- Birch: It is quite similar to Beech, but it has boosted highs and slightly reduced mids compared to the former. You can consider it as a well-rounded option, but it may cost you more than Beech.
- Mahogany: It is best for the deep low-ends as it provides a muted high range and has boomy bass.
- Oak: If you are fond of high volume, this is your choice and is perfect for pop gigs and live rocks.
Please note that the type of hardwood used for making Cajon is not only limited to these four options. Some manufacturers also use a fusion of various types to create a new beat.
Box Cajon Buying Guide
Q. What type of Cajon produces better sounds?
Ans. A combination of good quality material, high-density hardwood, thick top & base, thick sides can produce better sounds.
Q. What is a Cajon?
Ans. A Cajon is a box-shaped musical instrument played by slapping on the rear or front faces with hands, sticks, or fingers.
Q. Does Cajon replace a drum kit?
Ans. No, Cajon is a different musical instrument and produces a different sound than a drum kit.