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Cajons are versatile percussion instruments that can produce a diverse array of tones, from deep bass hits to crisp snare-like snaps, while using your hands with just one playing surface.
Cajons are a popular instrument because they’re easy to play, produce great sounds, and look cool. They are also compact and portable, and work effectively for acoustic gigs where they sound great with a microphone.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best cajon drums available, their construction, and features, and I’ll share some tips for getting the most out of your cajon. So if you’re ready to start rocking out on your very own cajon, read on!
What are the Best Cajons?
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price |
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Best Overall Cajon
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Best Bass Tones
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Best Value Cajon
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Best Adjustable Cajon
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Best Build Quality
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Good Alternative Cajon
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Cajon Drums
Throughout my gigging career, there have been numerous gigs where I haven’t been able to use a full drum kit due to volume constraints.
Cajons have always been one of the best alternatives, and I’ve played plenty of them from using my own and borrowing a few from friends for these gigs.
In order to select the best cajons, I assessed each drum’s responsiveness, evaluating the richness of its tones, especially the low-end thumps and crisp slaps. I made sure these cajons deliver in different settings, from street performances to jam sessions.
I also examined the construction materials, workmanship, and overall durability. Price was another crucial factor. I explored a range of cajon options to cater to various budgets while maintaining quality throughout.
Best Cajon Reviews
LP Aspire Accents Cajon
LP Aspire Accents Cajon Review
The Latin Percussion Aspire Accents Cajon offers a wonderfully rich sound, as well as a striking visual appearance.
The performance, build quality, and tones of this cajon are exceptional for the price. Of all of the cajons I tested, I think this turned out to be my favorite option.
I was thoroughly impressed by its deep bass tones as well as crisp snare smacks.
I especially love the snare sounds from this cajon, and it features not two but three snare wires inside for additional sensitivity.
It’s wonderfully responsive and gives you a great range of tones no matter where you strike the face plate.
This cajon is constructed from Siam Oak, and it feels very high-quality and comfortable to use. The faceplate is exceptionally smooth to touch, and it’s simply a joy to play.
I think this cajon is an amazing option for acoustic gigs, jam sessions, and studio use alike.
Pros
- Visually striking aesthetics
- Superb range of sounds at an affordable price
- Very comfortable to play compared to other cajons
Cons
- No negatives from my testing
Meinl Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon
Meinl Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon Review
This Meinl Jumbo Bass Subwoofer Cajon is Meinl’s top-of-the-range cajon drum box, and it is a work of art visually and sonically.
Meinl describes it as “mammoth in size and sound”. And this is exactly the case. It features a huge subwoofer port that allows the cajon to resonate with superb low-note development. This channel directs the sound out like a kick drum, and it is powerful!
The drum box unit is constructed with a walnut front plate and resonating body, which provides rich and deep tones and super-sensitive responsiveness from all areas on the front plate.
When trying the cajon out, I thought that the dynamics were excellent, with soft finger rolls that articulated well and large palm strikes that punched right through the subwoofer port.
This cajon has adjustable snare wires and the top screws of the cajon can be adjusted to alter the desired pitch from the instrument.
This model is the perfect option for you if you are looking for a high-end cajon that provides a wide assortment of rich, warm tones with lots of projection! Sonically it’s the best cajon available on the market right now.
Pros
- Stunning visually and sonically
- Punchy low-end notes
- Bass port on front adds convenience
Cons
- Large size may be unsuitable for smaller player
Meinl Percussion Headliner Series Cajon
Meinl Percussion Headliner Series Cajon Review
This Meinl cajon box drum is the best cajon available in its price range. It feels brilliantly constructed, and it is made with high-quality materials throughout.
I found it super comfortable to sit on while playing, and the cajon drum itself produces delightful warm mid-range frequencies.
The drum box houses two adjustable snare strings inside which span the whole surface of the inside of the front plate for a real high-quality snappy sound. The sound from this cajon projects loudly and sings with a lush tone.
Other great features of this cajon are that it has large oversized rubber feet that keep the cajon firmly in place, and it has a rear port for a microphone.
I think this cajon sounded great through PA loudspeakers with a touch of reverb and a boost to the low-end frequencies.
The Meinl drum box also includes a full 2-year warranty so you can be confident that this product will offer you years of great sounding and reliable service.
Whether you’re gigging a small acoustic show or if it’s set up with a microphone at a concert, this is the best cajon drum for its price!
Pros
- Warm mid-range frequencies and smooth tone
- Adjustable snare strings and cajon tone
- Comfortable playing surface feels great to play
Cons
- Lacking some bass overall
Latin Percussion Adjustable Snare Cajon
Latin Percussion Adjustable Snare Cajon Review
When I heard that you could adjust the snare sound that you get when playing this cajon, I was excited to try it out.
When I finally got to play it, I was impressed by the design, and it made me think, why aren’t other cajons designed like this as well?
I found this cajon to be very musically responsive, and the tonal difference between the slaps and center bass drum strokes was quite significant.
I love the range of tones this cajon produces, and it’s a great benefit to be able to turn a wheel to alter how it sounds.
The cajon has been designed with an MDF shell, which I wouldn’t say is the greatest material, especially considering this cajon costs a bit more than other MDF options.
However, the adjustable snare wheel more than makes up for it, and I think it makes the cost well worth it.
If you’re looking for a cajon with a very good snare drum slap sound, this may be the one for you. You can change the slap sound to suit your preferences, making it seriously versatile.
My final word on this cajon is that I think the design is quite sleek as well. The wooden plate against an all-black body just looks very smart.
Pros
- The adjustable snare wheel allows you to change the sound, making it more versatile than most other cajons
- Very comfortable to sit on and play thanks to the textured seating surface
- Well-built and able to support people of heavier weights
- Sleek and smart design
Cons
- The adjustable snare mechanism may give out eventually, but it’ll be many years before that happens
Schlagwerk 2inOne Cajon
Schlagwerk 2inOne Cajon Review
Schlagwerk’s cajons are a testament to German craftsmanship, and I had the pleasure of trying out their 2inOne model. Handmade in Germany, this cajon is built with 8 plies of birch wood and features a striking dark oak faceplate.
From the moment I played it, I was impressed by its sound. It has a round, open tone with a deep bass that I found incredibly satisfying, yet it still maintains a crisp snap.
The flexibility of the 2inOne design, allowing me to easily remove or attach the snare wires, added a whole new dimension to its sound, catering to different playing styles and musical genres.
Visually, it’s a stunner. The craftsmanship is top-notch too. Whether I opted to play with or without the snares engaged, the bass sound remained loud and rich, impressing me both acoustically and when amplified.
However, despite its excellent build quality and sound performance, I have to admit that it didn’t quite blow me away as much as some other options I’ve tried, especially considering its higher price tag.
Nevertheless, its sturdy construction, aesthetic appeal, and versatile sound make it a solid choice for any percussionist looking for a reliable cajon.
While it didn’t completely surpass my expectations given its cost, it still stands out as a high-quality instrument that delivers on both performance and style.
Pros
- Visually and sonically attractive
- Removable snare wires for different tones
- Robust and sturdy construction
Cons
- Quite a premium price tag
Meinl Snarecraft Professional Cajon
Meinl Snarecraft Professional Cajon Review
The Meinl Snarecraft professional cajon stood out as another excellent choice from my testing.
With a birchwood body and a walnut playing surface, this model has crisp highs and punchy bass notes.
This cajon feels premium quality, and you can really feel it whilst you play. It uses Birchwood and Walnut materials for a top-tier performance.
It also has a cool dial you can twist which activates or deactivates the snare wires depending on your preference. The dial feels sturdy and is great to use.
Overall, I feel this cajon certainly ticks all of the boxes, and it’s also offered at a very fair price.
Pros
- Premium quality materials and construction
- Sounds great especially when mic'd up
- Responsive and resonant tones
Cons
- I preferred the sounds of other similar priced cajons
Cajon Buyer’s Guide
The Cajon is a brilliantly versatile instrument. It can be played in so many ways and creates a wide array of percussive sounds.
Whether you’re an experienced percussionist or just beginning to explore the world of music, cajons make a great addition to your percussive arsenal.
Not to mention it also performs its role as a drum throne as well. The cajon literally means ‘box’ in Spanish and that’s exactly what it is.
The box drum is a widely established instrument in many traditional realms of music hailing from Peru and Cuba. It is also continuing to grow in popularity in contemporary styles such as pop, folk, indie, and acoustic music.
The reason for this is that it’s a brilliant alternative to having to perform on a full drum kit setup for acoustic ‘unplugged’ sessions.
The best cajon drums are not only fantastic to play but they are also amazingly portable. And whilst they are small, it is very easy to set up a drum microphone to capture the sound of a cajon to amplify its sound through a set of PA loudspeakers. Just add a touch of reverb to sweeten the sound and it’s beautiful!
Benefits of a Cajon
Playing a cajon can offer a number of benefits for percussionists and musicians of all levels. Some of the benefits include:
- Ease of use: Cajons are one of the easiest percussion instruments to play. They don’t require any special skills or training, and even beginner musicians can start making music with them right away.
- Great sounds: The cajon produces a wide range of sounds, from deep bass tones to high-pitched snare notes. This makes it an ideal instrument for a variety of genres, from blues and rock to Latin and jazz.
- Portability: Cajons are compact and portable, making them perfect for acoustic gigs and jam sessions. They can also be easily mic’d up for use in larger venues, or combined with other instruments for more elaborate arrangements.
- Versatility: Cajons are excellent for recording and for live performances. They sound great when layered with other percussion instruments, and you can even add a cajon to a drum set configuration by using a cajon foot pedal.
What To Look For in The Best Cajon
A Reliable Brand
First things first, you will want to look for a cajon that has been supplied by a reputable manufacturer. Meinl is an excellent brand and they offer warranties on all of their products. In my opinion, Meinl and Latin Percussion make the best cajons on the market.
Cajons are made from solid hardwood bodies that provide rich tonal qualities when struck. The best cajons are constructed from exotic woods such as walnut and ebony which are renowned for their desirable sound properties. Expensive hardwoods sing complex and rich sonic tones.
The best cajons constructed from walnut and ebony produce rich and varied sounds, with deep bass tones, crisp snare notes, and clear highs. A good cajon should have a rich, full tone with plenty of volume and resonance.
Good Construction Quality
A well-constructed box drum should be sturdy and durable, with high-quality materials that can stand up to regular use. It should have large rubber feet to help absorb shock and increase stability, as well as a smooth playing surface for producing great sounds.
Long-Term Playability
The best cajon drums are easy to play with and comfortable to sit on for long periods of time. They should have a smooth playing surface that responds well to a variety of finger techniques, as well as an adjustable snare system that can be tuned to match your preferences and style.
Tips for Playing Your Cajon
When you receive your new cajon you’ll want to become acquainted with how it plays. You can also adjust the snare tension of the cajon to your preferences.
- Begin by sitting on top of the cajon with the front plate in between your legs, and with your feet flat on the ground.
- Use your fingers and palms to slap the different parts of the cajon to achieve different sounds.
- Hitting a slightly lower down region of the cajon firmly with your palm will create a bass drum sound.
- To achieve the snappy snare sound you will want to use your fingers right up on the higher edges of the cajon.
- Play around and have fun whilst familiarizing yourself with the full range of tones the cajon has to offer!
- You can adjust the sound of the cajon by using a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten or loosen the two outer corner screws located on the top corners of the cajon.
- Tightening the screws will increase the ‘snappiness’ of the snare wires and loosening the screws will result in a deeper and lower-pitched sound.
- In order to adjust the internal snare you will require a small wrench or hex key to tweak the level of ‘sizzle’ desired from the cajon.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with all the information you need whilst looking to invest in a brand-new cajon.
I find cajons are wonderful and diverse instruments. They have become incredibly popular within lots of genres of modern music and bring acoustic music to life!
Cajons sound perfect accompanying other instruments including pianos and guitars, and of course singers. The cajon offers rich tones but also has lots of dynamics to be able to offer more subtle accompaniment.
There is something very satisfying about creating lots of fun intricate rhythms on something so inherently simple.
There are lots of ways you can play the cajon with your hands, so the best thing to do is to experiment and have fun on it whilst playing with other musicians.
Cajon FAQs
Why is There a Hole in the Cajon?
The sound hole in the cajon serves an important function in terms of sound. The hole allows air to escape from the drum cavity, creating a resonant chamber that amplifies the sound of the cajon. It also helps to create a deeper bass tone and can be used as a port hole for a microphone.
Is a Cajon Loud?
Cajons can be quite loud, depending on the size and construction quality of the instrument. But you can choose to play the cajon either softly or loudly depending on your playing dynamics.
A well-made cajon with a good snare system will produce plenty of volume, making it perfect for acoustic gigs and jam sessions. It can also be easily mic’d up for use in larger venues.
