Great Tone from the Best Box Cajons
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Meinl Headliner Full Size Box Cajon -
Meinl Headliner Cajon -
Latin Percussion Black with Black Face Box Cajon -
Latin Percussion Aspire Box Cajon -
Schalloch Cajon -
Fat Congas String Cajon -
Meinl Drum CAJ9SNT-M Pick Up Box Cajon -
Meinl Drum with Internal Metal Strings Box Cajon -
Tycoon Percussion 29 Series Acrylic Cajon -
Pearl Elite Box Cajon -
Buyer's Guide
Cajóns are all over the retail percussion market these days. It's to the point where competition is apparently so fierce, top manufacturers are cranking out excellent low priced models. All the finalists on this list of the best box cajons in 2022 are remarkably well balanced and diverse in sound projection and tone quality. They'll all make a great workhorse for pros or solid practice tool for beginners. The basic principle behind ranking was how close each one compares to pricier cajóns by the same leading companies. Meinl's Headliner series is clearly the best value – none come close to that kind of quality for a hundred bucks.
Best Box Cajons of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Meinl Headliner Full Size Box Cajon - Best Box Cajon Overall
A hundred bucks and that's that. This is all a traditional player who doesn't need or want a lot of frills could ever hope for. A low priced, durable cajón that has excellent playing response and a no-nonsense traditional design. It may not be fancy, but the Headliner Cajón is definitely fully adjustable and amazingly on par with more expensive models. Case in point LP's #3 angled deal. The sound quality is a dead heat, so that interesting angle didn't outweigh the extra $75. The rubber wood on this pick edged the ash wood front of of the #3 because of its brighter, warmer tone.
Meinl Headliner Cajon - Runner Up
All that was said about numero uno goes for this sister Headliner. Nothing fancy, just basic excellence that most players will easily feel comfortable taking a seat on with this great traditional design. The ash wood favors the bass, so those who favor the low tones should check this out. It's likely this one will win out over the rubber wood version for the slight but noticeable bass boost. Pop or rock percussionists searching for that staple piece for acoustic gigs should by all means check this box drum out. It delivers Meinl quality and tonal class for such a great low price.
Latin Percussion Black with Black Face Box Cajon - Honorable Mention
This Latin Percussion piece is really one of the finest cajóns around. Not just the way it sounds, but the pleasant surprise is it's under $200. Quiet, nobody tell LP, they may have let one slip under the radar for cheap. The obvious eye-catcher is the angle, which makes this the most ergonomic cajón to date. Pros who play a lot of lengthy performances should look into this one. The wider bottom also allows for a fuller bass tone, which nicely complements the full, as opposed to annoyingly piercing, snare sound.
Latin Percussion Aspire Box Cajon - Consider
Usually LP Aspires are hit and miss. This cajón, however, is far from abysmal. In fact, it's downright excellent for such a low price. LP has a tendency to surprise with the quality of lower priced gear, and the Aspire cajón is a great example. Tones are bright and full, not all that far off from some of the most expensive tone boxes out there. The Aspire cajón is perfect for recreational players, ambitious novices and instructors.
Schalloch Cajon - Best Budget Box Cajon
Schalloch appears to be an offshoot of Meinl. This cajón is super-solid, a beast of burden that working percussionists will adore. It's cheap, you won't mind beating it up – and boy can it take it. This is a great choice for all levels of players. The design is comfortable and basic, nothing fancy. So those who don't like a lot of elaborate (and expensive) frills, this impressively constructed and bold-sounding cajón will work out very well.
Fat Congas String Cajon - Best Box Cajon Overall
Fat Congas is an outstanding cajón maker. This is especially evident on the Best Cuban Cajón list, but here Fat Congas wins out for the tonal beauty of the String Cajón. That great tone is thanks to everything that goes into this champion box drum. The larger companies make some good instruments, no doubt, which says a lot about this cajón's superiority. It has the clearest, most moving tone of any box drum on this list one side favors the snare, the other booms massive bass. It's not cheap, but definitely well worth it. Fat Congas' two-sided action as opposed to everybody else's single playing surface basically makes this like buying two cajóns in one.
Meinl Drum CAJ9SNT-M Pick Up Box Cajon - Best Box Cajon Overall
This is quite a feat. Meinl Pickup Cajóns have an internal pickup microphone and preamp system. The apparatus is surprisingly light, and the sound it projects is spot-on true to the instrument. This is a godsend of convenience for live situations. Beyond the innovative electronics, the white ash playing surface and rubber wood body combine for a terrifically balanced sound. It's a great combination of warmth and full volume projection when played 'au naturel' with the mic turned off.
Meinl Drum with Internal Metal Strings Box Cajon - Best Box Cajon Overall
Meinl continues to amaze with these cutting edge designs. This company mass produces cajóns like no one ever has before. This is a stand-out model among Meinl's numerous box cajóns, the widest selection in the industry. The company describes it like this: "A pedal attached to the cajón adjusts the amount of pressure used to press the snare wires against the front plate, and can even be turned off completely." The player can change the snares while playing. This is also a bit bigger than Meinl's standard size, giving it more volume and bass.
Tycoon Percussion 29 Series Acrylic Cajon - Best Box Cajon Overall
Like a typhoon, Tycoon Percussion makes landfall with the only cajón not made entirely out of wood. There's a natural burl playing surface on the front, but the body is an ultra-sheen acrylic. This is definitely eye-catching for its unconventionality. And the tone is bound to grab some ears and souls in kind. This box has some serious boom, no question about it. Instruments like this are proof that Tycoon is making waves as a serious contender in the commercial percussion arena.
Pearl Elite Box Cajon - Best Box Cajon Overall
Pearl delivers some serious old school soul with this excellent cajón. The Elite series has another hit with this one. The bone-dry, no-nonsense tone comes from a very traditional design going back to old Peru or flamenco's home in Spain. The oak and plywood that form this great cajón give the sound fullness and excellent resonance. The very modern internal snare system is a nice touch, combining the new with the old. It's extremely adjustable, which allows for a wide gamut of sound customization.
Buyer's Guide
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.
